MG TF

This MG TF is a fully sorted car with a full history and is being offered by a top marque specialist. What’s not to like?

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Being a later model, this MG TF is on coil springs rather than the earlier Hydrolastic set-up of the MGF and it feels a lot more involving to drive. The rack-and-pinion steering also offers excellent feedback and feels precise. Handling is entertaining and there’s plenty of poke from the mid-mounted engine sitting behind you. The gearchange is slick, albeit slightly notchy, and the clutch is light. There is no juddering or squealing from the brakes.

BODYWORK CHECK

The bodywork has been extremely well looked after and the car has survived without as much as a major stonechip. All the plastic trim is intact and the Platinum Silver paintwork has a smooth, even finish. The panel gaps are even throughout. Underneath the car is virtually as good as it is on top – further proof of just how much care has been lavished. The blue hood has no rips or scuffs, and the 15in alloys are in good order.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior of this car is a true delight, and again in first class nick. The leather seats are comfortable and absorbing, and look unworn apart from a tiny bit of creasing on the driver’s side bolster that’s easily treatable (or just ignored). The instruments look great with their black-on-white dials, although the orange glow of the mileage reader is in stark contrast. The carpets and doorcards are in excellent condition. While the steering wheel has a smoothness consistent with the car’s mileage, it doesn’t have any unsightly marks or scuffs. The Kenwood stereo works exactly as it should.

UNDER THE BONNET

The mid-mounted 1.8-litre engine in this car seems in rude health and offers flexible and entertaining performance. It looks extremely clean (at least what can be seen of it) and there are no signs of leaks. The car has just had a full service, including the cambelt, and the impression is that it’s ready for years of enjoyable motoring.

OUR VERDICT

We doubt MG TF prices will get any lower than they are at the moment, although obviously you could pay a bit less for an example in not such great condition and it would be so easy to end up with a dud. However, here we have a car with two previous owners and full service history. It’s been thoroughly serviced and prepared for sale by a marque specialist, and comes with a three-month warranty. It feels ready to play. If you’re after an open-topped MG, this car should certainly be considered before you pay at least four times the price for an MGB.