TF Should i should i not?

[Kev880]

I have been offered an 03 1.8TF for less than £2000, it has had quit a bit of work done-Headgasket,timing belt,water pump,years mot ect and is in good both cosmetic and mechanical condition.
The wife and i have talked about having 2nd runabout car and the MG in my eyes would fit the bill as a fun car for occasional use.
My question is: Would the MG be okay as a runabout,doing short journeys and the odd longer trip or would it do it more harm than good?

[SPT28]

It would probably be absolutely fine, as you say some of the remedial work has been done already. My wife's TF only gets occasional short runs out and it's shown no issues at all. I do find myself regularly keeping a close eye on fluid levels though .

[Kev880]

Cheers
At the moment the owner has it in storage which seems such as shame, have been looking for a good one for a while but when you look into MOT history ect there are a lot of bad ones about.

[mgbv8mike]

I've had a TF160 for a couple of years now...they are an excellent car, provided they are looked after.

Did a trip to France last year, averaged 45mpg, never missed a beat.

I use it as a runabout at weekends when the weather is fine, never gives me any problems.

They are prone to rust underneath, you will need to examine the underside carefully, subframes,and suspension arms seem to suffer if not properly rustproofed, a properly done head gasket change should make it almost bullet-proof, provided you do not hammer the engine from cold, and check water level regularly, I've invested in a late model tank with built in level sensor, and wired a buzzer to this as extra insurance.

[steve51800]

Use my F (Trophy 160) as a daily, no issues, regularly do over 10k per year.
Routine maintanence is the key, and address any issues as they develop and you will go for ever.

[Kev880]

Still Looking!!!
As it says im still looking, i keep seeing what looks like a good car but a look on the GOV MOT site and 9 times out of 10 corrosion of the subframes is mentioned.
Is subframe corrosion a big TF killer? if its bad is it possible to replace the subframes? are they still available or is it a case of using second hand parts?

Thanks Kevin

[mikemgbv8]

Mine is an 03 on 35k, bought 3 years ago, and the subframes were sound, but a bit rusty, a good wire brushing plus Hammerite cured that, but you will need to check, as conditions will vary depending upon how well the car has been looked after.

I don't think the factory did much about rust protection underneath, left it to the owners, I supect !