2005 MG TF: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 MG TF?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 MG TF than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Sub-frame1.8× usual
  MG TF

  12.1% All 2005 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Horn4.7× usual
  MG TF

  2.8% All 2005 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 2005 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2× usual
  MG TF

  4.7% All 2005 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.2% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 MG TF MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 MG TF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• 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
  16% 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.

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 1.8× as often on the 2005 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the horn? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2005 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?