TF - usable as a semi- daily
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm thinking about an TF (the modern TF that is). Prices for a decent one seem sensible but is using a TF as a semi daily a realistic proposition these days?
For context I used a '72 'B as a daily for ten years not so long ago without it leaving me stranded at the side of the road but I'm less knowledgeable about the TF.
I've got a shopping car to use as well but I would want to use anything like this more than just weekends/sunny days.
From trawling the web my gut feeling is that if i look after it then the answer is yes but i thought I'd turn it over to the PH massive. My other preference is a mk2 or 3 MX 5 but the rot on those makes me think twice.,,,
thanks!
I'm thinking about an TF (the modern TF that is). Prices for a decent one seem sensible but is using a TF as a semi daily a realistic proposition these days?
For context I used a '72 'B as a daily for ten years not so long ago without it leaving me stranded at the side of the road but I'm less knowledgeable about the TF.
I've got a shopping car to use as well but I would want to use anything like this more than just weekends/sunny days.
From trawling the web my gut feeling is that if i look after it then the answer is yes but i thought I'd turn it over to the PH massive. My other preference is a mk2 or 3 MX 5 but the rot on those makes me think twice.,,,
thanks!
I old mine last year after 10 years of ownership
Pros, they are cheap to run and simple to fix plus spares are cheap and the forums are really good for knowledge.
Cons, there are some well known issues, but in reality cheap to fix . They also tend to leak in the rain , so a garage is recommended or at least a cover
As for use as a daily It depends on the mileage and type of miles you do. They are quite a small car so you feel a bit vulnerable on the motorway, but certainly no worse than the mgb.
If you’re doing localish miles then no problem.
In heavy winter they are entertaining, being rwd and mid engined, I tended to put mine away for the winter, and being a soft top that’s not amazingly well sealed, defrosting in the winter means scraping ice of the inside as well 😁
As a summer b road car I loved mine.
Pros, they are cheap to run and simple to fix plus spares are cheap and the forums are really good for knowledge.
Cons, there are some well known issues, but in reality cheap to fix . They also tend to leak in the rain , so a garage is recommended or at least a cover
As for use as a daily It depends on the mileage and type of miles you do. They are quite a small car so you feel a bit vulnerable on the motorway, but certainly no worse than the mgb.
If you’re doing localish miles then no problem.
In heavy winter they are entertaining, being rwd and mid engined, I tended to put mine away for the winter, and being a soft top that’s not amazingly well sealed, defrosting in the winter means scraping ice of the inside as well 😁
As a summer b road car I loved mine.
Thanks for that.
Mostly will be local miles but some motorway, bit like my old 'B .
Re the mid engine rwd issues, I'm not worries about that really, I've owned (and thoroughly enjoyed) 3 MR2's over the years from aw11 and sw20 inc a turbo . These days i don't blast around like i used to anyway!
I think ill go and have a look at some TF's and see how it goes.
It interesting how many positive comments there are about them, even when people try to slate them, the stuff you think might crop up doesn't which is encouraging.
Mostly will be local miles but some motorway, bit like my old 'B .
Re the mid engine rwd issues, I'm not worries about that really, I've owned (and thoroughly enjoyed) 3 MR2's over the years from aw11 and sw20 inc a turbo . These days i don't blast around like i used to anyway!
I think ill go and have a look at some TF's and see how it goes.
It interesting how many positive comments there are about them, even when people try to slate them, the stuff you think might crop up doesn't which is encouraging.
Most of the known problems have been addressed due to age.
Steel coolant pipes are typically updated to stainless now as original rusted away. Most head gaskets replaced with the upgraded ones and if not a few mobile specialists who will sort at reasonable cost on your drive.
Sub frames may start to rust due to age, but easily sorted and again a few specialists like mgbitz can replace.
Rest is parts bin rover from that era
They are at age now where tend to be more of an enthusiasts car so some good ones out there but also some rubbish
Have a look at the mgf register forum for more info, a lively forum there are guides on what to look for when buying
Steel coolant pipes are typically updated to stainless now as original rusted away. Most head gaskets replaced with the upgraded ones and if not a few mobile specialists who will sort at reasonable cost on your drive.
Sub frames may start to rust due to age, but easily sorted and again a few specialists like mgbitz can replace.
Rest is parts bin rover from that era
They are at age now where tend to be more of an enthusiasts car so some good ones out there but also some rubbish
Have a look at the mgf register forum for more info, a lively forum there are guides on what to look for when buying
Thanks for that.
Mostly will be local miles but some motorway, bit like my old 'B .
Re the mid engine rwd issues, I'm not worries about that really, I've owned (and thoroughly enjoyed) 3 MR2's over the years from aw11 and sw20 inc a turbo . These days i don't blast around like i used to anyway!
I think ill go and have a look at some TF's and see how it goes.
It interesting how many positive comments there are about them, even when people try to slate them, the stuff you think might crop up doesn't which is encouraging.
Mostly will be local miles but some motorway, bit like my old 'B .
Re the mid engine rwd issues, I'm not worries about that really, I've owned (and thoroughly enjoyed) 3 MR2's over the years from aw11 and sw20 inc a turbo . These days i don't blast around like i used to anyway!
I think ill go and have a look at some TF's and see how it goes.
It interesting how many positive comments there are about them, even when people try to slate them, the stuff you think might crop up doesn't which is encouraging.
I've now got 2.. an 05 135 basic as at 54k and a just bought 03 160 at 74k.. great driving cars, 38k in 135 so far.. they rust for fun and are VERY particular about tyres.. there's an owners club that is really good too. Falken ZE310 on mine, useable all year.. think lowest I travelled in was about -10.. pretty much as quickly as when warmer.
Hope this helps, oh and they do leak.
Hope this helps, oh and they do leak.
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff