New - looking to buy - bit worried…
- Rubbish Trash
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I have two concerns about getting an MG TF, both linked to the fact I will have to park on the street. First is rust, and what I can do to protect the car. I’m on for getting it waxoiled or undersealed, but not sure where and how well that will work on a car that might already be a bit rusty. When I have time I will search the forum for experience with that.
Second is battery. This will be a fun car and won’t get used that often; maybe not for weeks at a time. I’m planning to use it loads but… life will get in the way. Mrs Trash hates convertibles (or my driving, or both) so it really is for me to have fun in.
I can’t put it on a mains trickle charger. I used a discarnect on the TR6 and that was perfect, but that didn’t have an ECU or a radio, and I’m not sure that leaving the bypass on achieves much as it will still drain, so I’d want to completely isolate the battery, but am worried the car won’t like that. I don’t care much about having a radio. I don’t care about an alarm, either. I’m happy for the car to be completely electrically dead provided it works properly when reconnected.
I’m not convinced a solar charger will work, and it will be on the street, not on a drive, would have to be behind the windscreen, and it will be in shadow most of the day. I just can’t imagine it getting much charge.
So I am left with the discarnect but unsure what will happen to the car’s electronics. I will look on the forum for that but a quick look suggests the radio won’t work unless I have a code, which seems improbable. I could get a new radio, either one without a code or one that I know the code for, I suppose?
All help and advice welcome.
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"Keep calm, relax, focus on the problem & PULL THE BLOODY TRIGGER"
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- David Aiketgate
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- David
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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 4 days ago #208636David
:shrug:
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- Notanumber
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Replied by Notanumber on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 4 days ago #208637Its best to devote some time reading through the How Tos here and then old threads on this and the other TF related forums to build up an in depth picture of TF ownership and the way that any problems have been overcome.
In my expereience they are slightly less prone to rust than say Fords of the same era. Check the state of the front and rear subframes, they can be replaced if necessary and indeed many have intentionally bought cheap cars that needed them doing and replaced them. If the sills are rusty they can easily be sorted by welding a plate on though there are proper pressed steel sections available.
Ive not expereienced the battery running down unduly rapidly on either of the TFs Ive had. Ive often left the cars 2 or 3 weeks between starting without any issues. A short run once a week should be fine for anything that has a good condition battery and alterator. Early TFs had a Lucas alarm and body control system, carried over from the late MGF which preceeded it. Later TFs from 2003 changed to a Pektron alarm and body systems. the process of working with them after battery disconnection is different, both are described on the forum and neither is a particular headache.
Overall theyt are good cars to drive and fun to own. Now is a good time to buy one as they are only just starting to be recognised as a bargain classic. Because values have not risen yet this means that most people can afford to buy quite a decent F or TF without stretching their finances. In turn thuis makes any cars with a bit of a story; visible bodywork damage, in need of a subframe repair or head gasket etc as very much bargain basement. Even perfectly good ones that have failed their MOT on minor stuff such as worn suspension ball jhoints and rusted corroded wishbones can be picked up at bargain prices.
As you read more you will find the mobile mechanics who are reccomended and the parts suppliers we have had good expereinces of.
Do your research and get your toes in the water.
2003 TF 135 sunstorm
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As already mentioned I would recommend fitting a discarnect if the car is parked for lengthy periods.
For rust proofing there are some really good products on the market, the one that I currently use is Lanogaurd, it's easy to apply and seems to do a good job.
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- generous_dad
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Replied by generous_dad on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 4 days ago #208646I would buy one from of the 2 OCs and not one of the TF dealers. That is what I should have done. It will be cheaper and use difference that to bring the car up to the standard you want.
They are brilliant to own.
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- Rubbish Trash
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Replied by Rubbish Trash on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 4 days ago #208653A few weeks ago a car came up in Bristol that was a great price and looked good, but I was only beginning looking and it sold before I mobilised. I’m going to watch AutoTrader for a few months until I feel I understand the market and then look at some at dealerships before buying one.
The advice here is extremely helpful. I think the MGs have loads more character than MX-5s, and having borrowed one some years ago, and having owned British classics, I feel a connection.
I will chill about both battery and rust and just immerse myself in learning.
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"Keep calm, relax, focus on the problem & PULL THE BLOODY TRIGGER"
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- Airportable
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Replied by Airportable on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 3 days ago #208666My car doesn’t need any attention from the main dealer, where as his is on first name terms with the people who purport to be mechanics.
This isn’t typical for the car, after all my daily driver is from the same stable & I’ve never had problems with the roof not fitting correctly. I’ve never got home in my Mazda & requiring dry pants.
I’ve only met him on the road once & I backed off as I felt like I was pushing him & on passing him created a fair bit of road between us.
I was considering a second coffee when he turned up. He did end up behind a tractor for a mile or so, but I was considering a second coffee.
M
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- Airportable
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Replied by Airportable on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 3 days ago #208676The last car Len finished was a red f & I was sorely tempted, had I realised that my last Land Rover would be rehoused by my lad, Len’s red f would be in the now vacated space.
Good things come to those who wait.
M
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- generous_dad
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Replied by generous_dad on topic New - looking to buy - bit worried…
Posted 2 months 3 days ago #208684They publish the cars for sale on their web-sites.
Good luck.
But, seeing Len's work on here, might be worth following up.
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