2002 MG Tf MOT pass rate: 72.6% (5,223 tests)
Is the 2002 Tf getting worse?
Pass rate of 2002-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 73.6% +8.5 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 70.8% +5.3 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 73.3% +6.6 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2002 Tf
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 1,189 | 27.7% |
| 2 | Suspension | 808 | 18.8% |
| 3 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 570 | 13.3% |
| 4 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 565 | 13.1% |
| 5 | Visibility | 316 | 7.4% |
| 6 | Body, chassis, structure | 250 | 5.8% |
All Tf years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 (this page) | 5,223 | 72.6% | +6.9 pts | 62,549 |
| 2003 | 7,906 | 71.8% | +6.7 pts | 60,004 |
| 2004 | 7,509 | 73.5% | +9.1 pts | 57,088 |
| 2005 | 3,654 | 75.2% | +10.7 pts | 52,286 |
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FAQs
Is a 2002 MG Tf reliable?
2002-registered examples passed 72.6% of their MOT tests (5,223 tests, 2023–2025), +6.9 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 24 years old with a median 62,549 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2002 Tf?
The median tested example shows 62,549 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.