2005 MGTF Roadster

Olde faithful · 9th February 2021, 20:15

I took the roadster in today to a MG Rover specialist for the belts and full service and a general looking over. Been in the garage since Nov 2020 under the dust covers , reconnected the battery terminal and boom started first time, i must say i bought this 4 years ago as a i would like to try one of those.... i have never had any trouble with or gasket leaks... been a real gem, shes on 116000 miles now and drives fantastic.

I know these cars get a rough ride in the press... but as a R75 owner this is just play car with the roof for the price of 10 pence kind of thing.... but i dont think they deserve the grief they get i believe any one else think the MG TF is a great little sports car for very little money?

Number 6 · 9th February 2021, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olde faithful

I took the roadster in today to a MG Rover specialist for the belts and full service and a general looking over. Been in the garage since Nov 2020 under the dust covers , reconnected the battery terminal and boom started first time, i must say i bought this 4 years ago as a i would like to try one of those.... i have never had any trouble with or gasket leaks... been a real gem, shes on 116000 miles now and drives fantastic.

I know these cars get a rough ride in the press... but as a R75 owner this is just play car with the roof for the price of 10 pence kind of thing.... but i dont think they deserve the grief they get i believe any one else think the MG TF is a great little sports car for very little money?

Totally agree with you, I have an "F" which I rescued from a breakers in the UK. I drove it back home (France) and been using it over hear for the last 4 years. They are a very underrated sports car. Ideal for the roads over here.

Steamdrivenandy · 10th February 2021, 07:29

I'm using lockdown cogitating over choosing between a 75/ZT estate or an F/TF.

That may sound an odd dichotomy as they're totally different beasts so perhaps I'd best explain.

We have a June 2020 Skoda Scala 1.0 DSG which is just creeping up to 1500 miles (lockdown effect it would normally be 4500 miles by now). It's a great car, especially in SEL trim and with the optional all black glass hatch door. We can just fit the dog crate in the boot and therefore travel with her, using the back seats for luggage.

My thought on a 75T/ZT T is that it gives me something to play with and something to accomodate the dog crate and still have boot room for luggage.

On the other hand, why bother about dog room when the Scala already provides that? Why not buy myself a sports car and give me a chance to try one that's a manageable price with good back up still around.

The one issue is gearboxes. Mrs SDA won't drive a manual car and just in case she ever has to drive it, she insists that if I get us a second motor it must be auto. So for a TF that means a Stepspeed which just increases the rarity substantially. I've found one on Autotrader that's with a Ford dealership that's almost in the English Channel of the end of Kent and two at Trophy Cars on the A1 between Stamford and Grantham and that's it. Both Trophy cars have odd MOT histories with large unexplained gaps, one having spent 3 years without an MOT test, but accumulating 25,000 miles at the same time. I assume it went and lived abroad, who knows? The other mystery is that all three Stepspeeds are 2002 models, just after the TF launch whilst Stepspeed was available through to 2005 but no examples for sale in the latter years, which could just be coincidence.

pletevl · 10th February 2021, 14:18

We have 2 MG TFs, one in XPG 2004 bought brand new and had early signs of headgasket failure in 2011. changed it and it's been fine since.

The second one was bought from wales in 2010, Red 2004 model. Headgasket was done before we got it. Bought back to france and registered here.

They have both been 100% reliable. (apart from 1 x HGF)

Pete.

LeRich · 10th February 2021, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steamdrivenandy

I'm using lockdown cogitating over choosing between a 75/ZT estate or an F/TF.

Stepspeeds are not common and probably with good reason. It might suit the softer nature of the F but it's an awkward match for the TF. The same box was available in the 25/45/ZR/ZS too if those cars are of interest. MGF/TFs are fun cars but are demanding to own. If you don't mind the work, then it's a good choice.

The auto box in the 75/ZT works really well, but would the car be a bit too sensible for a 2nd 'toy' car?

Have you thought about something non-MGR?

Steamdrivenandy · 10th February 2021, 22:03

The 'steadyness' of the 75/ZT was what got me looking at the roadsters as a 'play' car and as the guy in our next door garage is doing a long term MGB restoration (summer only) I thought it might be good to sort of work together. The only other open top that I can think of that might be suitable is a Mini Convertible, though the first generation has exactly the same Stepspeed gearbox. So if you're trying to avoid that it means the 2009 to 2015 iteration and the prices sort of take it into mainstream territory.

MX5 is the usual cry, though I'm not sure Mrs SDA would fit in one (I didn't say that) and MR2's are also suggested but there are about the same number of auto's about as TF auto's.

