Is The MG TF The Best Bargain British Sports Car You Can Buy?

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Күн бұрын

It may feel like just about everything is expensive at the moment, but an MG TF isn't. Once Britain's best selling sports car, today, the MG TF is quite simply the cheapest mid-engined modern classic you can buy. Just £1,500 gets you behind the wheel of a well-sorted example, but is it any good and should you buy one?
For years, its reputation has been unfairly plagued by rumours of unreliability and over-exaggerated head gasket woes, which has left it in the shadows of rivals like the Mazda MX5 or Toyota MR2, but prices for good TFs are finally on the rise.
I take this stunning MG TF 135 out for a drive and discuss known issues, explain what to look out for, what to pay, and explore why the TF might just be a sound investment as prices begin to rise.
The MG Octagon badge is one of the most famous in British car manufacturing and motorsport, and today the TF enjoys a loyal fan base and excellent club support, so watch this video and see why there's never been a better time to buy one.
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@markfourtyeight Жыл бұрын

When I bought mine I thought I'd keep it for the summer and then sell it on, had my 135 for over 5 years now, I upgraded the head gasket last year along with the heavy-duty oil rail and high tensile head bolts, I did this for future value, I also have fitted S/steel coolant pipes, I toured Scotland since and travelled all over the country to shows and events, it's been a great car, very economical and reliable. If I had to find fault it would be access to engine for servicing, it's not hard to do but it takes time. It's fun to drive and the engine is very flexible, if your rev it through the gears it goes very well. It's a much better car than I expected. I had a bargain at £650, Its got 16" 11 spoke alloys and AP four pot callipers, along with chrome pack and Alcantara seats. If you buy one that's been cared for, you'll have a reliable car. Mine is Royal Blue and it suites the car. Great value fun car.

@Kit-Talon Жыл бұрын

I was fed up with constantly forking out to keep my Alfa Romeo Spider on the road and traded it in for an MG TF 160, to be honest I've never looked back. It's both my daily commuter and my weekend fun car, hard top in winter and hood down all summer. Lovely car, what's more I always get fellow MG F / TF drivers waving at me when passing by. A true cult classic!

@robertdodd2087 Жыл бұрын

Had mine eight years, each winter it has a little bit of money and some time invested in it. Been very pleased with it. This year its longest road trip was 440 miles in a day (no motorway) included 50 miles round a race circuit. All with the top down, and almost 40mpg.

@richardlewis753 Жыл бұрын

I got my TF 160 for £50 off of a friend. It had been sat for 7 years and was In a sorry state, complete with a mouse nest! I still have it 4 years later, I have replaced loads of parts, far too many to remember, but, I love it. It does need a respray and a new roof but so much fun and actually quite refined with the roof down!

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Brilliant! You definitely saved that one from the scrapheap. Hope you continue to enjoy it for many more miles to come.

@runar4993 Ай бұрын

What's your opinion on getting a 160. I'm looking into one with 110k km from 2002. Very low price (€3700)compared to similar age mx5's(they go for 2-4x that price in Belgium) so the question is: can I replace the head gasket myself and get it up and running perfectly under €5000.

@AlastairBaker-ie7cl Жыл бұрын

Got a 135 about 7 years ago for 600 because electric window and central locking did not work. SCU fixed for 50 quid and it has been a gem. Had a laminated gasket in case, a cam belt & water pump, a set of Toyo tyres and a new battery. All that is said in this review is spot on. Top down driving pleasure as good as any other with daily driving possible and a touch of MG charm for the least possible money.

@MrJules1977 9 ай бұрын

I have the vvc f and love it to bits, had it 16 years, no other vehicle has given me so much enjoyment, my gasket was rrplaced at 64,000 and its been great since, mine is a sports version with leather and walnut and it smells great everytime you get in it. I wont drive it in the wet to preserve the underside, i rarely use the vvc these days as its quick enough before it kicks in, the enjoyment factor of having one of these is just great.

@fuelupclassic 9 ай бұрын

Great to hear you're enjoying your MGF! Thank you for watching.

@theadventuresofred19 Жыл бұрын

Totally underrated cars. Where else can you get a mid engined sportscar with a spicy 16V engine?

@Ruckus223 9 ай бұрын

TF LE500 has the perfect suspension set up. I've had a 160 and a 2004 anniversary model now a LE.

