Man, the steering on my tf is great, responsive and engaging, it's ability to flick around winding country roads is where it really comes to life. You didn't mention one of the biggest changes from f to tf, that of course being the suspension the tf has a totally different and in my opinion better set up. It's also an easy engine to work on for an amateur enthusiast, if a little tight to access , I did the chg myself, hardest part was getting the timing belt back on, you need to be both patient and double jointed. This is also one of the few cars that you're likely to get a wave and a smile from fellow owners , all in all, the best car I've ever owned
If you want sharp, replace the ARBs with the ones by VHS and get the Xpower (eibach) springs and the VHS bilsten shocks. That will sharpen it a bit. I like the steering, I think it has nice feedback and it is quite quick lock to lock. It is a roadster, try driving it for 300 miles without the "numb" steering and your arms will hurt from the constant micro-corrections. Such a good looking car. People don't realise it, the amount of stuff you get with this for pocket change money is enormous. 4pot calipers, 16 inch alloys, mid-engined RWD, NA 1.8L 160bhp engine, and a custom made design unique on the road (not a platform car). What is not to like really?
Your comments about unresponsive steering and lack of connection: There's probably something wrong with the tracking or tyres on that car. A well set-up TF 160 is has great feedback and sharp handling. MG Fs and TFs are very sensitive to tyres. They originally came with GoodYear Eagle F1s GSD2s when new. Over the years, only one or two types of tyres are recommended by owners: Falken ZIEX and a specific type of Toyo Proxes. Anything else and the handling will not be up to standard. That's probably what was wrong with the car you tested.
yes I have an MGF and a MGTF and have has my F fpr 25 years, the handling is pin sharp, I have yokahama low profile racing tyres but its almost incapable of letting go in the dry at any speed whatever craziness you pull. Its amazing so I think it had bad tyres or wasnt set up properly too
Have a 160 for 12 years now. Used the original GoodYear, Toyos, Hankook, and Yokohama all of them really good. The steering and the responsive is always awesome..... and hard to beat
I'm sat here trying to think of a reasonable comment, I think you got some aspects correct however it came across to me that you hadn't carried out much if any research on the MGF/TF. Look at the other comments that address a lot of the points raised also don't forget it is a 20 year old car/design completed on a shoestring budget. As for storage I did a 10 day trip to Lake Garda with my wife pre lockdown and we had plenty of storage (it's a sports car and not designed to do Ikea runs) much more than the MX5 we toured in previously. The bonnet release and boot opening are a bit annoying but it was designed in the "joy-riding" era.
A lot of the other commenter seem to belive the MG TF is the finest automobile ever conceived. It can't both be that and also be forgiven for having been created on a tight budget, its one or the other
We have had out TF for 12 years, it’s such a fun car to drive. Puts a smile on my face every time. My biggest gripe ever, aircon in a soft top. Who needs it, the times I see people with the sun out and the top up annoys the crap out of me. You don’t need iron, just put the bloody roof down. Takes what 10 seconds.
Locking keys in the boot - you do not have to replace the boot lid just the lamp cluster. If you're at home and have tools you can get to it by removing the engine cover then with a long rod with a hook it's possible to pull the catch that way. Fitting an electric boot release from various suppliers helps as long as the car doors are not locked or fitting a waterproof switch in a hidden external location. Crashy suspension can be cured by fitting the soft ride kit as developed for the last manufacturing run and is available from many MG TF suppliers.
This information was provided to the owner by an MG specialist garage, though perhaps they prefer charging for all the new parts over Solving it intelligently
My grandfather used to work for MG Rover, he bought a blue 03 MG TF f straight from the factory. Never knew which engines it had until recently. He still owns it and I would love to have one, although I’m in America.
Definitely confusion here about handling and steering feedback/feeling. It’s an amazing handling car, but the overly powerful electric power steering takes a lot of the driver feedback away. Remove the PAS 40a fuse under the bonnet and try it. Handling is exactly the same, but the feeling and feedback is much improved.
I don’t think you understand the comment. Yes it’a disappointing because of the overly powerful electric assistance. Take out the fuse and it is then much improved feedback, as there’s no assistance..just like a lotus Elise. I ended up with a TF because I tested an s1 and s2 Elise, but didn’t really fit in either.
‘If it were stiffer and more engaging it would be a hoot to drive’ Take the fuse out for the PAS and your wish is granted. That’s what I meant. Also the tyres and state of suspension play a large part in how sharp it responds to input.
Don’t get the joke about the oil? I’ve owned two mgtfs and never had to top up the oil? And aslong as you update the coolant system with stainless pipes the head gasket never went and my tf is on 150 thousand miles?
As soon as you say "as long as you do 'x'" you immediately invalidate your previous point. We're fully aware that if you modify and update a TF you can make it as reliable as a Toyota and drive however you like, but an MX-5 comes like that out of the box, no extra work needed.
