2002 MG TF: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 MG TF?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 MG TF than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Sub-frame2× usual
  MG TF

  9% All 2002 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint1.7× usual
  MG TF

  10% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 2.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)1.7× usual
  MG TF

  5.4% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Horn3.5× usual
  MG TF

  2.8% All 2002 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2002 MG TF MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 MG TF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  34% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  17% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 MG TF

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2002 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?