MG TF (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 210 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1800cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1800cc18 years old210 tests48k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1800cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the MG brand average of 86%.

79% of MOT tests on MG TFs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 210 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,364 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models231st of 566(top half)

Rank among MG models114th of 155(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+6%(73% avg)

vs MG average-7%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,364

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 MG TF had 48,364 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2008 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-7%

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-5%

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

-5%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-12%

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About the 2008 MG TF

The 2008 MG TF is a family car. Our records list a 1800cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 210 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 48,364 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.

2008 MG TF Fuel Costs

The 1800cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2008 MG TF?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2008 MG TF

At 18 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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 2008 MG TF stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
MG TF(2008)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83

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 2008 MG TF

Is the 2008 MG TF reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2008 MG TFs ended in a pass, from 210 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 MG TF cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 MG TF?

79% of 210 MOT tests on the 2008 MG TF ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 231st of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 MG TF?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 MG TF is 48,364 miles, which is significantly below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.