@fuelupclassic 9 ай бұрын

Good to hear you're enjoying an LE 500! I'm yet to drive one but I know many owners really rate them. Thank you for watching. Matt

@WilfredZweverink 9 ай бұрын

Dutch bloke here, had a 1998 F, and now a 2003 TF, it's quite simple with these, get a proper maintained car, have the headgasket and belt done with the right gasket, and the stainless steel cooling pipes, warm up properly and it's quite reliable and very fun to drive on the twisties..

@fuelupclassic 8 ай бұрын

Great to hear you're enjoying MG ownership. Thank you for watching.

@andyhotchin3144 Жыл бұрын

I love my 04 Starlight Silver TF even tho its only 115. But I love it, love it, love it, whenever I get to go out out in it, especially with the top down 😊❤❤❤

@MrEdman1965 Жыл бұрын

Great video! I have the 1600 cc version from 2003 and I love it!

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Thank you. They really are good fun cars

@user-uk7xg8yz2b 11 ай бұрын

Just recently purchased mine for £775, 2004.Had a private plate on which have been offered £900.Love the car

@fuelupclassic 11 ай бұрын

Sounds as though you got an absolute bargain. Enjoy :)

@shaunontheinternet1452 Жыл бұрын

The over-assisted light steering always put me off these cars. I put a full spare wheel in the front (under the bonnet), and the problem went away! Absolutely spot on now :)

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Some people also choose to take the fuse out and disconnect the power steering altogether

@shaunontheinternet1452 Жыл бұрын

@@fuelupclassic tried that too, brilliant until you slow down, then the muscles have to come out!

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

😂

@SmashingPistons Жыл бұрын

@@fuelupclassic I thought the power assistance was zero over 30 mph? Mine defo feels different once its going normal speeds.

@TheModelator 10 ай бұрын

@@fuelupclassic I fitted a switch under the dash which cuts off the live to the power steering controller, you can switch it on in tight spaces. carparks etc and switch it off when driving, it does give a lot more control of the steering at speed.

@barryhughes1612 Жыл бұрын

I owned two MGF's and two TF's, my preference was the F but they are all good fun sports cars, once the head casket issue has been addressed and routine maintenance done regularly they are inexpensive to run and very enjoyable.

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Completely agree! I too had an MGF many years ago and really enjoyed it. Early good examples are starting to climb in value too.

@vegan8438 Ай бұрын

I Understand the MGTF Spark is the best MG ever. I've got one, a very high performance fun car in my opinion!

@Captain_Scarlet_SIG Жыл бұрын

A pretty good review I enjoyed it, I have a Mk1 MGF VVC (the original) 😂 what a blast it is and I use it as a daily it’s a B road king especially on the tight twisty’s with the roof down so much fun even keeping to the speed limits, the VVC gives it the low down torque as well as the high revs which is where the K Series has it’s peak power. I put 10kg off ballast in with the front spare wheel which improves the front end floatyness and gives a bit more Weight the steering, still cheap as you say but good special editions one’s are beginning to hold and even go up in value.

@robbell4339 9 ай бұрын

I bought my MGF new in 1996 planning to chop it in for a Lotus Elise in 18 months. I still own that car - and shock horror, it’s been so incredibly reliable! Great video - and 100% agree with your conclusions. It’s a gem 👍

@fuelupclassic 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and glad to hear you are still enjoying your MGF.

@robbell4339 9 ай бұрын

@@fuelupclassic I certainly am! I’ve also bought another that I race in the MGCC speed championship!

@co2gorecarbonconman 3 ай бұрын

Good video of a decent car. My TF160 now 21 years old (Bought it new) and will drive it till our politicians drive us off the road.Still on original HG because I warm it up first and check the coolant. Stationary in a traffic jam on a very rare hot day can be an issue so pull in and turn off. A good honest video. And to me still worth £20,000.

@fuelupclassic 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@millarlambie2970 10 ай бұрын

I have a 2003 automatic. Was a little apprehensive buying the step speed. I have had the car two years now, no issue at all. I actually like the auto a lot, I particularly like the engines maximum torque settings at much lower engine revolutions than the standard manual transmission models. Enjoyed your article.

@fuelupclassic 10 ай бұрын

Great to hear you are enjoying it :)

@Cheerssailing Жыл бұрын

Fully agree with everything thing you said I have owned one of these cars for over 12 years and it’s never let me down we’re else can you get open top motoring that puts a smile on your face for little money now is the time to buy before prices start to rise great little car

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I can't see them staying cheap for much longer.