Steamdrivenandy · 11th February 2021, 07:34

There are some very interesting cars in that auction Clive. I believe that the F's leather seats are worth something on their own as they're the preferred spec. and most have cloth. The pale blue sills might be a concern and it seems an odd colour choice as there's nothing else of even a vaguely similar colour on the car to sort of link it in with.

LeRich · 11th February 2021, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steamdrivenandy

MX5 is the usual cry, though I'm not sure Mrs SDA would fit in one (I didn't say that) and MR2's are also suggested but there are about the same number of auto's about as TF auto's.

The SMT box in the MR2 is prone to failure so best avoided. Otherwise the MR2 betters the F/TF in pretty much every way.

How about a R170 Merc SLK? Early cars are very undervalued and seem pretty strong apart from their love of rusting. A grunty 2.3 supercharged four-pot mated to a smooth Merc auto and folding hard top is rather appealling I think.

Steamdrivenandy · 11th February 2021, 21:05

I understand that the MR2, like the MX5 has hardly any luggage space, whilst the F/TF had a surprisingly good amount. Also the MR2 has a reputation for rotting hidden subframes, which is not the sort of surprise anyone likes.

A second edition Mini convertible sounds like a good idea but you're getting a bit too recent, and expensive.

A neighbour of ours ran a Merc as suggested for a number of years but swapped it for a Mini Convertible.

marinabrian · 11th February 2021, 22:37

Having worked on both MGF and MGTF, I don't expect I'd want to own either, and especially not one with a mongbox........having driven a 1800 R3 fitted with the stepspeed gearbox for a few weeks, I'd rather take the bus.

Yes they really are that bad !

Brian

P.S. driving anything old, and the newest MGR offering is coming up on sixteen, will seem agricultural in comparison to the new car you are currently using

9th February 2021, 20:15	#1
Olde faithful Loves to post ROVER 75 TOURER Join Date: May 2017 Location: BIRMINGHAM GB Posts: 355 Thanks: 27 Thanked 268 Times in 102 Posts	2005 MGTF Roadster I took the roadster in today to a MG Rover specialist for the belts and full service and a general looking over. Been in the garage since Nov 2020 under the dust covers , reconnected the battery terminal and boom started first time, i must say i bought this 4 years ago as a i would like to try one of those.... i have never had any trouble with or gasket leaks... been a real gem, shes on 116000 miles now and drives fantastic. I know these cars get a rough ride in the press... but as a R75 owner this is just play car with the roof for the price of 10 pence kind of thing.... but i dont think they deserve the grief they get i believe any one else think the MG TF is a great little sports car for very little money?

10th February 2021, 07:29	#3
Steamdrivenandy Avid contributor Thinking on Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Madeley, Staffs Posts: 188 Thanks: 31 Thanked 37 Times in 25 Posts	I'm using lockdown cogitating over choosing between a 75/ZT estate or an F/TF. That may sound an odd dichotomy as they're totally different beasts so perhaps I'd best explain. We have a June 2020 Skoda Scala 1.0 DSG which is just creeping up to 1500 miles (lockdown effect it would normally be 4500 miles by now). It's a great car, especially in SEL trim and with the optional all black glass hatch door. We can just fit the dog crate in the boot and therefore travel with her, using the back seats for luggage. My thought on a 75T/ZT T is that it gives me something to play with and something to accomodate the dog crate and still have boot room for luggage. On the other hand, why bother about dog room when the Scala already provides that? Why not buy myself a sports car and give me a chance to try one that's a manageable price with good back up still around. The one issue is gearboxes. Mrs SDA won't drive a manual car and just in case she ever has to drive it, she insists that if I get us a second motor it must be auto. So for a TF that means a Stepspeed which just increases the rarity substantially. I've found one on Autotrader that's with a Ford dealership that's almost in the English Channel of the end of Kent and two at Trophy Cars on the A1 between Stamford and Grantham and that's it. Both Trophy cars have odd MOT histories with large unexplained gaps, one having spent 3 years without an MOT test, but accumulating 25,000 miles at the same time. I assume it went and lived abroad, who knows? The other mystery is that all three Stepspeeds are 2002 models, just after the TF launch whilst Stepspeed was available through to 2005 but no examples for sale in the latter years, which could just be coincidence. __________________ Morris 8 S2 Convertible, Fiat 500C Topolino, 105E Anglia, 1071 Austin Cooper S, MK 3 Cortina, Mk 2 Escorts, Renault 6, Renault 12, Maestro, Talbot Alpine, Citroen BX19, Vauxhall Carltons, Ford Mondeos, RAV4, Volvo 850, Octavia Est., Yaris Verso, Transit Camper, Adria motorhome, Kia Sorento, Kia Cee'd Est., Volvo V70, Yeti, Skoda Scala but where will it end?

