MG consumer reviews

Syd, Staffordshire on the MG TF

Known throughout the world, MG is regarded with warmth and affection - and even a degree of proprietorial concern from the British motorist, who is always keen to perpetuate tradition. But in todays twenty first century technological whirlwind, tradition has a hard time of it. I was eager to find out what the new £15,664 TF 85th anniversary model was like on the road and particularly wanted to find good things to say about it. I’m naturally warmly inclined towards the historic marque which, against the odds, has survived - unlike many others - a multitude of vicissitudes, been through many a dark tunnel with the threat of extinction looming, but has emerged, one hopes, still smiling, with the sun gleaming on its fresh paintwork. I wanted this car to be good, and I suspect you, dear reader, want to be told that the very latest model is the best yet and able to cock a snook at the ’wet behind the ears’ interlopers in the traditional sportscar market. Current promotional publicity highlights the ’fun’ factor. How far is this evident? Is ’fun’ really back? My mission was to point the car at every variety of road I could entertain during my short - and if I may say, sweet, without giving the game away - acquaintance. Driving down highways, byways, motorways and country lanes, straightways, twistyways, gradients up and gradients down, the sole purpose was to chase down that elusive elemental quality - joy! I was familiar already, as we all are, with the pleasing yet understated appearance of the model. Without resorting to corny retro gimmicks, the smooth design harkens back to former times, while signalling quite decisively that it has all four rubber boots firmly in the twenty first century. Nothing strains for effect and it is all the more effective for it. My particular model, resplendent in aubergine, was inviting to the eye from the tip of its neatly tailored hood (Our acquaintance was formed, unfortunately, during an unseasonal downpour) to the firm-footed treads of the purposeful tyres.The eye catches though, through the interstice in the sculptured alloy wheels, a glimpse of scarlett from the hefty disc calipers. The door opens smoothly and the nostrils are assailed by the warm odour of rich leather: this is a solid and reassuring first acquaintance like a firm handshake. The cabin seems to me to be ’spot on’ in its all round appeal and I defy anyone to say they wouldn’t feel at home here. The instrumentation, thankfully, is bereft of modern interplanetary nonsense, so you can absorb all you need to know at a glance. Slide in behind the wheel and its like putting on a comfortable, well made, good quality - shall I say - sports jacket. For the timid, there’s the reassurance of solidity and a host of safety factors: for the sporty-minded there’s the immediate message that this is a ’place of business’. This is not a ’flash boombox’of a car, but it’s poised so perfectly on the cusp of fashion as to be welcome absolutely anywhere. And it is to its credit that this smart compact machine is robust and willing enough to tackle anything, within reason,that comes its way. Start her up and even at standstill the 1.8 mid-sited engine that drives the rear wheels, sounds willing, without undue ostentation. As a driver, you find that pedals are well placed and the steering wheel is pleasant to grip. All that remains is to get on with the business of conducting the machine on its way. Select the first of the five gears - a satisfying experience in that the chunky lever executes its manoeuvres without fuss: allow the light and positive clutch to take up the drive and - guess what: a smirk begins to form on the lips. Let me say that in my view, fun depends on a number of important boxes being ticked very decisively. No fun is to be had, for instance, where excess performance is achieved at the expense of comfort and reliability. (extensive British re-engineering and re-design has more than laid to rest yesteryears gremlins, so reliability should be top notch.). Equally, anodyne respectability will raise no chuckles. So - the perfect fun car is one you know is not going to let you down; is not going to be grotesque in appearance; is not going to be as spartan as a night on a bare mountainside and is not going to require the resources of an MP’s expense account at the filling pump.(You’ll get around 36 mpg.) In short it needs to be like an old friend who you can trust, but one with a twinkle in the eye who has a delight or two ’up their sleeve’ so to speak. And my goodness, does the new MG tick all the right boxes. One struggles to find even the most minor fault - and believe me - I am fastidious. When the driving is dull, as on the motorway, the creature comforts keep one quite content: it’s pleasant sitting in comfy seats to feel the road unwind below a chassis that is doing its job unfussily and so successfully. On narrow twisty lanes, response to input is immediate and gratifying: there’s no drama. The car goes where you want it to; is nimble on its Goodyear tyres and feels ’the complete package’. Handling is so beautifully poised that traction control would be rendered superfluous. This model, with its slightly lower suspension and Bilstein dampers, is on rails. No longer might you be caught out by exciting ’lift off’ oversteer. You can exploit the handling to the full with no unexpected surprises and there’s benign behaviour at and beyond the limit of grip. When driving through heavy rain with standing water on the road the car felt solid and safe - and yet even in those conditions - rewarding to drive. Transform the weather, throw down the suns golden rays, peel back the top, glue down the toupee and it’s another thing entirely: as close as you’ll get to bliss as finding an extra toffee in the corner of the packet. Other road users regard you with respect, as someone sensible enough to bet on a sure thing, and on one excursion down a narrow lane, I pulled in close to the hedge to let the oncoming Land Rover pass by. The buxom farmers wife might have been admiring the car, but I indulged myself in the thought that I was the focus of her interest. As I pressed on - the years having fallen away - , I realised that this is what FUN is all about. Perhaps some might say slightly suspect in politically correct terms, but undeniably bracing. I felt like saying ’moo’ to a goose! MG TF motoring can start at the very attractive price of around £13,500 should you choose the ’entry level’ 135 model (Just £11,500 if you trade in ,under the ’scrappage scheme) - but forget about ’entry level’. This model is an exceptional value package that is the key to the doorway to freedom. Just as Cecil Kimber gave cars a more sporting character all those years ago, the tradition lives on. The MG motto ’Safety Fast’ is as true today as it was then: MG still ’Makes it Go!'