@awc900 Жыл бұрын

I've owned a 2003 TF160 for almost five years which is about twice as long as I planned. However I'm still not in a rush to sell it.

@tomscott9938 Ай бұрын

I love that the numberplate on the photos of your old MGF spells SORN!

@fuelupclassic Ай бұрын

Good spot! I had forgotten all about that. Sadly I think it may have been scrapped long ago now.

@Harrylechat01 Жыл бұрын

Off to look at a mint TF135 Spark at the weekend, really hoping to join the owners' club soon! 😎

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

That's Great! I would definitely recommend the MG Owners Club if you need any advice pre or post purchase.

@Harrylechat01 Жыл бұрын

@@fuelupclassic Thanks, had a long chat with Trophy Garage who were amazingly helpful even though I said at the outset that I just needed to pick their brains

@tukaruss8680 Жыл бұрын

Great review I saved mg tf 1.8 2002 from getting scrapped off during the lockdown got for scrap value Hopefully be back on the road soon

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Hope you get your TF back on the road soon.

@andrewphillips6436 Жыл бұрын

Don't be fooled, the decision to ditch Hydragas was 100% a financial one. With the F being the only car running Hydragas as Dunlop's contract to make it expired (Rover 100 / Metro finished production a few years earlier), the economies of scale were not there anymore. Simply, it was substantially cheaper to redesign the suspension to take coils & springs (which predates Hydragas by decades as a suspension system - ironically, Hydragas is the more modetn system, replacing Hydralastic in the late 70's). So, the TF got suspension that is jiggly & firm - you can see this in the video, the front end is bouncing all over the place. Imagine having one follow you after dark dazzling you in the rear view mirror. It happens. SP2 (factory optional sports suspension pack) is actually a big improvement being more compliant. And there are several aftermarket kits out there that are vastly superior to the OE set up.

@markfourtyeight Жыл бұрын

The TF drives great, its our roads that need fixing, you can also fit a soft ride kit, the F was a nice car but you can't say its as good as the TF, TF is 20% stiffer and handles so well.

@nicholasleviton921 Жыл бұрын

Great cars, have a low mileage Stepspeed myself

@paulbrandrick807 Жыл бұрын

I own an 04 reg 135 in starlit silver came with full service history recipes for head gaskets and timing belt and a current M.O.T .Payed a princely sum of £753.00 and I love it to bits put stainless steel water pipes on as steel ones were corroded .cheap motoring and loads of fun to drive on b roads definitely not a motorway cruiser l.o.l

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

What a bargain! 🙂

@davelinkson1 22 сағат бұрын

Being an MGBGT owner and MGOC member I've been interested in the TF for some years, and that feelings only got stronger more recently, and am currently contemplating acquiring an LE500. I'll just need to get the timing belt changed as last change is going over the 4 year time interval.

@fuelupclassic 22 сағат бұрын

Highly recommend that you do and good luck with your search :). They're very well supported via the MGOC too.

@heraszikos Жыл бұрын

The fun you mentioned a few times is it in terms of powersliding and the easy controlling it?

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Mid-engine layout, an engine that makes its peak power at the op end and a very short wheelbase doesn’t make for a car particularly suited to power sliding. These cars are more about navigating twisty country roads and enjoying it for what it is.

@kevinjackson7340 10 ай бұрын

Best thing they ever did was get rid of the silly hydrogas suspension. MGF used to bounce and skip over the road, and i`v owned numerous mgf / mgtf.

@charlescoulson 7 ай бұрын

I have one and it is fun. OK I have refurished the front subframe and have a new rear in stock for this winters overhaul. Clutch timing belt and water pump will also get the good news. Rear suspension rework with new bushes all round complete the plans. I have enjoyed two summer worth of pure fun and now need to repay that. Any one know of a source of new front wings. I cannot seem to find NEW ones.

@fuelupclassic 7 ай бұрын

MGOC Spares may be able to help?

