Sports car and convertible · 1996–2014 cars

MG TF reliability

The MG TF fails 30.8% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 33,337 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

About averageReliability score 61/100#54 of 62 sports car and convertibles

Checking a MG TF before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 30.8%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 13% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 33,337; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 2,900; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

MOT fail rate by age

How the MG TF ages

Each point is the share of MG TFs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

MG TFAll cars

MG TF first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	MG TF	All cars
11	25.9%	34.6%
12	23.4%	37.3%
13	25%	39.5%
14	25.4%	41.1%
15	29.2%	42.3%
16	27.1%	42.9%
17	29.7%	43.4%
18	31.9%	43.5%
19	31.6%	43.4%
20	31.2%	42.8%
21	31.4%	41.4%
22	30.3%	40.6%

By year

The best and worst MG TF years

2005 cars come out best and 2009 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

MG TF MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2011	261	26.1%	16% more fails	28,349
2010	736	23.1%	12% fewer fails	36,632
2009 TF	1,018	25.2%	10% fewer fails	38,222
2008	400	31%	3% more fails	43,528
2006 TF	1,023	27.5%	16% fewer fails	48,028
2005 TF	4,424	28.5%	17% fewer fails	52,863
2004 TF	9,232	30.9%	14% fewer fails	57,075
2003 TF	9,672	32.6%	11% fewer fails	60,265
2002 TF	6,301	31.8%	13% fewer fails	62,195

Common problems

What fails most on a MG TF

Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 53% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Brakes10.3%8% above avg
Suspension10.2%12% below avg
Lights and electrics10%36% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.3%53% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.5%4% below avg
Body, chassis and structure3.5%45% below avg
Tyres3.4%33% below avg
Steering3.2%34% above avg
Seat belts and airbags2.4%22% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.18% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.45% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.44% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
4
Suspension arm corroded and weakened 2.32% of tests
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
5
Horn not working 2.19% of tests
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
6
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.98% of tests
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.93% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
8
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.84% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a MG TF's MOT certificate most often.

Brake disc pitted or scored12.71%
Sub-frame showing corrosion7.61%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy7.6%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.76%
Tyre worn close to legal limit6.25%
Engine oil leak, not excessive5.85%

Before you buy

What to check on a used MG TF

1
Parking brake efficiency below minimum
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
4
Suspension arm corroded and weakened
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical MG TF covers about 2,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Petrol100%
Electric0%

Most common colours

Blue, Silver, Grey, Green, Red

Average engine size: 1.8 litres.

Compare

How the MG TF compares with its rivals

MG TF against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Jaguar XK	17.8%	44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Jaguar XKR	22.6%	37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
MINI Paceman	15.5%	36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mercedes-Benz SLC	11.8%	18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
MG TF	30.8%	13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Toyota Celica	39.4%	8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo C70	38.9%	3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age

Every sports car and convertible ranked in the sports car and convertible reliability index, or all MG models.

Questions

MG TF questions, answered

Is the MG TF reliable?

On MOT results, the MG TF is about average: it fails 30.8% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 54 of 62 sports car and convertible models in our index.

What fails most on a MG TF MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the MG TF are parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.18% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (2.45% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.44% of tests). By area, brakes fails 10.3% of its tests.

Which MG TF year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2005 cars do best (17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2009 cars do worst (10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a MG TF do a year?

A typical MG TF covers about 2,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a MG TF before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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