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Official DVLA Record
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2004 MG TF 1.8L Petrol · DRH 135

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
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 10 Sept 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Jan 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2004
Engine
1796cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

A consistent record of roadworthiness defines this vehicle, with four consecutive clean passes and no recorded defects. The most recent test on 12 September 2025 confirms a stable trend, showing a vehicle that has met the minimum safety and emissions standards without requiring remedial work over the last four years. With 23,132 miles recorded over 22 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 1,051 miles per year. This low annual accumulation indicates that the car has spent significant periods stationary or has been used very sparingly. Mechanically, this usage profile shifts the primary concern from drivetrain wear to the potential degradation of rubber components and seals resulting from infrequent use. As the MOT history is devoid of specific advisories regarding suspension, brakes, or corrosion, the physical inspection should focus on the general mechanical state of the MG TF platform. During a test drive, listen for any knocks or play within the steering rack and suspension linkages, and monitor the engine for any abnormal vibrations or sounds. Check the underside of the chassis for oil misting or leaks, which can occur when seals are not regularly lubricated by fluid circulation. Ensure the brakes do not bind and that the pedal feel is consistent, as low-mileage vehicles can develop surface corrosion on discs or sticking calipers. Additionally, verify the operation of the convertible roof mechanism and the integrity of the weather seals to ensure no water ingress has occurred during periods of inactivity.

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 Analysis
65
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for DRH135

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Stolen
UNVERIFIED
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Finance
UNVERIFIED
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Write-off
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Salvage
UNVERIFIED
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Imported
UNVERIFIED
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Exported
UNVERIFIED
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

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Reliability & Known Issues

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

  1. 28/01/200821,706 mi
  2. 01/05/200921,806 mi+100 mi
  3. 22/04/201022,001 mi+195 mi
  4. 05/07/201122,294 mi+293 mi
  5. 23/08/201222,445 mi+151 mi
  6. 30/08/201322,469 mi+24 mi
  7. 03/09/201422,537 mi+68 mi
  8. 10/09/201522,591 mi+54 mi
  9. 05/09/201622,624 mi+33 mi
  10. 31/08/201722,664 mi+40 mi
  11. 25/08/201822,703 mi+39 mi
  12. 21/08/201922,790 mi+87 mi
  13. 26/08/202022,837 mi+47 mi
  14. 07/09/202122,877 mi+40 mi
  15. 08/09/202222,950 mi+73 mi
  16. 21/08/202323,040 mi+90 mi
  17. 05/09/202423,079 mi+39 mi
  18. 12/09/202523,132 mi+53 mi

Average of roughly 81 miles per year across 18 recorded odometer readings.

DRH 135 MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 11 Oct 2026, 01:52
MOT Analysis

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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
82/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,600
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 23,132 is signif...

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

MG TF Model Intelligence & Reliability

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