Discussion
Right so I'm looking for an everyday baby sports car, so think MX5, MR2, TF etc.
Budget is £2k-£2.5k ish.
For that budget, the general consensus I see is:
MX5 - Rust away
MR2 - Pre '03 has pre-cat issues, its also somewhat difficult to find a non-ropey one for my budget.
TF - HGF HGF HGF HGF!!!
Now, ignoring all of the above, my Dad worked at Longbridge and has owned MG's most of his life, mostly ZT's, and he says the TF isn't a bad little car, but he may be slightly biased..
TF's seem to come up rather cheaply, and my budget seems to buy a tidy one, with a hardtop roof which I'd like for winter.
Am I subjecting myself to a life of misery by buying one? They're substantially cheaper to insure for me being 21 y/o, and I have flippy hair so I look like a hairdresser anyway.. what's the worst that could happen?
Budget is £2k-£2.5k ish.
For that budget, the general consensus I see is:
MX5 - Rust away
MR2 - Pre '03 has pre-cat issues, its also somewhat difficult to find a non-ropey one for my budget.
TF - HGF HGF HGF HGF!!!
Now, ignoring all of the above, my Dad worked at Longbridge and has owned MG's most of his life, mostly ZT's, and he says the TF isn't a bad little car, but he may be slightly biased..
TF's seem to come up rather cheaply, and my budget seems to buy a tidy one, with a hardtop roof which I'd like for winter.
Am I subjecting myself to a life of misery by buying one? They're substantially cheaper to insure for me being 21 y/o, and I have flippy hair so I look like a hairdresser anyway.. what's the worst that could happen?
They're good cars. Get a later 160bhp model if you can, that engine is a cracker in the TF.
My wife has had 2 F's and a TF and the TF was a nicer drive.
Be prepared for the HG though, it doesn't affect all cars but we did it on our first one. The other 2 were fine.
Ignore the image concious, they're the ones missing out on the fun car!
My wife has had 2 F's and a TF and the TF was a nicer drive.
Be prepared for the HG though, it doesn't affect all cars but we did it on our first one. The other 2 were fine.
Ignore the image concious, they're the ones missing out on the fun car!
That budget will get you a nice little car.
I have a Tf which I have owned for 2 years, which replaced by F that I owned for 6.
HGF? Yes, it will probably happen, but if you use one of the several mobile mechanics dotted around the country, they will fix for a fraction of the cost of a conventional garage..
If you are on Facebook have a look on one of the several groups such as the MGF and TF Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGFTF/
This is obviously a good time to buy one.
I have a Tf which I have owned for 2 years, which replaced by F that I owned for 6.
HGF? Yes, it will probably happen, but if you use one of the several mobile mechanics dotted around the country, they will fix for a fraction of the cost of a conventional garage..
If you are on Facebook have a look on one of the several groups such as the MGF and TF Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MGFTF/
This is obviously a good time to buy one.
Thank you both.
The main thing that draws me to the TF is it's not an MX5.
I had a Smart Roadster Coupe previously (cracking car, by the way), so image is no issue.
Main reason I'm looking now is my lease car goes back next March, so looking for a convertible in winter gives me better odds at finding something tidy within budget.
Having a few months left on the lease also means I can tidy up any issues it may have.
The main thing that draws me to the TF is it's not an MX5.
I had a Smart Roadster Coupe previously (cracking car, by the way), so image is no issue.
Main reason I'm looking now is my lease car goes back next March, so looking for a convertible in winter gives me better odds at finding something tidy within budget.
Having a few months left on the lease also means I can tidy up any issues it may have.
Later TF have softer spring setup, early can be a bit harsh for some people. Your budget should get you a nice tidy example with mony left over for mods/upgrades. I use an MGF Trophy 160 as everyday car, regularly get over 40MPG and regularly cover over 10k per year mainly trouble free. HG dont always go, and if it does its a relatively easy and cheap fix, using upgraded dowels and gasket to prevent it recurring. There is also a very healthy owners scene on FaceBook, normally with some kind of run or meet every weekend throughout the country.
Strongly recommend the TF. I've had mine for 3 years pretty much trouble free. It has an upgraded modified head gasket and brake pipes.
Prior to the TF I've run MKI, II, and III versions of the MX5 all bought new or nearly new. I loved them all. Last summer. bought an 03 plate, low mileage TF 135 as a summer runaround for just over £2.5K and love it even more.
Better engine (more character, more torque, sweeter at high revs, and much more economical) and better handling and ride(running on Bilstein Comfort Pack) more than make up for some dreadful cabin ergonomics, the loss of the ability to throw down and pull up the roof from inside the car with ease and a newfound diligence for checking oil and water levels (do it before every trip) and oil and water temp gauges whist driving.
I'm so taken with the TF's K Series and mid-engine layout that I'm now seriously considering giving up on my plan to replace it with a New MX5 or FIAT's 124 derivative and instead buy an good SII Elise.
Prior to the TF I've run MKI, II, and III versions of the MX5 all bought new or nearly new. I loved them all. Last summer. bought an 03 plate, low mileage TF 135 as a summer runaround for just over £2.5K and love it even more.
Better engine (more character, more torque, sweeter at high revs, and much more economical) and better handling and ride(running on Bilstein Comfort Pack) more than make up for some dreadful cabin ergonomics, the loss of the ability to throw down and pull up the roof from inside the car with ease and a newfound diligence for checking oil and water levels (do it before every trip) and oil and water temp gauges whist driving.
I'm so taken with the TF's K Series and mid-engine layout that I'm now seriously considering giving up on my plan to replace it with a New MX5 or FIAT's 124 derivative and instead buy an good SII Elise.
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