Anthony, County Antrim on the MG TF

I should respond to Syd’s great review here and agree that the latest TF incarnation is a competent driving machine when I tested it 7 months ago. In fact it drove better than the british built TF I test drove in 2003, much better. I am not concerned about it being built in China either, the Chinese build everything from taps to nuclear reactors so I’m sure building an old TF is a doddle! It’s baffles me though that the Chinese went to so much bother to recreate such an old model, a new version is on the cards and the current 85th anniversary version is like an old lady wearing too much make up, albeit with a fancy pair of socks and slippers! It’s unfortunate too that the car is built in China as not everyone has the same view as me and that’s why that lovely orange LE500 I drove so long ago is still sat pre-registered outside my local dealer! If you want a competent, previously proven budget sports car, buy one - there’s little else available but I think it’s fair to say resale value will be dreadful so you should plan to hang on to it!

Aileen, County Tyrone on the MG ZR

The biggest load of rubbish I’ve ever owned! If I could this would be getting 0 stars! The day I picked the car up from my old local Rover/MG/ Land Rover dealer (Brand new, 6 Miles on the clock) I had driven 15 Miles, it was a lovely day so I had the sunroof open and the windows open. Went to close the windows and they simply would not go up, then tried to close sunroof and of course it wouldn’t close either!! Brought it back to Rover and it took them 2 days to get it sorted. Then to add insult they were going to charge me for the work they carried out! All was fine until 2005 when she blew the turbo, then later that year once again the electric windows and this time the electric mirrors packed up. Then in 2006 it kept refusing to start, eventually got it fixed (Some faulty sensor). That of course went wrong again in 2009 and 2010. Currently the clutch is about to go and I can’t find a brand new one! Build quality is horiffic! The glovebox came off in my hand after 2 years, still to this day it’s broke. Then the seat dropped to the right which was costly to repair too. The driving position is very uncomfortable, it doesnt handle particualry well either. Honestly, if you are wise you will NOT even consider buying 1 of these! My brothers 1996 Peugeot 306 1.9 XRdt is a better build, more reliable, mechanically sturdy car, and its got 159k on the clock! My MG has 79k on the clock currently. BEST AVOIDED!

James, Lancashire on the MG ZR

This car puts a smile on my face everytime I drive my MG, it looks and drives good. I have had it for two years now and no problems. It’s the best car I’ve ever owned. There is one little problem and it is the insurance, it’s a bit high for a 1.4.

Jimmy, Scotland on the MG TF

Bought new in 2004 in Trophy Yellow the car has done 19000 miles without fault it drives superbly and is pretty economical at around 40 MPG. It is now nearly seven years old and looks as good as the day I bought it with no signs of rust or fluid leaks. The only replacement part needed has been a window regulator on the passenger side, which can be picked up new for around £90 on eBay. All in all a great wee car.

