mg tf info on buying
Discussion
HG failure is bad news on all of them from the F to the TF. You need to make sure that HG has been done, especially if the car has done over 30K miles as that is normally the mileage where many go Bang!
Furthermore, its not just the Gasket replacement. Make sure its been done with an uprated set and replacement top bolts, as the original bolts were some plastic cr-ap or something along those lines. If the HG was done under Rover warranty then thats as good as a chocolate T-Pot, as the Rover gaskets were cr-ap!!
The differences between F and TF are the obvious cosmetic ones, but underneath its the same car. Other issues are cooling system underfloor pipes, should have been changed with Aluminium ones.. Ensure, the car has had Water Pump, Thermostat and all drive belts done - VVC models can have cambelt issues.
There is a thread on this page about someone buying an F - myself and others have provided a fair deal of info, all of which will be relevant to your proposed purchase.
The thread is called "Cheap MGF" you will find useful URL links for what you need to know / look for. Just remember there are loads of examples, so no need to buy the first thing you see. At least check out 2-3 before you make your mind up and grill the history - 04/05 will be top money paid, and still prone to issues.
Furthermore, its not just the Gasket replacement. Make sure its been done with an uprated set and replacement top bolts, as the original bolts were some plastic cr-ap or something along those lines. If the HG was done under Rover warranty then thats as good as a chocolate T-Pot, as the Rover gaskets were cr-ap!!
The differences between F and TF are the obvious cosmetic ones, but underneath its the same car. Other issues are cooling system underfloor pipes, should have been changed with Aluminium ones.. Ensure, the car has had Water Pump, Thermostat and all drive belts done - VVC models can have cambelt issues.
There is a thread on this page about someone buying an F - myself and others have provided a fair deal of info, all of which will be relevant to your proposed purchase.
The thread is called "Cheap MGF" you will find useful URL links for what you need to know / look for. Just remember there are loads of examples, so no need to buy the first thing you see. At least check out 2-3 before you make your mind up and grill the history - 04/05 will be top money paid, and still prone to issues.
Edited by PJ3074 on Monday 12th April 15:28
PJ3074 said:
The differences between F and TF are the obvious cosmetic ones, but underneath its the same car.
They have different suspension; Hydragas on the F and coils on the TF.Edited by PJ3074 on Monday 12th April 15:28
Set up properly the F has a comfortable ride, for a sports car. But most are not maintained properly and ride too low, which is detrimental to the ride, handling, and life of ball-joints.
TF has no such issues, but has a much firmer ride.
Try a TF on our wonderful road surfaces before you commit, or just watch one - they bounce around like a Morgan.
Personally I'd prefer a well set-up F to a TF - but then I am getting on a bit :-)
The Pride of Longbridge rally at Cofton Park (opposite Longbridge) is this Saturday, and there will be a good variety of TF's there to have a look at. I'll be there with my ZT260, and my GF with her 80th Anniversary TF160.
I must point out that a TF isn't just an F with springs bolted on. The rear suspension is very different and much improved compared to an F. The TF's harsh ride can be improved with a set of Bilstein dampers to give a an F like ride quality (available from the MGOC).
These are the dampers the TF was design to have, but cost cutting ended up in the production model receiving a cheaper alternative.
The chassis is also significantly stiffer then an F's, so there is no scuttle shake, and combined with a quicker steering rack IMO makes it a much more enjoyable car to drive then the F (and yes I have owned both).
Gaskets are still a worry, but replacement isnt hugely expensive. Just take extra care when viewing cars to check for possible signs of failure, and take the car for a good long run to make sure it gets up to full temperature without any problems. There are plenty of cars around, so unless your looking for a specific colour and/or spec you can afford to be picky.
I would say buy the latest TF you can. Special and limited editions typically have a higher spec and hold there value a bit better, particularly if its the range topping 160 model.
The major service inc belts is due every 60K miles or 4 years on all engine variants.
You may also find this site useful, it contains a bit about the model history/special editions etc as well as details of most of the common problems and their fixes. www.mgf.ultimatemg.com
I must point out that a TF isn't just an F with springs bolted on. The rear suspension is very different and much improved compared to an F. The TF's harsh ride can be improved with a set of Bilstein dampers to give a an F like ride quality (available from the MGOC).
These are the dampers the TF was design to have, but cost cutting ended up in the production model receiving a cheaper alternative.
The chassis is also significantly stiffer then an F's, so there is no scuttle shake, and combined with a quicker steering rack IMO makes it a much more enjoyable car to drive then the F (and yes I have owned both).
Gaskets are still a worry, but replacement isnt hugely expensive. Just take extra care when viewing cars to check for possible signs of failure, and take the car for a good long run to make sure it gets up to full temperature without any problems. There are plenty of cars around, so unless your looking for a specific colour and/or spec you can afford to be picky.
I would say buy the latest TF you can. Special and limited editions typically have a higher spec and hold there value a bit better, particularly if its the range topping 160 model.
The major service inc belts is due every 60K miles or 4 years on all engine variants.
You may also find this site useful, it contains a bit about the model history/special editions etc as well as details of most of the common problems and their fixes. www.mgf.ultimatemg.com
Edited by MGSteve on Wednesday 14th April 22:11
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