2002 MG TF 160 1.8 VVC from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very Very Poor Build Quality

Faults:

Hole in roof (replaced)

Gear box problems.

Bonnet badge replaced.

Window seals replaced (carpet and speakers kept getting wet)

Door straps replaced (Doors would not stay open and would shut on your shins)

Foam in passenger's seat replaced.

Drivers side window dropped off its rail.

Scratch on windscreen due to wiper blade coming out of its tooth.

Head gasket blown.

Misfiring and causing sensor problems.

General Comments:

My first impressions of the car were great. It looked great, sounded great and drove like you would expect a 160BH car to perform.

The price of the car was good when compared to all its competitors in the same performance group. What was the catch I asked myself?? Well I found out within 2 days when the first of a number of horrific faults started to prevail as listed above.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th January, 2005

7th Apr 2010, 15:07

I've just purchases an MG 160, and it's awesome. You obviously got the bad apple of the bunch. Great car; quick, fun and looks great.. Cheap car with Boxster performance...

2002 MG TF MG 135 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fun, badly built and will kill you in the wet

Faults:

I had constant problems with the clock. This was replaced after 2 weeks of owning the car. Eventually the fuse then blew behind the dashboard causing:

1. Clock to spin backwards madly (like something out of a horror film). Very funny buy annoying.

2. Stereo Lights to turn off, so the radio can't be used or CD's played.

Other more minor problems included:

1. All sorts of rattles from the chairs, dashboard and other places.

2. carpet coming loose from the driver side (it has been stuck down with velcro?)

General Comments:

The MGTF is a fun car, but certainly not a well built car. The build quality is quite poor, and I expected far better.

The handling of the car seems very unbalanced in wet weather. With 135bhp straight to the rear wheels, you have to be careful when navigating bends. I've skidded a number of times, but this is to be expected in a rear wheel drive car.

The brakes are CRAP. Absolute and utter rubbish, these would not stop a mini. I would recommend getting the up rated brakes if you buy a TF.

Fantastic fun in the summer. With a dry road and the roof down, it is a great little car. The MG still turns heads with the roof down, and I think looks fantastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th January, 2005

17th Jan 2005, 10:53

I've finally sold the MG and brought a Clio 182. Had no problems from the Renault so far (touch wood), and the performance is superb. Goodbye MG.

20th Feb 2005, 12:27

I couldn't agree more - have had similar problems and my car has been in the garage on almost a monthly basis since purchased. Lots of niggly things, but recently engine cutting out for no apparent reason, overheating (fuse keeps blowing for engine fan) and a big scratch on windscreen due to wiper misalignment. The brakes are not good at all. I have come to the end of the 3 year warranty and have ordered a Honda S2000. The MGTF is stunning to look at (I have British Racing Green) but sadly so unreliable.

4th Nov 2007, 06:38

I have a MG TF160 in Le Mans green. A stunning looking car and great to drive - but frequently in the garage. I have to say this has been the most expensive car to keep on the road that I have ever owned. Our other car is a Peugeot 406 - so much cheaper to run - but nowhere near as much fun!

In car heater, shock absorbers, clutch slave cylinder, coolant pipes, electric window mechanism, steering rods - thank goodness the head gasket was repaired before I bought it - good old British engineering!!

I guess the old adage is true - you pay your money and take your choice!!

24th Jan 2009, 08:23

Please don't buy one of these! It has been the worst car I have ever had. Leaks, carpets coming loose no central locking, poor security and then the head gasket blew. Took it in for repairs that cost over £1200. Then it kept over heating and went back 7 times for this. Day after day! Mechanic was an ex Mg mechanic and was so rude and didn't seem to care. It caused untold amount of stress. I finally got rid of the car at a £4000 loss!