Gary, Lincolnshire on the MG TF

As I haven’t been driving very long just over three years, this is my third car and it’s the most fun I have ever had driving, it handles everything you chuck at it and it’s not too bad on long drives either! It had a new head gasket before I bought it, hopefully no problems with that again now I know how to avoid the problem, thanks MG Owners Club haha. Just start the car leave it for 10 minutes then drive it or stay low on the revs. There is a second option but that’s a bodge job, prefer the first as well. The roof sticks about 1/2 way down but I find if you put your hand between the roof lining and the part that sits on the windscreen then that issue disperses. No problems with leaks at all. If anything, the only bad thing is the fact that it’s the 135 not the 160 trophy although mine is running 160bhp thereabouts. The understeer is quite bad sometimes just wish there was more weight under the bonnet but at the end of the day, if you respect your F/TF or any MG/Rover for that fact, you should never (touch wood) have too many expensive problems with it.

Aaron, Northern Ireland on the MG TF

Yes I’m a bloke and yes, I bought this car for me, although my wife did choose this over the ZS+ I was also considering at the time. Sure you have the odd wingnut sneering with their hair dresser ’gags’ and badge snobs poking fun at it being a tarted up rover but this car is for the owner, and no one else. Well that’s the way it is for me anyhow. Leaving the image aside for a while.. I bought mine in 2008 with 35k on the clock, in great nick and with matching hardtop which I felt was a must, even just for the fact it looks way better with it on. The hardtop also cuts out road noise, means you’ve a heated rear glass window (although later soft tops come with glass) and makes it more useable during the winter cold. There are a few niggly things that I think most TF’s suffer from. The leakage from the seal around the mirror areas, after a good rainfall I find small puddles and some water down over speaker grills. This is just what happens with this car and to be honest it doesn’t bother me, wipe it up and get driving. Setting 1 on the heater doesn’t work so starts at 2 and has to be on all the time esp in winter or misting is serious! Some parts do feel flimsy but after 2 years of ownership I haven’t encountered anything I couldn’t fix myself, that’s with me being a diy disaster. The positives far outweigh the negatives and that’s why I put up with minor ills and still own it. Fewer on road compared to Mx5s and MR2s etc, and I’ve never seen another anything like mine on the road, I believe it to be the only one of it’s kind in the country especially as I’ve added the 80th anniversary interior with the trophy rims. The looks are what sold this to me. Sure every other car dealer will say about the reliability of the obvious and predicable Mazda but it’s ugly as sin. Again you’ll have the ’but the head gaskets go’ naysayers, but if you respect and look after your cars then I find that problems and high repairs are reduced. If you drive it like a maniac, more than likely you’ll face high bills as with any motor. It’s how this car makes you feel, sure it’s not a flying machine in modern hot hatch terms but with being so low to the deck and with the car so small it makes up for it and roundabouts become straight roads and drives become adventures. It used to be that we would take the car and go somewhere to do something, not the journey is the something, just driving with the wind in your hair (especially at night) makes the concerns go away.

Paul, Leicestershire on the MG ZR

A really enjoyable 18 months of ownership of this rapid machine that cornered as if it was on rails! Despite having over 100,000 on the clock when I sold it, everything still fitted and worked properly and the only repair needed was to be expected at that age and mileage (rubber gaiter on the driveshaft). With upgraded injectors fitted, the already great performance improved even further and I could still get almost 50mpg. Cheap road tax too. You read a lot of bad press about these cars, but then again, it has been ’cool’ to criticise British products for the last few years and much of the criticism is based on hearsay. This car was a far better buy than most of the alternatives (of similar age) on the market that seem to be popular and it did not suffer from the rust problems, electrical issues, and bits of trim falling off that some of those alternatives are well-known for!

J, Carmarthenshire on the MG TF

I’ve had this car just over a year and can’t wait to get rid of it: Water pump problems, losing water; possibly another head problem. It is also uncomfortable and rattles. Always something wrong with it.

Graham, England on the MG ZR

For a 1.8i it’s very quick, good on fuel too. I can get from Portsmouth to Manchester on a tank of fuel. very comfortable car, one drawback though, bizarrely it does not have electric windows???