@@BuckleUpShow shame the mx5 rots way more than an mgtf though 👍 You don’t have to update the coolant system there are examples that have lasted over a 100,000 miles on the factory head gasket. The k series is a really good engine better than an mx5 or they wouldn’t use them in land rovers and lotus cars 👍
The NC MX-5 (the one the TF was actually up against) rots less that the MG does 👍 Using a couple of K series engines making it to 100,000k miles as a demonstration of their reliability is almost the definition of using anacdotal evidence over empirical. Ah yes, Land Rover and Lotus. Companies both famed for their reliability. You're right in the sense that response, power delivery and tuneability are all excellent on the K, but there is a reason Toyota swapped to Toyota Power units and Land Rover didn't put a K series in the freelander 2. 👍
Feels as though your opening section suggested you came with a negative bias prior to driving the car, and then tried to justify the negatives as you test drove it. Key to a good review is to remain objective; that way you build credibility. You also missed some key F to TF changes not least the hydra gas to springs suspension change.
Feels as though your comment came with negative bias prior to finishing the video, then tried to justify the negatives as you wrote it. Key to a good comment is to remain objective, that way you don’t come across as an MG fanboy…
The parts sharing has been its biggest benefit because if i want something i can source parts from honda civics accords rover 400 rover 45 mg zs and other rover models so thats been a big blessing later in its life
I own a TF 135 since a few weeks and love it. About the handling (like said before): that's most likely a tire problem. The previous owner of my car messed that up once before. After changing to the right tyres the car drove superior again.
Tyres can definitely have a large impact, however the suspension setup was flawed from the beginning, with it being a re-engineered setup recycled from another vehicle. Cars like the MX-5 which sit in a similar class and price bracket are undeniably better handling vehicles.
@@BuckleUpShowI guess you mean not as good as mr2 mx5 in general terms,cuz in terms of handling and exterior looks is extremely compared to other 2 noticed cars
The chassis on both the MR2 and MX-5 are miles better than the MG TF. Looks are subjective, though I'd say the TF is definitely comparable to both the MR2 and MX-5 in that department. If anything, the MG TF may be the best looking of the three.
@@BuckleUpShow yeah its totally outstanding , i love the look.However this car really problematic cuz i see everywhere avoid mg tf 1.8 ...?? I want to pick up one because i fucking love the shape and the exterior look and it costs nothing but will it be totally unreliable???
Two good bits of news 1) theG owners group is massive and quite supportive and 2) the general consensus is if you have the head gasket done it will be fine from then on. Yes an untouched 1.8 on its original gasket is basically asking to go pop at this point but most enthusiast owned cars were sorted long ago. Since they're affordable even in very good nick buy the nicest one you can afford with a full service history including the head gasket being done and you'll be laughing
The TF an be remapped to take the leash off, it was slightly nobbled by the marketeers - giving an extra 10% performance It really improves the responsiveness
Hang on a minute you're saying you've not seen a clock on a dash for a number of years? how much is this number? You look like you're only just legally old enough to drive 😅 Good video though!
Hello there , I think overall you did a very good review except for the fact ( and dont take this too seriously 😁 ) you must remember to never ever ever criticize a British sports car in any capacity whatsoever especially the last of them in the TF 😁 your supposed to overlook any little problems as its a British sports car and they have a distinctive raw british feel rather than a tight Japanese feel ( see, I'm even making excuses for it 😉 ) try driving the beautiful tiny 1959 Austin Healey frog eyed sprite and you'll know what I mean, top speed of 80 feels like your doing 150 mph nevertheless I thought you gave a good constructive review of this Classic sports car complimenting its beautiful looks comparable to 20yr old mx5's and MR2's👍, complimentary of the K series engine ( irrespective of its problems whilst most condem them 👍 ). Your right about the slowish steering though however removing the power steerfuse does correct this problem even though you shouldn't have to I'm sure your father has mentioned and you yourself on reflection have realized you just got caught up in the British Classic Car debate V Japanese without realizing it at the time plus a little bit of ageism. Ive now had 2, mgf and currently TF 160 BHP in Trophy blue and just paid 1k for a new blue roof, it looks stunning like a little baby Ferrari 😁. It would be great to see you do other reviews on other sports cars in the future so good luck and merry Christmas. And remember 😁 never ever ever criticize a british sports car and of course its perfectly acceptable to lie in its defence as its written in the ownership handbook rules and 5 minute warranty. Take care and keep spreading the love ❤ . Its nice to be nice ❤.
Beautiful car to drive, although it spends most of it's time in workshop waiting for parts from the UK. Designed by Peter Stevens. The designer of my ultimate car of all time. The McLaren F1
Unfortunately, I'd say that this is a car that looks better than it drives (in my humble opinion!) It does drive relatively well, but is not as competent or fun as other vehicles from the same class. Looks absolutely gorgeous though!
