2004 MG TF 1.8L Petrol · DRH 135
2004 MG TF (1.8L, petrol). First registered 29 Jun 2004. Recorded mileage 23,132 miles. MOT expired on 10 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- MG TF
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 23,132 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
DRH 135 Key Findings
- 18 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 12/09/2025
- 23,132 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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Known faults for MG MG TF
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
DRH 135 Mileage History
- 28/01/200821,706 mi
- 01/05/200921,806 mi+100 mi
- 22/04/201022,001 mi+195 mi
- 05/07/201122,294 mi+293 mi
- 23/08/201222,445 mi+151 mi
- 30/08/201322,469 mi+24 mi
- 03/09/201422,537 mi+68 mi
- 10/09/201522,591 mi+54 mi
- 05/09/201622,624 mi+33 mi
- 31/08/201722,664 mi+40 mi
- 25/08/201822,703 mi+39 mi
- 21/08/201922,790 mi+87 mi
- 26/08/202022,837 mi+47 mi
- 07/09/202122,877 mi+40 mi
- 08/09/202222,950 mi+73 mi
- 21/08/202323,040 mi+90 mi
- 05/09/202423,079 mi+39 mi
- 12/09/202523,132 mi+53 mi
Average of roughly 81 miles per year across 18 recorded odometer readings.
DRH 135 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
18 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mg Tf (DRH 135) between January 2008 and September 2025.
The record contains 18 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong recommendation for buyers seeki
Given the extremely low annual mileage—covering only 182 miles between 2022 and 2025—the primary focus should be on the effects of prolonged inactivity. Check for perished rubber components, including tyres and suspension bushings, and ensure the fuel system has not suffered from stagnation.
Request a full service history to see if the oil was changed regularly regardless of the low mileage. You should negotiate based on the likelihood that the car will require a comprehensive 'recommissioning' service, including new fluids and a thorough brake system check, to ensure it is roadworthy for daily use.
The 1.8L petrol engine provides a sporty experience but will have higher fuel consumption than modern equivalents. As a 2004 model, it falls into an older vehicle tax bracket, which will be a significant part of the annual cost. Insurance groups for the TF are generally moderate, but premiums can vary based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs for MG TFs can be higher than standard hatchbacks due to the specific nature of the mid-engine layout. Expect to budget for specialised parts and the potential for corrosion treatment to preserve the chassis.
While this vehicle's MOT history shows no defects, you should specifically inspect the areas where other MG TFs commonly fail. Check the exhaust system for corrosion and the ball joints for wear, as these are top failure reasons across the model's aggregate data.
Pay close attention to the brakes; the aggregate data shows 'service brake excessively' as a common failure, and a car that has sat idle for long periods is prone to seized calipers. Finally, inspect the blue paintwork for any fading or clear-coat failure common to vehicles stored outdoors.
This blue 2004 MG TF is a rare find with a recorded mileage of just 23,132 miles as of September 2025. Its MOT history from 2022 to 2025 is notably clean, with four consecutive passes and no defects recorded. Compared to the wider MG TF population, this specific 1796cc petrol model has been used significantly less than average.
The MG TF has an average MOT pass rate of 77.8%, with common failure points identified as the exhaust, ball joints, and braking systems.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: MG TF
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Head Gasket Failure(Serious)
Like the ZR, the TF uses the K-Series engine. The mid-engine layout makes cooling even more critical.
- Subframe and Sill Rust(Serious)
The front and rear subframes, sills, and rear wheel arches are highly prone to rust. Pre-2007 Chinese-built cars are generally better protected, but all TFs need careful inspection underneath.
- Electrical Gremlins(Moderate)
Electric windows and central locking can play up. The roof wiring loom for heated rear screens often frays and breaks over time due to repeated folding.
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MG TF Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- Head Gasket FailureSerious
Like the ZR, the TF uses the K-Series engine. The mid-engine layout makes cooling even more critical.
- Subframe and Sill RustSerious
The front and rear subframes, sills, and rear wheel arches are highly prone to rust. Pre-2007 Chinese-built cars are generally better protected, but all TFs need careful inspection underneath.
- Electrical GremlinsModerate
Electric windows and central locking can play up. The roof wiring loom for heated rear screens often frays and breaks over time due to repeated folding.
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