Discussion
Nothing wrong with that. I have just sold my MGF and replaced it with a TF as my daily driver.
Great little cars, fun to drive, as cheap as chips.
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Trophy was only made in F shape, so a TF Trophy ain't gonna happen.
In terms of parts, still available, but sometimes you might have to resort to a scrappy.
I paid £900 back in September for my TF, so 1500 should get you a good one.
People will shake their head and say " head gasket", but realisticly if it does, it's not a huge amount to get fixed.
There are half a dozen mobile mechanics that cover most of the UK, and will charge you a lot less than a garage.
If you join mg-rover.org, the t-bar.com, or any of the numerous Facebook groups, you can get plenty of advice.
Great little cars, fun to drive, as cheap as chips.
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Trophy was only made in F shape, so a TF Trophy ain't gonna happen.
In terms of parts, still available, but sometimes you might have to resort to a scrappy.
I paid £900 back in September for my TF, so 1500 should get you a good one.
People will shake their head and say " head gasket", but realisticly if it does, it's not a huge amount to get fixed.
There are half a dozen mobile mechanics that cover most of the UK, and will charge you a lot less than a garage.
If you join mg-rover.org, the t-bar.com, or any of the numerous Facebook groups, you can get plenty of advice.
A trophy F is a sweet little car. Not many made and the interior bits are coloured the same as the outside, so can be a bit garish unless you find a black one. That said, it's easily sorted.
If you can find an MGF 160 you have found rocking horse s
t. Don't confuse this with an ordinary MGF VVC. They actually made a handful of 160 MGFs that didn't have the Troohy trim, spoilers etc.
As said, no Trophy TF exists, but the TF 160 is the fast version of the TF range, built between '02 and '05.
Parts availability really is not a problem. Loads of firms like Rimmers can get most stuff. In 8 years of F and TF ownership I have only had 2 bits of parts finding difficulty. A wiper motor - which I had to buy used - and centre caps for my wheels which are off a Trophy.
The differences between F and TF are very real. Hydragas suspension Vs conventional on the TF. I prefer the F but that isn't to say I didn't enjoy my TF 160 a lot.
Price wise 1500 quid should get you into something OK. There are a couple of specialist dealers, one in Peterborough, another further South that sell more expensive cars, but by the look of their websites, these appear to be mint conditiin motors. Perhaps worth the extra?
As was said above, don't listen to the scare. Stories about heads failing. It's not happened to me in the 5 K series cars I have owned. It happens, there is a fix, there are plenty of experts out there and it's not the most expenive fix - especially if you combine it with a belts/pump service.
A Jag XK is a totally different prospect. Lovely big engined British luxury tourer rather than a lively mid engined British sports car. The only solution to this problem is to buy both!
If you can find an MGF 160 you have found rocking horse s
t. Don't confuse this with an ordinary MGF VVC. They actually made a handful of 160 MGFs that didn't have the Troohy trim, spoilers etc.As said, no Trophy TF exists, but the TF 160 is the fast version of the TF range, built between '02 and '05.
Parts availability really is not a problem. Loads of firms like Rimmers can get most stuff. In 8 years of F and TF ownership I have only had 2 bits of parts finding difficulty. A wiper motor - which I had to buy used - and centre caps for my wheels which are off a Trophy.
The differences between F and TF are very real. Hydragas suspension Vs conventional on the TF. I prefer the F but that isn't to say I didn't enjoy my TF 160 a lot.
Price wise 1500 quid should get you into something OK. There are a couple of specialist dealers, one in Peterborough, another further South that sell more expensive cars, but by the look of their websites, these appear to be mint conditiin motors. Perhaps worth the extra?
As was said above, don't listen to the scare. Stories about heads failing. It's not happened to me in the 5 K series cars I have owned. It happens, there is a fix, there are plenty of experts out there and it's not the most expenive fix - especially if you combine it with a belts/pump service.
A Jag XK is a totally different prospect. Lovely big engined British luxury tourer rather than a lively mid engined British sports car. The only solution to this problem is to buy both!
wildcat45 said:
As was said above, don't listen to the scare. Stories about heads failing. It's not happened to me in the 5 K series cars I have owned. It happens, there is a fix, there are plenty of experts out there and it's not the most expenive fix - especially if you combine it with a belts/pump service.
If you join the mg-rover.org forum or any of the Facebook groups, should you ever need a HGF sorted, they will put you in contact with one of the mobile mechanics.There are half a dozen or so, all very reasonably priced, and very good at what they do.
I ave been looking at a yellow trophy for sal at a sort of dealer in Ivybridge Devon, (it was also on eb*y) but has dissapeared so may be sold.
It looked ok, the steering wheel was tatty, broken aerial but had 52k miles and hardtop included for a 1750 asking price.
I had a Chimaera a coupla yrs ago and loved the poke BUT to me it just didnt look "differant" and thats a biggy for me. I really really dont like any mx5 at all and the chim from the from was too mx5 ey to me.
Is the trophy worth going for and the extra $$$ of a tf 160?...OR...........
It looked ok, the steering wheel was tatty, broken aerial but had 52k miles and hardtop included for a 1750 asking price.
