MG tf 135 or 160?

[oldie]

Wondering whether to buy one of the above. Not strictly 75/ZT related however I suspect there is a plenitude of experience and views regarding the two-seater. So: a 160 or a 135 (and tweak as desired)?

[Dallas]

I've been looking into buying an F or TF, and found THIS page quite informative.

[sworks]

I tend to find that the engine isn’t as important in these cars as most, even the 1600 is fun to drive

[MGjim]

My son still has his for sale, see my post in "cars for sale" section, open to sensible offers 'cos I really need to shift it soon!

[sworks]

I keep looking at it due to lack of storage the coupe would probably have to go first........

[Weso]

I had a TF160 for year and a bit. Lovely little car. Mine had great bodywork but had to sort HGF. I found being a bit of a perfectionist like many on here there's certain things you will want to sort. In my case tyres, theres only 2 make and model of tyre approved by what remains of MGR and the MGOC, not hugely expensive but better replaced as a set and likewise a proper hunter alignment set up. The TF is hugely sensitive to tyres and alignment - once done one can enjoy the car. (when i acquired the car it would not drive straight at 70mph, front goes light etc.) Mid engine cars are incredibly sensitive to this, likewise tyre pressures should be 26/36, and don't listen to tyre fitters on tyres or pressures on these cars.

The 160 has a lovely flat power curve that redlines at 7200rpm but pulls from 2000. If you are the sort of driver that will take advantage of the top end then go for a 160. The 160 comes with much better front discs and calipers as standard.

Not driven a 135 but sure plenty fast enough. If you are mature in years or just want a nice topless top sunday car then any of the variations will do depending on your budget. To be honest i would of had just as much fun in a 135 as a 160.

Ride is rock hard on virtually any TF and will come as a shock compared to our 75's or even ZT's.

They sell on condition rather than much else and now is the time buying wise. Build quality is nothing like our cars here. Think 160's hold there money slightly better. Popular within our club as 2nd or third cars so plenty of expertise around.

Hope this helps a tad.

Mark

[howardf]

I picked up an mg tf 135 2004 from the forum about 3 weeks ago for next to nothing...1 previous owner and fsh.
Nice little car to play with.

Get one and enjoy..H

[Dart2050]

I've been running two F's this year. A white 120 which I spent over a year sorting and sold it two weeks ago. I've kept the 143 which is faster being the VVC and have been hill climbing it quite successfully. I have been looking all year for the next one which will be an F 160 trophy or TF 160. Hard to find a decent one. It seems TFs are more prone to rot than F's from what I've seen.

[J-t-s]

I have had a 135 for nine years and I would recommend it fully. As said above, buy on condition. The 2005 model year cars had a revised, more compliant suspension setup and a lovely, practical glass rear heated screen. Like Our Rovers they respond well to regular services and there are two or three outstanding mobile mechanics who will help you keep these in top condition. Don't be too worried about the number of previous owners, as they tend to be kept as second cars for a few seasons. Also the HGF myth keeps values down.

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[mininuts]

Originally Posted by oldie

Wondering whether to buy one of the above. Not strictly 75/ZT related however I suspect there is a plenitude of experience and views regarding the two-seater. So: a 160 or a 135 (and tweak as desired)?

Originally Posted by sworks

I tend to find that the engine isn’t as important in these cars as most, even the 1600 is fun to drive

Agree with Mark here. I have a 118 1.8 and it's more than enough fun as it is. Quick and agile little cars without any tweaks needed