Steve, Somerset on the MG TF

I bought mine 4 years ago, a low milage (10k) VVC in very respectable condition. The car now has 60K miles and has proven a cheap and reliable daily driver. 03 means that the head gasket issues have, if not fully resolved, been massively improved upon and the gasket has never been done. Fingers crossed going forward! The drivers door handle snapped at 50k, the passenger side window motor packed up at about 35k and the horn died very early on. Other than this the car has been bullet proof and never left me stranded. I have changed the oil every 10k, had the cam belt changed at 50k and took the precaution of doing the water pump and vee belts at the same time. Tyres and brakes have lasted well and the car is still only on it’s second set of tyres (almost ready for another change) and brake pads have only been replaced the once. The car has been fun to drive, but be warned the handling is grip, grip, grip and then it cuts loose in the biggest possible way and tries (very hard) to kill you. Other than this the car has few vices and the sharp steering, firm ride and strong brakes (the VVC has the big calipers) inspire some real entertainment and many a more expensive equipment has been seriously put to shame by the little MG. Would I buy another? Probably not. The MX5 is everything the MG should have been and won’t try and kill you at the limit. The other problem is that four years ago good low milage MG’s where easy to find, not so now, and I would stay away from anything without a known track record. I want to keep my car longer, but I am aware that almost everything mechanical is a nightmare to get at and labour is expensive, so I will continue to use the car for perhaps another 20k before the lure of the MX5 becomes irresitable!

Mike, Lancashire on the MG TF

I’ve had nothing but problems with my MG. It had 15k miles on it when I bought it just over a year ago and it’s now done 17k. If anything goes wrong you have a devil’s own job trying to source parts or someone to work on it. I’m lucky to have a place near me dealing with MG breaking so I have been able to find bits, but I had the roof slashed the other week and spent a small fortune finding another second hand one that I could replace it with. Now it seems I need a new ECM, the battery is draining, the airbag warning light has just come on and I can’t turn the fan off. That’s before droning on about wet seats, wet floor, etc, etc. I’m so pleased I managed to get it to a garage and traded it in. I now have a hard top (trophy blue), spare wheel and jack set and a tonneau cover to get rid of. I’d never buy one of these again, as much fun as they are when they’re working properly. Incidentally the dealer I traded it in at had two 09 plates for only £8k.

Kristian, Yorkshire on the MG ZT

I bought my car four years ago, but I had nothing but problems. I’ve only done 3000 miles in the time I’ve owned it. A dodgy garage didn’t help, wished I had known at the time. The cambelt snapped afer 3 months. The Engine had to be rebuilt at the cost of a grand. However, once that was sorted with a few other things at my local MG specialist in Hartlepool who are fantastic, what can I say? She goes like a rocket! The V6 make a growl when you use the loud pedal. Cruising is fine, but when you want to go just stamp the throttle, kick down from the gearbox and you’re gone. There’s no need for sports mode unless you’re on the back roads where it really can move and grip for a car this size. Servicing seems reasonable for a V6 even though it’s thirsty, but that’s to be expected. The car is fully loaded with extras like leather and climate control, I just wish it had cruise control sometimes. The ride’s a bit hard, but acceptable. The boot is a bit small for a car this size also. It’s a lot of car for very little money. The myth of MG parts being hard to come by is rubbish. There are plenty of specialists out there to sort out whatever problems you might come across. Not the best car I’ve owned, but one of the most enjoyable. It always makes me smile.

