RE: MG Rover tweaks TF

[andy_b]

MGSteve said:

Barchetta - LHD, with extortionate insurance and love it or hate it looks. Personally I think its one of the ugliest roadster around, with the possible exception of the Z4. MX-5 - Lacks power, dull plastic interior, storage space still lacking compared to a TF, and looks that don't exactly excite. Hopefully the ‘new’ one will be better, and won’t just be a copy of another car this time. Understeer is only really present on TF's with 15" wheels fitted to the 135 and 115 models which have 185 profile tyres, and this can easily be cured by fitting 195 or 205 tyres. The 16" wheels found on the 160 give a better balance and neutral handling.

Driven TF, Barch and a MX5 (we ended up with an MX5) despite being able to get a sizeable discount on a MG TF. As stated sit very high and understeers. Not very involving and handling isn't even close to an MX5.

Barchetta- I really cant see what the fuss is with this. I found it very dissapointing and it felt like an old generation Punto,,,,which its related too. Two of my mates have them and while I love the interior, nothing else appeals.

MX5 - we ended up getting a secondhand Mk1 in the end as there isnt a massive amount of difference between the two versions, but lack of power (same with the Barc') is the real problem. However its a fantastic and wll balanced handling car and I personally found it more confortable than the MGTF.

All subjective of course.

[tuffer]

cdp said:

chickensoup said: turd polishing Unfair, the MGF/TF is an excellent entry level sports car and very reliable. If Hydrogas had been retained I would be tempted, especially with a V6. The understeer in the handling can easily be cured with softer compound front tyres - at expense of wear but easily worth it.

You are having a laugh aren't you, I had one from new (one of the first unfortunately) and it was without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. It leaked (not just a little bit), broke down (often) and fell apart. Rover did sod all to help or rectify, vowed never to buy another even if they released a turbo charged, nitrous injected, 5.0L V8, 1000bhp 2 seater that did 45mpg for >£4k.

[Mark_SV]

MGSteve said:

Understeer is only really present on TF's with 15" wheels fitted to the 135 and 115 models which have 185 profile tyres, and this can easily be cured by fitting 195 or 205 tyres. The 16" wheels found on the 160 give a better balance and neutral handling.

Yep, I agree. I drove a TF (with 16" wheels and sports suspension) back to back with an MX-5 and was surprised just how similar they were. So was the MX-5 owner (a vehicle handling engineer) when he drove the TF.

In 2-3 years of TF ownership, the car's been totally reliable (not even roof leaks!) and dealer service has been truly outstanding. All better than I'd expected.