What are the most common problems with a 2009 MG TF?

The biggest MOT weak spot is rigid brake pipes: flagged on 20% of tests, 2.8× the rate for all 2009 cars.

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2009 MG TF?

Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 MG TF as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2009 MG TF: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the MG TF first registered in 2009: we looked at the 864 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

864MOTs of 2009 cars, done in 2023–2025

73%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%)

2,600typical miles a year

2.8×the usual rate for rigid brake pipes

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 MG TF?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 MG TF than on all cars registered in 2009.

Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual

MG TF
20% All 2009 cars
7.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Better than most

Tread depth: 4.1% here, against 22.7% of all 2009 cars. Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3% here, against 10.5% of all 2009 cars.

Common 2009 MG TF MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 MG TF MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Brakes

30% 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

26% 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

16% 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

12% 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.
Wipers, windscreen and mirrors

6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 MG TF

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

Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 MG TF as on other cars the same age.)
Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an MG TF?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the MG TF compared

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2011	220	Brakes 29%
2010	628	Brakes 26%
2008	323	Brakes 30%
2007	127	Suspension 28%
2006	884	Suspension 32%
2005	3,688	Suspension 34%
2004	7,613	Suspension 35%
2003	7,997	Brakes 35%
2002	5,284	Suspension 34%
1954	–	Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG TF cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score