2004 MG TF · 9,232 MOT tests
2004 MG TF reliability
2004 MG TFs fail 30.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 TF years (9,232 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- 30.9%
- first-time fail rate (all MG TFs: 30.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 57,075
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,232
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.1% of tests fail here (65% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 46% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 MG TF
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.4%
- Brakes9.7%
- Lights and electrics9.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.7%
- Body, chassis and structure3.5%
- Tyres3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.87%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.59%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.53%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.5%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension arm corroded and weakened 2.43%
A corroded suspension arm can fail, causing loss of wheel control, so it needs immediate inspection and repair.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.16%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (13.3%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.73%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.56%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.16%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.68%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.51%)
Is a 2004 MG TF reliable?
2004 MG TFs fail 30.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 TF years (9,232 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 MG TF MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.87% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (2.59% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 MG TF have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 MG TF shows 57,075 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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