@sarahrobinson410 Жыл бұрын

Hi I've owned two mgf's My first was Tahiti blue. I gave £350 the alternator died on way to MOT and eventually got scrapped. it had full service history so I kind of disagree with spare parts company near Birmingham. I guess because there so cheap to buy.. My next MGF SE Wedgewood blue it was a lovely car but with poor health I wasn't using it much.. this was scrapped based on flat battery and not able to get in the car.. both cars suffered this common fault.. But every now and then i look at MGFS and miss them. Think I am having a midlife crises I really fancy a monogram really need a garage before owning another one..

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Oh yes! A Monogram version would be a great buy. They are becoming increasingly collectable too.

@paulbrandrick807 Жыл бұрын

Brought mine for 752.53p full service history 4 new tyres head casket timing belt and water pump replaced at 36000.mile currently on 48000.mile leave changed the water pipes with stainless steel and had a new m.o.t for the price workshop Manuel's for engine and gearbox rebuilds 2 spare tyres and two key fobs

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

Bargain!

@palin911 3 ай бұрын

I owned one, loved it until it blew the head gasket. I could not find a single mechanic willing to take the time to fix it, so I eventually scrapped it. Overall, an mx5 is less charming, but it drives better and it will last longer.

@fuelupclassic 3 ай бұрын

There was definitely a time in which many mechanics not familiar with them, just didn't want to know. These days, there's loads of specialist that will take on the job without any fuss. Unfortunately as they get older, it's the rot (much like an MX5) you need to look out for, rather than head gasket issues.

@flybobbie1449 2 ай бұрын

Had one that colour 11 years ago. Nice, economical but the gasket did go and get replaced. After that i couldn't trust it. So sold it on. Also change the lower hose that looks like a tree branch at same time.

@flybobbie1449 2 ай бұрын

MX5's of the same year i looked at were rust buckets, mine was spotless. Nice feature all panels have line up pin holes to align.

@billking4393 9 ай бұрын

I'm on my third MG ( an F and two TFs) and I agree, lots of fun for not much cash. Don't buy from Trophy Cars unless you want to pay thousands more.

@daniellippert2351 4 ай бұрын

I do have an F, is the TF much more better?

@Drewspixs 7 ай бұрын

I had a TF freezing in the winter nice in the summer HG went cost me 750 pounds had no trouble apart from the HG had it 8 years cost be 6995 sold it for 995 🤷🏻‍♂️

@fuelupclassic 5 ай бұрын

Not too bad really for 8 years motoring! A hard top in the winter makes a big difference but they take up quite a bit of space when they're off the car.

@johnlightfoot9967 7 ай бұрын

I have a 2004 MGTF special, what annoys ne is the doors sound like a cheap tin can

@fuelupclassic 7 ай бұрын

Ah yes they do that! In fairness, most small 2-seater sports cars from the same era are similar.

@r.fumador1146 7 ай бұрын

how much may i pay for a good units, 135hp?

@fuelupclassic 7 ай бұрын

£2,500 is enough to get you behind the wheel of a good example. £5,000 will get you a very good one!

@r.fumador1146 7 ай бұрын

@@fuelupclassic thanks. On spain they are not at 2500 anymore. They ask minimum 4000 for the 1.6 and more than 5 for the 1.8 135. One 160 unit in all the country, asking 8000€.

@fuelupclassic 7 ай бұрын

@@r.fumador1146 Ahh yes! They have always been much more rare and expensive in Mainland Europe. If you don't mind a RHD example and potentially some bureaucracy, it may be worth purchasing one in the UK and bringing it to Spain. There's lots for sale here at very tempting prices!

@clanmac66 Жыл бұрын

How tall are you? I'm 6'2" and wonder if I will fit?

@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын

You may find it a bit of a squeeze getting in and out, especially with the roof up, but once you're in, it should be fine.

@awc900 Жыл бұрын

I'm 6'1" and it's fine.

@jeffvaljean6030 5 ай бұрын

Yeah but lotus ditched the engine because it was so problematic 😢

@ScowlerJase 7 ай бұрын

Sorry but it's still the MX5. I had an MGF for 3 yrs , from new. I had 3 Head gasket failures. 2 Clutches broke ( one after 2000 miles ). The boot filled with water. I had all the seals replaces after the seats got soaked in wet weather ( despite having a hard top on and the windows up ). The suspension ( gas ) leaked after 18 months and constantly needed recharging. The absolute worst car I ever owned , and I once had a £400 Citroen BX in brown with a brown interior ).

@fuelupclassic 7 ай бұрын

ohh I do love a BX :)