MG TF (2002-2011) for sale

Summary

• With 20 currently listed for sale and an average price of £5,851.

• Favourably reviewed: Owners rated the MG TF (2002-2011) 5 / 5 stars and CarGurus experts gave it a 3 / 5.

• Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5

Why it stands out

The MG TF is a two-door convertible two-seat sports car with a choice of four petrol engines, and the best buy is the pre-2005 TF 135. It is sharper to drive than the MGF it replaced, and the boot is comfortably larger than that of an MX-5 or an MR2 of the same era. The TF 135 uses a 1.8-litre engine with 134bhp, and the most economical TF 115 will probably see around 35mpg in daily use.

The cabin is quite cramped, with a slightly odd driving position created by the combination of a high seat and a low steering wheel. The materials and switchgear felt cheap, even when the design was new, and age hasn’t been kind to them. The ride is a little less comfortable as a result of the redesigned suspension, and the TF is let down by its numb steering and rubbery gearchange.

Best for: Buyers wanting a cheap, good-looking two-seat sports car that is fun to drive and easy to live with on a budget.

Not ideal for: Drivers who want a roomy cabin, a supple ride or an automatic gearbox that feels especially rewarding.

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

• Pros: Fun to drive, Affordable to buy and run, Cars with a hard-top are practical all year round
• Cons: Harsh ride, Cramped, low-quality cabin, Versions with a CVT auto are nothing like as enjoyable to drive

Comparison vs key rivals

• Mazda MX-5 (2005-2014)
  • CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
  • User rating: 4.7 out of 5
  • Total listings: 103
  • Average price: £7,826
  • Good/great deal percentage: 30.1%
  • Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5

The verdict

You should buy this car if: you want a cost-effective two-seater sports car with appealing styling and low running costs.

Consider alternatives if: you want a car that is more enjoyable to drive, more practical or better finished inside.

Competitive position: The MG TF is a tempting choice because it is good-looking, fun to drive and incredibly good value these days. It is still worth a look, especially if its styling appeals and your budget is tight. Its rivals tend to make more sense because they are even more enjoyable to drive, just as widely available and usually not that much more expensive to buy.

Read our full MG TF (2002-2011) review

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from 10 November 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.