I had a Chimaera a coupla yrs ago and loved the poke BUT to me it just didnt look "differant" and thats a biggy for me. I really really dont like any mx5 at all and the chim from the from was too mx5 ey to me.
Is the trophy worth going for and the extra $$$ of a tf 160?...OR...........
mikal83 said:
I ave been looking at a yellow trophy for sal at a sort of dealer in Ivybridge Devon, (it was also on eb*y) but has dissapeared so may be sold.
It looked ok, the steering wheel was tatty, broken aerial but had 52k miles and hardtop included for a 1750 asking price.
I had a Chimaera a coupla yrs ago and loved the poke BUT to me it just didnt look "differant" and thats a biggy for me. I really really dont like any mx5 at all and the chim from the from was too mx5 ey to me.
Is the trophy worth going for and the extra $$$ of a tf 160?...OR...........
Trophy's are more sought after, and if F's ever become collectable, they will. Be the first. 1750 sounds pretty cheap for a Trophy, but if it's as tatty as it sounds, it could well be about right.It looked ok, the steering wheel was tatty, broken aerial but had 52k miles and hardtop included for a 1750 asking price.
I had a Chimaera a coupla yrs ago and loved the poke BUT to me it just didnt look "differant" and thats a biggy for me. I really really dont like any mx5 at all and the chim from the from was too mx5 ey to me.
Is the trophy worth going for and the extra $$$ of a tf 160?...OR...........
Around this time last year I was considering a trophy but they were scarce. Been more plentiful this year for some reason.
For me I think it would be the perfect F/TF compromise. I loved my 160 but preferred the F suspension.
The cars are so cheap now that they are never going to make immediate economic sense. A big service and a couple of fixing jobs and you've spent a third of the car' value..
It's not an issue for me as I intend on keeping my F so the actual value of the car Vs repairs, getting it right isn't important.
At this age going for the best car is more important I think than spec.
Trophys are rarer so there is less choice. A broken Aries is 25 quid at most from EBay. A tatty wheel shouldn't be too much to fix.
For me I think it would be the perfect F/TF compromise. I loved my 160 but preferred the F suspension.
The cars are so cheap now that they are never going to make immediate economic sense. A big service and a couple of fixing jobs and you've spent a third of the car' value..
It's not an issue for me as I intend on keeping my F so the actual value of the car Vs repairs, getting it right isn't important.
At this age going for the best car is more important I think than spec.
Trophys are rarer so there is less choice. A broken Aries is 25 quid at most from EBay. A tatty wheel shouldn't be too much to fix.
Thanks for that.
I am just thinking to myself sort off. I am missing a convertable thats all and sort of thought I could persuade the "boss" to let me spend 2/3k on a rag top of some sort......and I just put convertables into an eb*y search by distance and the Ivybridge Trophy came up.
Googled MGF's etc and found an excellant website.
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/mgf_buyi...
That was very helpful.
Quite a few MG fans feel the TF's suspension is better and wont be as possible problematic than the F's. BUT the rarity of the Trophy will keep its prices higher than an equivelant F or TF. BUT a TF 160 has the same power engine sooooooo......I'm still umming and aahhing whether to buy or not. Maybe an MR2?? Or............
I am just thinking to myself sort off. I am missing a convertable thats all and sort of thought I could persuade the "boss" to let me spend 2/3k on a rag top of some sort......and I just put convertables into an eb*y search by distance and the Ivybridge Trophy came up.
Googled MGF's etc and found an excellant website.
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/mgf_buyi...
That was very helpful.
Quite a few MG fans feel the TF's suspension is better and wont be as possible problematic than the F's. BUT the rarity of the Trophy will keep its prices higher than an equivelant F or TF. BUT a TF 160 has the same power engine sooooooo......I'm still umming and aahhing whether to buy or not. Maybe an MR2?? Or............
I think you've come to the wrong place for unbiased advice! An MR2 may be a cracking ar, but I'd not know.
The thing about Fs and TFs is that they can get to some people. I've a friend with one and we got talking. They are far from perfect, with lots of potential pitfalls but I've had one in my life more or less constantly since 2007.
An MX-5 Mk2 is probably a better car, but somehow for me that's not the point.
The thing about Fs and TFs is that they can get to some people. I've a friend with one and we got talking. They are far from perfect, with lots of potential pitfalls but I've had one in my life more or less constantly since 2007.
An MX-5 Mk2 is probably a better car, but somehow for me that's not the point.
As an regular driver of both an F and a TF I would try a drive in both before deciding as they are suprisingly different.
The F's softer more complant suspension is great for longer journeys, but I personally find the more rigid ride and sharper handling of the TF provide a more rewarding drive when blasting down the lanes or on track.
The ride on the TF can be improved by a set of Bilstien dampers, they are not cheap, but a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep the car for a number of years.
Its also wrth noting that there are special and limited edtions of the TF too, some of which are more desirable than standard cars and and thus can hold there values better (in similar fashion to the Trophy and standrad F). The TF was also available in a wider range of colours, and some cars painted in colours from MG's Monogram range can be very rare and eye catching indeed.
