TF 135 or LE 500

[Justin Case]

I have had a look at a couple of MG TFs recently; I'm a bit torn between the two though. One is a TF 135, very low mileage, new cambelt, water pump and upgraded head gasket, the other is an LE 500, newer of course but higher mileage, although it has had a new cambelt. What are the pros and cons, the LE 500 comes with hard-top, air-con and better brakes, but is dearer and I wonder if the parts specific to the LE will be available in the future? Any views would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[Trophy200]

LE500's were built using bodyshells remaining at Longbridge after MG Rover went under.

Conditions of storage in the period before SAC took over are open to debate and I have read that several examples suffered from premature rust involving resprays already.

I would go for the 135 if it has provable history.

Trophy200

[Bigmart]

Yes, I agree a MG LE500 owner had to have a complete respray on a 2008 model. It all started with a few stone chips and couple of rough patches at first then a huge can of worms were opened plus 2k later.