2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 MG TF MOT pass rate and common faults

1,214 MOT tests in 2024. 71.6% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

127Well above average
Passed first time71.6%
Failed or needed repairs28.4%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,214 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.2%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened2.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.9%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
  9. Horn: not working1.6%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension13.8%
  2. Brakes12.8%
  3. Lights & electrics12.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  6. Body & chassis4.1%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Tyres2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.4%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.7%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.7%

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: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. 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 2005 MG TF?

In 2024, 71.6% of 2005 MG TF cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,214 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 MG TF?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2005 MG TF reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 127, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).