MG TF: The Inverse to VAG
Discussion
After moving house recently we needed a second car. Thanks to boring adult things like solicitor's fees and in built wardrobes, the car needed to be cheap. I wasn't comfortable with PCP, and I wasn't too keen on spending my hard earned on a FWD shopping trolley.
As an aside, many of my daily cars have been from VAG, and I've also driven some for my work. They all however suffer from the same problem: they're all excellent pieces of engineering that aren't interesting.
I had an MX5 years ago and I've always been interested in trying its British rival from MG. On paper at least it was also a leftfield choice that solved my frustrations of VAG cars. It was RWD, mid engined, no touchscreen crap, no driver aids (not even ABS), good looking and quirky. Also unlike VAG, it has a reputation for terrible build quality.
I looked at some examples at Beech Hill Garage, and was taken with the Lemans Green one I saw. It was a little on the expensive side for a TF, but it had just had a huge amount of work done, low miles and zero rust underneath. It also had a proper, plain english, dealer 6 months warranty (not a hopeless insurance warranty and booklet)
Collection Day:
The first good drive out today since picking it up. I live near the South Downs and the photo is just outside of Alresford.
As an aside, many of my daily cars have been from VAG, and I've also driven some for my work. They all however suffer from the same problem: they're all excellent pieces of engineering that aren't interesting.
I had an MX5 years ago and I've always been interested in trying its British rival from MG. On paper at least it was also a leftfield choice that solved my frustrations of VAG cars. It was RWD, mid engined, no touchscreen crap, no driver aids (not even ABS), good looking and quirky. Also unlike VAG, it has a reputation for terrible build quality.
I looked at some examples at Beech Hill Garage, and was taken with the Lemans Green one I saw. It was a little on the expensive side for a TF, but it had just had a huge amount of work done, low miles and zero rust underneath. It also had a proper, plain english, dealer 6 months warranty (not a hopeless insurance warranty and booklet)
Collection Day:
The first good drive out today since picking it up. I live near the South Downs and the photo is just outside of Alresford.
Edited by BlueComet on Sunday 17th March 17:34
I’ve still got out 2004 MG TF that we bought in 2008. It’s actually my favourite car for going about in. Handles nicely, spritely enough, top down when the weather is good, easy spares availability (unlike VAG stuff) and cheap enough that I don’t need to be precious about it. Plan on keeping it until it actually expires.
Some thoughts from my drive today: The brake rotors are only 240mm, and initially feel lacking in power. With a good few hard stops the bite is much better, and the pedal feel becomes pretty good.
I've read some posts on PH before which have been really critical about the F/TF's gearshift. Even one PHer said it was the worst shift of any car they've ever driven. I have no idea what they are on about, it's quite a good shift with a stiff, but shortish throw and a pleasing mechanical feeling in the last few millimeters of travel. It's not quite as good as an MX5's, but it's a million miles from bad.
|https://thumbsnap.com/ReTWXj7H[/url]
I also found today that this is also a car that is completely ruined by:
1) Having the roof up. With it up, the exhaust note is a bit loud and annoying in the cabin. With the roof down, there is a lovely note after 5000rpm in second and third gear
2) Driving below 5000rpm. All the power is at the top, and you are punished if you drive it like a turbocharged car
I've read some posts on PH before which have been really critical about the F/TF's gearshift. Even one PHer said it was the worst shift of any car they've ever driven. I have no idea what they are on about, it's quite a good shift with a stiff, but shortish throw and a pleasing mechanical feeling in the last few millimeters of travel. It's not quite as good as an MX5's, but it's a million miles from bad.
|https://thumbsnap.com/ReTWXj7H[/url]I also found today that this is also a car that is completely ruined by:
1) Having the roof up. With it up, the exhaust note is a bit loud and annoying in the cabin. With the roof down, there is a lovely note after 5000rpm in second and third gear
2) Driving below 5000rpm. All the power is at the top, and you are punished if you drive it like a turbocharged car
Edited by BlueComet on Sunday 17th March 19:41
Interesting.
I've also just bought a 2003 MGTF.....
Difference for me is I still have an MX5, so have been able to compare them 'back to back'.
For me the MG was an impulse purchase - right car, right time, right place and I'd always fancied the idea of seeing what they are like. I'd planned on replacing my MX5 with the MG as it's a nice one - low mileage, full history and great condition. The interior space feels way better than the MX5..... but I'm afraid for me that's where the positives end. In direct comparison with the 1.8 MX5 the MG feels blunt and dull - the MX5 feeling far torque-ier and the performance far more accessible. The MG needs to have it's neck wrung to go well, at which point it's quick enough. The biggest disappointment for me though has been the handling.... The MG is an amazing handling car, but it just isn't 'fun' like the MX5. The Mazda can be really thrown around with a confidence the MG just doesn't instil.... I've concluded that I'm actually going to keep the Mazda and sell the MG - tried it, didn't like it. Hopefully you will get on better with yours than I have with mine - I know there are lots of happy long term owners out there and I wish you good health to enjoy
I've also just bought a 2003 MGTF.....
