CarCostCheck

MG TF (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 509 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1588cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1588cc20 years old509 tests51k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1588cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,078
Per month£173/mo
Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

80% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

80% of MOT tests on MG TFs from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 509 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 51,398 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models157th of 554(top half)
Rank among MG models109th of 155(bottom half)
vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)
vs 2006 models average+7%(73% avg)
vs MG average-6%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

51,398

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 MG TF had 51,398 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2006 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

MG TF by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201188%11534,043 mi
201084%35639,827 mi
200982%49244,280 mi
200879%21048,364 mi
200780%6443,226 mi
200680%50951,398 mi
200579%2,12754,989 mi
200478%4,48859,443 mi
200377%4,71662,841 mi
200276%3,05563,283 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2006 MG TF

The 2006 MG TF is a small family car. Our records list a 1588cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 509 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 51,398 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

2006 MG TF Fuel Costs

The 1588cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2006 MG TF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MG TF Reliability Trend

Newer MG TFs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 MG TF

At 20 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 2006 MG TF stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
MG TF(2006)80%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,078
Ford Fiesta(2008)72%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153+£75
Ford Focus(2008)73%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228+£150
Vauxhall Corsa(2008)73%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153+£75
BMW 3 Series(2007)80%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,361+£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2006 MG TF

Is the 2006 MG TF reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2006 MG TFs ended in a pass, from 509 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 MG TF cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 MG TF?

80% of 509 MOT tests on the 2006 MG TF ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 157th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).

Which year MG TF has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 MG TF has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 MG TF?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 MG TF is 51,398 miles, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Related MG Models

Explore other MG cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the MG TF.

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