MG MGF (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 46 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
46
Avg Mileage
59,375 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 2004 MG MGF reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MG brand average of 86%.
At 20 years old, 91% of MG MGFs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 59,375 miles.
How does the 2004 MG MGF compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MG MGF has 59,375 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MG MGF?
The most reliable year is the 2002 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2004 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2004 MG MGF cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MG MGF by Year
Checking a specific MG MGF?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 MG MGF
The 2004 MG MGF is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2004 cars for reliability.
With an average of 59,375 miles at 20 years old, MG MGF owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2004 MG MGF Fuel Costs
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 MG MGF?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MG MGF Reliability Trend
Newer MG MGFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MG MGF
At 20 years old, the MG MGF is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2002 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2004 MG MGF
The MG MGF is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (-18%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-20%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (-11%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (-20%) from 35,054 tests