2009 MG MGTF

The MG TF was in production from 2002 until 2006. Styled in house, it is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports car seating two adults.

MG developed the TF as a more cost efficient variant of the MGF, utilising coil springs in place of Hydragas units in order to keep the cost of production low. The MGF had been the only model still to use Hydragas and the cost of producing displacers had become prohibitive. Barring a light facelift the range stayed broadly as before, with 1.6, 1.8, VVC and Steptronic versions of the new car available. The MG TF was still in production when MG called in the receivers in 2005, and the last few cars were registered in 2006. Under Chinese ownership, Longbridge re-opened its doors for 2008 to build a limited run of TF LE500s, which later became a semi-production run of TF135 models prior to the launch of the MG6 to ensure public brand awareness remained.

Most desirable is the TF160, with variable valve control. Standard 1.8 TF120 and TF135 models come next, the Chinese cars built during 2008 are desirable for curiosity value but aren’t worth any more than the equivalent Longbridge cars except to collectors. Steptronic cars are worth less than the equivalent manuals, but have a market among those who find changing their own gears difficult. It’s worth having the factory hard top if you can find a car which comes with one, but remember you;ll need somewhere to store it in summer. Over a four year factory life MG built 39249 TFs, with a limited number built at Longbridge under Chinese ownership during 2008 and 2009.

Alternatives to the MG TF then and now would include the Audi TT, Toyota MR2 roadster, and the Lotus Elise, though the closest alternative by far was the Mazda MX-5 MK2. This range mirrors the MG closely, with 1.6 and 1.8 litre variants as well as some warmer models at the top of the tree. If you want a better ride and don’t mind the softer looks, an MGF makes for an interesting alternative to the TF.