All round good car
100%
2003 MG TF Petrol Manual Convertible by andy • 1st July 2019
All round good car loads of fun and value for money
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (7/3)
Driving Experience
Running Costs
Reliability
'Love' Rating
Fun in the sun.
80%
2003 MG TF Petrol Manual Convertible by azzymo • 17th January 2012
Once the most popular sports car on British roads, now seen as a bad choice, with a poor reputation for reliability.

Owned this car for 3 years, I am the second owner and bought it from the original owner, who had driven it weekends and it had been well cared for. Has never missed a beat, always started and always made every journey an event. Now that there are <25000 TF's on UK roads, this is becoming a rare car. It does turn heads, especially in those warm days, roof down. Not many motors beat the TF for looks per pound. Reviews said when it was released, that the front compared in styling to Astons, I can see what they mean. Also I have found some people think you're driving a car more expensive and exotic than what it is. I have had strangers in the street question me about it, kids yell 'there's a ferrari' (yes it did happen) and passers by comment on how nice it is. Of course, there are others who will scoff at anything MGR but who's face is the car putting a smile on?

The car is lively but being 1.8, it ain't a prius but is relatively economical. Tax is <£200, servicing is reasonable as long as you take it to someone who knows the car. I've had to get the head gasket replaced due to overheating issue but not as big an issue as some make out. Everything else I've done to this car has been standard wear and tear, has never failed an MOT.

So what do I love about this car? The removable hardtop and easily accessible softtop are fabulous. Unlike over convertibles, the softtop can be dropped/put up in seconds while car is still driving. I've seen myself caught in a shower on the motorway, dropped my speed and pulled roof up and no stopping needed. Also addable parts are rife on forums and auction sites, meaning personalisation and upgrades are still possible even now that production has ended. The boot space is great too, plenty of room for my guitar and no problems doing the shopping. There's even room in the front if you're stuck.

These cars do need driven (not lying in garages as summer cars) and looked after ie serviced well and maintained but even with that, this will always put a smile on your face. I dread the day I have to say goodbye to this car.
Did you find this review useful? Yes  No (32/0)
Driving Experience
Running Costs
Reliability
'Love' Rating

Next Steps