The F's softer more complant suspension is great for longer journeys, but I personally find the more rigid ride and sharper handling of the TF provide a more rewarding drive when blasting down the lanes or on track.
The ride on the TF can be improved by a set of Bilstien dampers, they are not cheap, but a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep the car for a number of years.
Its also wrth noting that there are special and limited edtions of the TF too, some of which are more desirable than standard cars and and thus can hold there values better (in similar fashion to the Trophy and standrad F). The TF was also available in a wider range of colours, and some cars painted in colours from MG's Monogram range can be very rare and eye catching indeed.
MGSteve said:
As an regular driver of both an F and a TF I would try a drive in both before deciding as they are suprisingly different.
The F's softer more complant suspension is great for longer journeys, but I personally find the more rigid ride and sharper handling of the TF provide a more rewarding drive when blasting down the lanes or on track.
The ride on the TF can be improved by a set of Bilstien dampers, they are not cheap, but a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep the car for a number of years.
Its also wrth noting that there are special and limited edtions of the TF too, some of which are more desirable than standard cars and and thus can hold there values better (in similar fashion to the Trophy and standrad F). The TF was also available in a wider range of colours, and some cars painted in colours from MG's Monogram range can be very rare and eye catching indeed.
Mine's a mono.The F's softer more complant suspension is great for longer journeys, but I personally find the more rigid ride and sharper handling of the TF provide a more rewarding drive when blasting down the lanes or on track.
The ride on the TF can be improved by a set of Bilstien dampers, they are not cheap, but a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep the car for a number of years.
Its also wrth noting that there are special and limited edtions of the TF too, some of which are more desirable than standard cars and and thus can hold there values better (in similar fashion to the Trophy and standrad F). The TF was also available in a wider range of colours, and some cars painted in colours from MG's Monogram range can be very rare and eye catching indeed.
Celestial Blue.
_MG_9715 by jimpritchard2, on Flickronyx39 said:
Ooh! I like that. I'm not sure if it is the case but my impression at least having owned 4 F and TF is that Fs are better built. Not that any of them were well built by modern car standards!
There was a thing called 'Prohect Drive' which was a kind of economy drive on the part of MGR. Little things in the Taf like no under bonnet light. Hardly a deal breaker.
I think I said above my dream F is an ultra rare MGF 160. A Trophy but in standard trim. They only made something like 30 at the end of F priduction.
C
I'm not sure if it is the case but my impression at least having owned 4 F and TF is that Fs are better built. Not that any of them were well built by modern car standards!
There was a thing called 'Prohect Drive' which was a kind of economy drive on the part of MGR. Little things in the Taf like no under bonnet light. Hardly a deal breaker.
I think I said above my dream F is an ultra rare MGF 160. A Trophy but in standard trim. They only made something like 30 at the end of F priduction.Cheers Wildcat. Only owned it since last September. It's celestial blue, they made 99, mine is number 20.
It replaced my F, which was frankly a "shed". I think that it's better constructed than my F, but it's early days.
Eta, I'd never heard of the MGF 160, here are the build details:
wildcat45 said:
onyx39 said:
Ooh! I like that. I'm not sure if it is the case but my impression at least having owned 4 F and TF is that Fs are better built. Not that any of them were well built by modern car standards!
There was a thing called 'Prohect Drive' which was a kind of economy drive on the part of MGR. Little things in the Taf like no under bonnet light. Hardly a deal breaker.
I think I said above my dream F is an ultra rare MGF 160. A Trophy but in standard trim. They only made something like 30 at the end of F priduction.
It replaced my F, which was frankly a "shed". I think that it's better constructed than my F, but it's early days.
Eta, I'd never heard of the MGF 160, here are the build details:
Edited by onyx39 on Monday 16th February 20:29
Before I knew about them I remember seeing one advertised a few years ago. I dismissed it as that typical second hand car dealer ignorance or bullst where you see badly written ads you know, an F but it says rear wash wipe or something daft, I assumed the seller just had a VVC for sale.
Looks like I was wrong.
I can't remember details but I'd love to see what I've looked like. Did it have AP brakes? If so, what wheels? Any splitter or spoiler? ABS? Trophy suspension? What sort of interior?
t where you see badly written ads you know, an F but it says rear wash wipe or something daft, I assumed the seller just had a VVC for sale. Looks like I was wrong.
I can't remember details but I'd love to see what I've looked like. Did it have AP brakes? If so, what wheels? Any splitter or spoiler? ABS? Trophy suspension? What sort of interior?
Mine is an MY05 model TF160, which is pretty rare in itself, but its also the last of the 4 Monogram Bittersweet TF's made, so is pretty speical. Have owned it from new, and it replaced my Trophy Blue 2003 TF160 Sprint.
My OH has a Pearl black TF160 80th anniversary, and a 2001 MK2 MPi MGF.
My other car is a monogram twilight ZT260
My OH has a Pearl black TF160 80th anniversary, and a 2001 MK2 MPi MGF.
My other car is a monogram twilight ZT260
Edited by MGSteve on Tuesday 17th February 12:42
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