Difference for me is I still have an MX5, so have been able to compare them 'back to back'.
For me the MG was an impulse purchase - right car, right time, right place and I'd always fancied the idea of seeing what they are like. I'd planned on replacing my MX5 with the MG as it's a nice one - low mileage, full history and great condition. The interior space feels way better than the MX5..... but I'm afraid for me that's where the positives end. In direct comparison with the 1.8 MX5 the MG feels blunt and dull - the MX5 feeling far torque-ier and the performance far more accessible. The MG needs to have it's neck wrung to go well, at which point it's quick enough. The biggest disappointment for me though has been the handling.... The MG is an amazing handling car, but it just isn't 'fun' like the MX5. The Mazda can be really thrown around with a confidence the MG just doesn't instil.... I've concluded that I'm actually going to keep the Mazda and sell the MG - tried it, didn't like it. Hopefully you will get on better with yours than I have with mine - I know there are lots of happy long term owners out there and I wish you good health to enjoy
Some more updates on the TF:
Ross (another PHer) came over and took me out for a spin in the M3. A completely mind blowing car and experience.
In an almost tounge in cheek way I decided to show an M3 driver what a British made sports car with a 1.8 litre engine had to offer.
Half way through the drive, I lost all power momentarily and a multimeter said the battery wasn't charging.
After much research I was pretty sure it was the voltage regulator (£22 from Ebay), and decided to try and swap it with the alternator still in the car. The irony is that the OEM regulator is actually a German made part (Bosch).
New regulator:
Heat shields coming off to get to the regulator
Bracket and heat shield next to the alternator
Phillips screw and two bolts that first need to come off before another 3 Phillips screws behind.
I'm truly indebted to my neighbour who is an auto electrician for helping with many things including this bit, as without skill and a special screwdriver for tight spaces this is a fiddly bugger. I was basically upside down with my head in the engine bay struggling with a normal screwdriver.
The battery light came on when starting the car (as it should), and the multimeter was showing 14v at the battery again with the engine on.
What I should also add is that if you're ever going to attempt this sort of work, disconnect the battery. There is a live cable running from the battery to the alternator, and it has the potential to do real damage.
I also did a few more jobs:
New air filter
New HT leads. The lead with the four sections at the top of the spark plug bore was an absolute pig to remove. I was genuinely worried that I was going to break it and have an inoperable car again
After some gentle twisting and pulling it broke free. The new OEM Lucas leads fitted much nicer than the old and unknown brand ones that nearly ended in disaster
The last job, Bilt Hamber Dynax S50 in the sills
Side pods off (I took them off with my hands and a lot of care)
After application
Ross (another PHer) came over and took me out for a spin in the M3. A completely mind blowing car and experience.
In an almost tounge in cheek way I decided to show an M3 driver what a British made sports car with a 1.8 litre engine had to offer.
Half way through the drive, I lost all power momentarily and a multimeter said the battery wasn't charging.
After much research I was pretty sure it was the voltage regulator (£22 from Ebay), and decided to try and swap it with the alternator still in the car. The irony is that the OEM regulator is actually a German made part (Bosch).
New regulator:
Heat shields coming off to get to the regulator
Bracket and heat shield next to the alternator
Phillips screw and two bolts that first need to come off before another 3 Phillips screws behind.
I'm truly indebted to my neighbour who is an auto electrician for helping with many things including this bit, as without skill and a special screwdriver for tight spaces this is a fiddly bugger. I was basically upside down with my head in the engine bay struggling with a normal screwdriver.
The battery light came on when starting the car (as it should), and the multimeter was showing 14v at the battery again with the engine on.
What I should also add is that if you're ever going to attempt this sort of work, disconnect the battery. There is a live cable running from the battery to the alternator, and it has the potential to do real damage.
I also did a few more jobs:
New air filter
New HT leads. The lead with the four sections at the top of the spark plug bore was an absolute pig to remove. I was genuinely worried that I was going to break it and have an inoperable car again
After some gentle twisting and pulling it broke free. The new OEM Lucas leads fitted much nicer than the old and unknown brand ones that nearly ended in disaster
The last job, Bilt Hamber Dynax S50 in the sills
Side pods off (I took them off with my hands and a lot of care)
After application
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