2004 MG TF 1.8L Petrol · GV04 KZU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred repairs regarding critical suspension components. While the July 2025 test at 82,781 miles was a pass, it followed a significant failure just eleven days prior. That failure identified multiple dangerous issues including an excessive nearside rear wheel bearing, rear upper ball joints, and front track control arm bushes. The pattern suggests that the owner tends to address mechanical faults only once they reach the point of MOT failure rather than following a preventative maintenance schedule. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 82,781 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 3,763 miles. However, the data shows inconsistent usage over recent years. Between March 2023 (73,025 miles) and June 2024 (74,860 miles), the car covered only 1,835 miles in over thirteen months. Such low usage often accelerates the degradation of rubber components and promotes corrosion on metal surfaces despite low mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity and suspension assembly. The record consistently flags surface corrosion on the front and rear subframes, as well as lower suspension arms, across all tests since 2023. While these were noted as not seriously weakened, the MG TF is prone to rapid structural rot in these areas. The steering rack end noise, which appeared in both 2024 and 2025, needs to be checked for excessive play to ensure the steering rack does not require an expensive replacement shortly. Attention is also required for the braking and cooling systems. The June 2024 failure highlighted pitted brake discs and a binding nearside rear caliper, while the 2023 report noted corroded front-to-rear coolant pipes. Given the shock absorbers showed external damage and corrosion in 2025, the buyer should check for fluid leaks that would indicate imminent failure of the damping units.