Mg Mgtf Convertible 2002-2005

MG launched the TF to replace the older F model with the main difference between the two being the suspension. The TF comes with improved handling and gives a sportier feeling, but this does come at the cost of some comfort. There is also good range of engines to choose from with the top of the range 1.8-litre VVC engine giving a very quick and sporting ride that makes the most of the cars excellent handling.

Pros and Cons:

• It’s a very pretty and stylish looking car
  The handling is superbly sharp and accurate
  It’s an affordable mid-engine sports car

• The steering lacks feel
  The high driving position detracts from the overall sporty look of the car
  Reliability is sketchy

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Exterior and Interior

The TF is a stylish looking sportscar, especially with the roof down. It’s just a pity that the interior isn’t quite as sexy. The two seats are extremely comfortable and supportive though and there should be ample leg and headroom for all but the tallest of occupants. There is a good amount of storage too for such a small car with a decent sized boot behind the engine, a usable storage space under the bonnet for small items and there are extra storage areas dotted around the cabin. It all feels very well constructed and the materials used are of good quality, especially the dash with its white faced dials. The controls all fall easily to hand and feel solid to the touch.

There are several trim levels to choose from but we’d advise going for either the Spark or Sunstorm. If you can’t stretch you budget for these then you’re unlikely to be disappointed with the standard trim levels though as they come with usual standard equipment.

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Engines

There are four petrol engines available in the TF starting with the entry level 115bhp 1.6-litre, a 120bhp 1.8-litre, a 135bhp 1.8-litre and a 160bhp 1.8-litre.

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Performance and Economy

The entry level 1.6-litre engine is the most affordable of the engines and is the most economical too at 39mpg. Unfortunately, it is also the slowest getting to 60mph in a sluggish feeling 9.2 seconds. The 135bhp 1.8-litre is better being a second quicker to 60mph, however, the fuel efficiency drops down to 35mpg. The 160bhp 1.8-litre is the engine to go for as it injects real pace into the drive and allows the TF to shows you how it can really perform reaching 60mph in just 6.9 seconds and returns a very impressive 37mpg. The 120bhp 1.8-litre Stepseed should be avoided. It is the slowest of the four engines and the least economical too.

All engines should prove fairly cheap to insure as well as most insurance companies don’t see it as being as big a risk as say the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota MR2.

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What it's like to Drive

The seats are a little too high making it feel like more of a hatchback than a sportscar, but apart from that it still provides you with a very sporty feel when driving it. All of the engines need to be revved hard to get the best out of them, but this isn’t a bad thing as they thrive on it. All of the engines provide sub 10 second times to 60mph and you’re bound to enjoy the drive in any of the cars. The steering can feel imprecise because of the electric assistance at times and the suspension is set stiffer than the previous generation which provides a fairly firm ride, but this does help to give it a very sharp and exhilarating ride.

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Faults and Repairs

There are a few things to look out for on the TF before parting with your cash. The first thing to check and the most costly thing to replace is the boot. Make sure it goes up and down smoothly, that it creates a tight seal when it’s closed as it shouldn’t leak water. Also when on the test drive make sure that you can change gears smoothly and you don’t have to go hunting for a gear. If you do this could be the start of problems with the gearbox. The 1.8-litre engines are also know for having blown gaskets, but you can easily check this by looking for any thick white substance around the oil filler cap. Finally the electrics are known to cause a few problems especially the stereo and windows.

Service costs shouldn’t be too expensive despite having to hunt around for a former MG dealer or a specialist. Repairs will also be reasonable as there are plenty of spare parts still available.

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