MG Tf: MOT pass rate and reliability data

The MG Tf fails its first MOT more often than the average UK car, by 4.3 percentage points. These figures come from the DVSA's full year of anonymised MOT results, covering 9,402 individual MG Tf tests. Nothing here is an estimate or a survey.

The numbers

What this means if you are buying one

A 72.4% first-time pass rate means roughly 28 in every 100 MG Tfs presented for MOT fail on the first attempt. That is worse than average, so budget for remedial work and treat a fresh 12-month MOT as a genuine selling point rather than a given. The average MG Tf tested had covered 57,766 miles and was built around 2004.

What this means at salvage auction

Pass rate is a proxy for what a car costs to keep on the road. The MG Tf sits 4.3 points below the national average, ranked 1,697 of 2,005 models. On one bought as repairable salvage, assume the mechanical side needs more than the visible accident damage, and pad your repair estimate accordingly.

Before you bid: run the lot through the analyzer, check the car's own record, check the mileage, decode the VIN, and if it carries a marker use the write-off value calculator. Or compare it against another model.

Looking at a specific MG Tf rather than the model in general? The free check covers its MOT and mileage history, and the full HPI report confirms the insurance write-off category, outstanding finance and whether it is recorded stolen, from licensed data for 5 credits. Already own one that has been damaged? Work out whether fixing it beats selling it with the repair or scrap calculator, and see recorded closing bids for damaged MG Tfs at UK salvage auction.

Most common MOT failures on a MG Tf

1. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded, 3.7% of tests (10.47x the national rate for this defect)
2. Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, 2.1% of tests (7.79x the national rate for this defect)
3. Audible warning inoperative, 2.2% of tests (7.78x the national rate for this defect)
4. Emissions levels exceed default limits, 2.5% of tests (7.15x the national rate for this defect)
5. Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer, 2.4% of tests (4.61x the national rate for this defect)
6. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 3.5% of tests (3.75x the national rate for this defect)
7. Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, 4.8% of tests (3.72x the national rate for this defect)
8. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 3.2% of tests (2.47x the national rate for this defect)
9. Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake, 2.1% of tests (2x the national rate for this defect)
10. Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, 3.1% of tests (1.83x the national rate for this defect)

From 9,401 DVSA-tracked MG Tf tests, 2024. DVSA testers marked 3.16% of these flagged MG Tf defects as "dangerous", meaning the tester judged the car unsafe to drive away, against 5.11% nationally.

Most common MOT advisories on a MG Tf

An advisory doesn't fail the car - the tester flags it as worth watching, but it still passes. A different list from the failures above: what testers are noting on a MG Tf before it actually fails on it.

1. A shock absorber bush excessively worn, 2.8% of tests (5.8x the national rate for this advisory)
2. A wheel bearing with excessive play, 3.7% of tests (5.75x the national rate for this advisory)
3. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 6.1% of tests (4.59x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
4. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded, 20.3% of tests (3.93x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
5. A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded, 4.4% of tests (3.45x the national rate for this advisory)
6. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 3.9% of tests (3.16x the national rate for this advisory)
7. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 4.6% of tests (3.02x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
8. Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake, 5.3% of tests (2.64x the national rate for this advisory), also fails
9. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 12.4% of tests (2x the national rate for this advisory)
10. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 21.2% of tests (1.73x the national rate for this advisory)

From 9,401 DVSA-tracked MG Tf tests, 2024.

MG Tf pass rate by model year

From its 2002 to its 2006 model year, the MG Tf's first-time pass rate has risen 4.5 points, from 70.9% to 75.4%, the usual pattern: a newer model year is a younger car today, so it fails less. First-time pass rate for each MG Tf year:

• 2002 MG Tf - 70.9% first-time pass, 1,790 tests
• 2003 MG Tf - 71.2% first-time pass, 2,665 tests
• 2004 MG Tf - 73.2% first-time pass, 2,553 tests
• 2005 MG Tf - 76% first-time pass, 1,234 tests
• 2006 MG Tf - 75.4% first-time pass, 301 tests
• 2009 MG Tf - 77.7% first-time pass, 278 tests
• 2010 MG Tf - 79.6% first-time pass, 216 tests

Other MG models

• MG Zs - 81.4%
• MG 3 - 80.1%
• MG Zs Exclusive Ev - 90.6%
• MG Mgf - 69.6%
• MG 5 Exclusive - 91.6%
• MG Zs Exclusive Vti-Tech - 90.3%
• MG Hs Exclusive S-A - 91.9%
• MG Hs Exclusive - 90.7%

Models with a similar pass rate

• Toyota Landcruiser Amazon - 72.6%
• Hyundai I800 - 72.5%
• Vauxhall Ampera - 72.5%
• Toyota Hi-Ace - 72.3%
• Lexus Rx300 - 72.3%
• Smart Roadster 80 Auto(Rhd) - 72.3%

If this car is a salvage or write-off

• What does Cat N mean? Category N explained
• What does Cat S mean? Category S explained
• Cat S vs Cat N: the real differences
• Do you need an HPI check on a car you know is a write-off?

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All 2,005 models ranked by MOT pass rate