2004 MG TF 115 open from UK and Ireland - Comments

When I first picked up the car I noticed the passenger side door was squeaking. A little bit of Vaseline has done the trick.

2 days later, I noticed the zip was broken around the rear window and I could put my hand right through to outside of the car. It had to be taken back to the dealer for 1 day and a new hood had to be fitted. Luckily they had a car just like mine in stock and they swapped the hoods over and ordered the new hood for the car they had, rather than mine. (5 week wait otherwise). service was excellent.

I have had my MGTF for 2 weeks now and I love it. It is a stunning looking car and even though I was apprehensive at first about getting one, due to some poor reviews I have read regarding the build quality, I have not looked back.

It is a really fun car to drive (hard to drive at first though).

Seats are comfortable.

Leg room is good for passenger, but not for driver.

Boot is bigger than it looks.

Handling is really good.

I had a KA LUXURY before MGTF and that had every extra you could want i.e. RCL, A/C, heated front and rear windscreens etc... but my MGTF is much more fun to drive (impractical at times, but fun). I do miss my Remote Central Locking.

I love my new car and even though I think the build quality of a Ford is better, nothing compares to the feeling you get when you drive an MGTF! It's like a new toy!

Expect:

The gearbox to blow.

The head gasket to blow.

The windows to scratch.

The roof to leak,- rusting the car from the inside.

The doors to rattle.

The windows to rattle.

The centre console to rattle.

The seats to jam.

And to receive the most appalling service you could imagine from the dealerships, unless they get paid from MG Rover,- in which case you will get bad quality fitting, and workmanship. In short Don't buy a Rover.

I think the above comment may be a bit harsh. I used to own a MGTF 135 (I now own a Clio 182). I never had any major problems with my MG, apart from the clock going backwards and the handling in the wet.

The general build quality was OK, but not great. The engine will be fine, but keep an eye on the coolent levels. If that drops, get it to a garage ASAP.

The list of problems mentioned above is a bit harsh. You can expect these kinds of problems from any vehicle, I work for a Fleet Management company and could fill a page with Ford and Vauxhall Faults.

There is however some truth in the head gasket problem. I had a K series 1.8 VVC engine blow at 70k miles on my rover 25, very expensive to fix, and once gone will go again. My advice would be to buy a warranty (Warranty direct is competitive, RAC also do them on the net) then you can enjoy the car and when the head does go (check it's covered) it won't cost you an arm and a leg.

I've had my MG TF 135 for two months now and despite the passenger window failing and a few squeeks developing I still love the car! The Mazda MX5 is ugly, MR2 inpractical, Barchetta Left hand drive, Smart too slow and S2000 too expensive and group 20 insurance! The TF is better looking than them all anyway.