I thoroughly enjoyed the drive, nice low ride height, amazing around corners. I remember taking on my business partner in his Z4 and I killed him on the corners. I used to throw this car at high speed around corners and it just stuck. That's my driving experience.
By 34 seconds in all that happened was a question was posed and then a fact stated about the MG TF being a heavily facelifted MG F - please explain how this shows I know nothing? 😂
Clearly an mgtf hater rather than a bad steering/suspension system on that specific tf. Even when he said that the engine is a gem in the end, he added "when it works". The review should have lasted 5seconds saying ULTIMATE MID-ENGINE CAR FOR EVERYONE TO BUY and that's all but i am sure based on the review he doesn't understand what mid-engine is, he just thinks that the engine is in the middle and nothing else. Meanwhile mid-engine cars for everyone to buy are under exctinction and everyone is buying ugly white or grey square boxes filled with electronics that they call cars. As for mx-5 and mr-2, good luck find one that is not destroyed by a kid thinking he is the drift king.
You seem like a well-rounded, rational person. Do you not agree it would be remiss not to mention any issues you have with a vehicle you review? The K-series engine has well known head gasket problems regardless of what you say. You are entitled to your opinions, however having driven several mid-engined sports cars between us, the TF cannot be described as the ‘ultimate’. Your choice of language towards the end of your comment says everything we need to know about the kind of person you are and we’re happy to hear you disagree with our assessment.
@@BuckleUpShow First of all let me remind you that you are reviewing a car that is 20 years old that looks in good condition cause it's washed, how do you know if the steering/suspension system is in perfect condition? Does this specific tf wears the perfect tires for your type of driving? try nankang ns-2r. I can clearly see from 21:03 that is wearing soft-ride suspension and god knows what springs that leans back and forth so badly. That is not normal behavior with the factory stiff suspension. Also can try bilstein shocks/eibach springs/polyurethane bushes. The K-series engine (has?) well known head gasket problems? There is no chance in year 2023 to get a tf without a multi-layer head gasket that is a one time fix and forget about it. By the way tell me one single car from 2000's that has not replaced the head gasket by year 2023. None. Let me inform you that all cars break down and all can be fixed. About horse power: rover-k series has unlimited potential check YT for "Rover K Series Turbo World Record 718bhp Dyno" or "MG TF turbo 1.8 k series 430hp". The only problem with this car is only you british people that you do not support it. But i can understand there is not enough money to be made by supporting it.
Thanks for the reminder. We are astonished by your ability to comment on the driving characteristics of this very car through a screen sat at home. That really is impressive. We'll tell you what the actual problem is with this car. It's the owners. Not all, we admit. But a not insignificant amount, a lot of whom have found themselves in the comments section of this video, are unwilling to even accept the concept that this car is not completely and totally perfect. Every person who has commented on this review concerning any negative statements made always tell us that this car has the wrong tyres, or the wrong suspension setup. They do this with what we assume is a completely straight face, all while seeming to forget this proves the car was not set up properly from the factory anyway.
@@BuckleUpShow I reply here after 1 year to report that my TF had 0 gasket issues nor any other issues to invalidate you even more kisses mr. MG Hater. 😘
@@BuckleUpShow Like at 15:08 at the very top of the video frame, left to the rear view mirror. Looks like a plate is clipped over the mirror? Great review by the way. Found the video because of the MG Cyberster announcement and wanted to learn how the previous MG roadsters behave in general. Looks somewhat promising. :)
Unfortunately it's not our car we just borrowed it to review, so I'm not sure where the wind deflector is from. You could try emailing the MG owners club they tend to be very knowledgeable and helpful
We did mean among it's peers rather than compared to a current car. MG created the TF with incredibly tight budget constraints and it is apparent in places.
Well it was lighter, but by all accounts the chassis was even worse than the TF, the suspension was overcomplicated and too soft and if you had an accident there wasn't much in the way of a crash cell
@@BuckleUpShow I have a trophy (no pun intended) cabinet that says otherwise, and the hydrogas suspension inst complicated, and suits small cars really well
It's like watching Michael Jackson meets Will from Inbetweeners and my advice is to keep the day job as Top Gear are more likely to offer Jimmy Saville the presenters job before this child like chappy 😮. Very boring and incredibly childish.
Hi Peter, Just a quick FYI from us, we can see your RU-vid channels. Both of them. We can see what you've uploaded. We know the sort of person you are. We can literally see where you live. Maybe sit this one out.
@@BuckleUpShow Anytime you like honky, just let me know when you are coming and I guarantee to be in. I don't want to waste your time but I recommend that you don't come alone as you will need someone to carry you home or on to the A & E.
Oh come on, Peter. Really? A man of your high age shouldn't be threatening a young kid like that. And anyway, you'd probably put your back out. Our suggestion would be to go back to recording your neighbours without their knowledge or consent (which is illegal btw) and we'll stick to reviewing cars.
