Is the 2002 MG TF reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MG TFs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,055 tests. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2002 MG TF cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MG TF?

The 2002 MG TF has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 3,055 tests in 2026. This ranks 142 out of 403 cars from 2002.

Which year MG TF is most reliable?

The 2011 MG TF has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 76%.

MG TF (2002)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2002 MG TF?

The average mileage for a 2002 MG TF is 63,283 miles, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,055 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1589cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol1589cc24 years old3,055 tests63k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1589cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1589cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

At 24 years old, 76% of MG TFs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,055 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,283 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars142th of 403(top 35%)

Rank among MG models129th of 155(top 83%)

vs national average-6%(82% avg)

vs 2002 cars average+3%(73% avg)

vs MG average-10%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

63,283

Average miles

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MG TF has 63,283 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2011 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

MG TF by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2011	88%	115	34,043 mi
2010	84%	356	39,827 mi
2009	82%	492	44,280 mi
2008	79%	210	48,364 mi
2007	80%	64	43,226 mi
2006	80%	509	51,398 mi
2005	79%	2,127	54,989 mi
2004	78%	4,488	59,443 mi
2003	77%	4,716	62,841 mi
2002	76%	3,055	63,283 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI MINI

2004 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

-5%

FORD FOCUS

2004 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,027/year

69%

-7%

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-5%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2004 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,922/year

67%

-9%

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About the 2002 MG TF

The 2002 MG TF is a small family car with a 1589cc petrol engine. 3,055 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2002, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 63,283 miles at 24 years old, MG TF 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.

2002 MG TF Fuel Costs

The 1589cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 MG TF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG TF Reliability Trend

Newer MG TFs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2002 MG TF

At 24 years old, the MG TF 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 MG TF's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2002 MG TF stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MG TF(2002)	76%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
MINI MINI(2004)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
FORD FOCUS(2004)	69%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027+£70
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004)	67%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922-£35

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.