2002 MG TF · 6,301 MOT tests
2002 MG TF reliability
2002 MG TFs fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 TF years (6,301 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- 31.8%
- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 62,195
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,301
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.5% of tests fail here (39% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 MG TF
Fail rate by area
- Brakes12%
- Lights and electrics10.4%
- Suspension10.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Tyres3.6%
- Body, chassis and structure3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.35%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Horn not working 2.67%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.49%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.48%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension arm corroded and weakened 2.35%
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.08%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (12.98%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.9%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.67%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.48%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.71%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.54%)
Is a 2002 MG TF reliable?
2002 MG TFs fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 TF years (6,301 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 MG TF MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.35% of tests), horn not working (2.67% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (2.49% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 MG TF have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 MG TF shows 62,195 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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