Mike, Warwickshire on the MG TF

My 2002 TF 135 in blue is simply a lovely car, I was smitten the first time I drove it on a twisty road! Ok so it’s not as fast as all the shiny supercars on Top Gear - they are great to look at of course, but could you afford or live with one of those in the real world? The TF has room for my golf clubs, or a suitcase for a weekend away and it’s 0-60 time doesn’t leave you a breathless wreck! And it has more grip than any of the "ordinary" cars I’ve owned, so at legal speeds you can chuck it into pretty much any corner and it sticks. It is affordable to buy, insure, fill with petrol (not so much these days!) and even service. It still looks pretty, to my eyes anyway, and there’s nothing like coming home with the wind in your hair to ease away the stress of a bad day at the office. MG reliability issues? Well yes, the first head gasket only lasted 26 months/22,000 miles - but it was replaced under warranty, with the promise that a dealer-fitted replacement would last much longer. In the event, it did hold itself together for the next 35,000 miles but as the dealerships had by then disappeared it’s demise left a nasty hole in my finances. The soft top lasted 6 years before the zip stuck in an open position - instant air conditioning! But actually a pain in the wallet again, finding no-one able to fix it for less than the cost of a replacement roof, the latter option was duly taken. And the carpets never really fitted properly in the footwells; and the roof has an occasional squeak that I’ve never been able to find; and the first 3 dashboard clocks MGR fitted didn’t work (one actually went backwards). The metal gear knob is a thing of joy to behold, but not so nice on a boiling hot summer’s day; you need a ski glove or similar in winter too. And the heater/ventilation can not be configured for the timeless classic of "warm feet, cool face". And whisper it - I have finally seen the first signs of rust bubbling up under the paintwork. But I digress - it’s easily the loveliest car I’ve ever owned and I’m getting twitchy as it approaches it’s 8th birthday, no idea what I’ll do if it gives up altogether. Perhaps I’ll try to overcome the pangs of guilt and go test drive a new one.....

Jon, England on the MG TF

I have an expensive company car but I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of my wives MG when I get home. This car stands us at a couple of thousand pounds, it loves to be driven and revs its heart out right in to your ear. Yes it bumps and clangs and is a sporty ride, you know when you run over a pin! But isn’t this what you want from a small sports car? I’ve had a lot of cars and paid through the nose for gadgets but with this little car I don’t even turn on the stereo, I’d rather listen to its revy little engine. If you want a car that makes you smile mile after mile, I don’t think a couple of grand could top this ;-) Ps, we sold the hard top, roofs never up when driven.

Garry, Ireland on the MG TF

Like every other bloke it’s my wife’s MG. I have to say I love it. It’s so much fun. It’s the TF160 so i’ts really quick. If anyone is having problems with the roof getting stuck on the way down look for the 2 elastic strips on the straps inside the roof, they look like seatbelt straps, the elastic seems to stretch and loose its ability to pull the cross bar back so it jams the roof. Very simple little problem to fix. When I bought her she had pretty much experienced every problem the TF is notorious for but the garage sorted them all before I picked her up and she has been fine since. I have been having problems with water in the passanger side foot well but through research I learned that water gets in through the air intake for the heater because of bad welding, which is easy enough to seal but if you park it pointed downhill the water doesn’t get in.

Jeremy, Scotland on the MG TF

Bought the car second hand in 2004. Actually it’s my wife’s car but I drive it most of the time. Had to put a new engine in it in 2007 as not only did the head gasket go but the piston liners were gone also. (At least I think that is what the garage said!) Recon. engine cost me £2200! I’ve still got the car as, despite the "chocolate" engine, the dreadful quality of interior finish, the jarring ride and the unbelievable time it takes to put the roof down, I still like it!! Crazy I know. Maybe it’s just the MG thing. I’m told other people suffer from the same ailment. Can’t think of anything I would rather have at the moment apart maybe from a boxter but my wife won’t let me buy one!

Claire, Kent on the MG TF

I love the look, and the sexiness, and the nice engine hummm. BUT the roof gets stuck halfway down and have to struggle with is for five mins. The ride is sooooo hard, I find myself having to hold the steering wheel in case it flicks off a bump. The soft roof is very noisy and you can’t chat to a passenger. Thinking about changing it!

Terry, Sussex on the MG ZS

Very impressed, had it a week now fast car just love the V6 engine. It’s a bit of a hard ride but who cares when you have the speed to put a smile on your face. Bit juicy on petrol.

Sam, Surrey on the MG MGF

A fantastic car, you will not find a more enjoyable sports car for the price. I will warn any prospective buyer, however, that if you do not buy a decent MGF you will suffer the consequences! Mine lasted 4 months of bliss before all went to hell. I spent nearly £1500 on it and then the head gasket went a week after all the gasket checks were completed. I am now scrapping my beautiful MGF, which makes me want to cry! If you buy a decent MG, you will never regret it!

Phill , Staffordshire on the MG MGF

Wonderful little sports car with the feel of a much more expensive vehicle.

Phill, Staffordshire on the MG MGF

Affordable sports car, good secondhand buy.

Terry , Kent on the MG ZS

Nice car for handling and fast for a non-turbo, plenty of room, comfy to drive and holds the road well. So far I am pleased with it.

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