10th February 2021, 22:03	#6
Steamdrivenandy Avid contributor Thinking on Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Madeley, Staffs Posts: 188 Thanks: 31 Thanked 37 Times in 25 Posts	The 'steadyness' of the 75/ZT was what got me looking at the roadsters as a 'play' car and as the guy in our next door garage is doing a long term MGB restoration (summer only) I thought it might be good to sort of work together. The only other open top that I can think of that might be suitable is a Mini Convertible, though the first generation has exactly the same Stepspeed gearbox. So if you're trying to avoid that it means the 2009 to 2015 iteration and the prices sort of take it into mainstream territory. MX5 is the usual cry, though I'm not sure Mrs SDA would fit in one (I didn't say that) and MR2's are also suggested but there are about the same number of auto's about as TF auto's. __________________ Morris 8 S2 Convertible, Fiat 500C Topolino, 105E Anglia, 1071 Austin Cooper S, MK 3 Cortina, Mk 2 Escorts, Renault 6, Renault 12, Maestro, Talbot Alpine, Citroen BX19, Vauxhall Carltons, Ford Mondeos, RAV4, Volvo 850, Octavia Est., Yaris Verso, Transit Camper, Adria motorhome, Kia Sorento, Kia Cee'd Est., Volvo V70, Yeti, Skoda Scala but where will it end?

11th February 2021, 07:34	#7
Steamdrivenandy Avid contributor Thinking on Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Madeley, Staffs Posts: 188 Thanks: 31 Thanked 37 Times in 25 Posts	There are some very interesting cars in that auction Clive. I believe that the F's leather seats are worth something on their own as they're the preferred spec. and most have cloth. The pale blue sills might be a concern and it seems an odd colour choice as there's nothing else of even a vaguely similar colour on the car to sort of link it in with. __________________ Morris 8 S2 Convertible, Fiat 500C Topolino, 105E Anglia, 1071 Austin Cooper S, MK 3 Cortina, Mk 2 Escorts, Renault 6, Renault 12, Maestro, Talbot Alpine, Citroen BX19, Vauxhall Carltons, Ford Mondeos, RAV4, Volvo 850, Octavia Est., Yaris Verso, Transit Camper, Adria motorhome, Kia Sorento, Kia Cee'd Est., Volvo V70, Yeti, Skoda Scala but where will it end?

11th February 2021, 21:05	#9
Steamdrivenandy Avid contributor Thinking on Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Madeley, Staffs Posts: 188 Thanks: 31 Thanked 37 Times in 25 Posts	I understand that the MR2, like the MX5 has hardly any luggage space, whilst the F/TF had a surprisingly good amount. Also the MR2 has a reputation for rotting hidden subframes, which is not the sort of surprise anyone likes. A second edition Mini convertible sounds like a good idea but you're getting a bit too recent, and expensive. A neighbour of ours ran a Merc as suggested for a number of years but swapped it for a Mini Convertible. __________________ Morris 8 S2 Convertible, Fiat 500C Topolino, 105E Anglia, 1071 Austin Cooper S, MK 3 Cortina, Mk 2 Escorts, Renault 6, Renault 12, Maestro, Talbot Alpine, Citroen BX19, Vauxhall Carltons, Ford Mondeos, RAV4, Volvo 850, Octavia Est., Yaris Verso, Transit Camper, Adria motorhome, Kia Sorento, Kia Cee'd Est., Volvo V70, Yeti, Skoda Scala but where will it end?

10th February 2021, 14:18	#4
pletevl Posted a thing or two rover 75 cdti(rhd), MG ZR(lhd), MG TF(lhd), MG TF(rhd), mini mpi (lhd), Renault megane III (awful) Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: East of France Posts: 1,278 Thanks: 124 Thanked 114 Times in 93 Posts	We have 2 MG TFs, one in XPG 2004 bought brand new and had early signs of headgasket failure in 2011. changed it and it's been fine since. The second one was bought from wales in 2010, Red 2004 model. Headgasket was done before we got it. Bought back to france and registered here. They have both been 100% reliable. (apart from 1 x HGF) Pete.

11th February 2021, 22:37	#10
marinabrian MG ZT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 20,151 Thanks: 3,565 Thanked 10,837 Times in 5,718 Posts	Having worked on both MGF and MGTF, I don't expect I'd want to own either, and especially not one with a mongbox........having driven a 1800 R3 fitted with the stepspeed gearbox for a few weeks, I'd rather take the bus. Yes they really are that bad ! Brian P.S. driving anything old, and the newest MGR offering is coming up on sixteen, will seem agricultural in comparison to the new car you are currently using