2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 MG TF MOT pass rate and common faults

2,525 MOT tests in 2024. 69.1% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time69.1%
Failed or needed repairs30.9%
Typical mileage at test57,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,525 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.3%
  2. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened2.9%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.1%
  8. Horn: not working2.1%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.9%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes15.4%
  2. Suspension13.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.1%
  4. Lights & electrics11.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.0%
  6. Body & chassis4.2%
  7. Tyres3.7%
  8. Steering3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.4%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MG TF?

In 2024, 69.1% of 2004 MG TF cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,525 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 MG TF?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2004 MG TF reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).