UK to Malta

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 6:19 am

HI all what you think? should I drive from the UK to Malta in a convertible? I am quite worried regarding driving in sicily espcially and how reliable an MG TF is! :S

Post by **plastic_orange** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:03 am

Go for it. Any car can suffer a mishap, but can't see why you should have a problem with the car if it has been regularly serviced.

Pete

Post by **Dean** » Wed May 13, 2009 10:31 am

Just keep an eye on the water level and the temp gauge.... or put plenty of barrs fluid in. I had a TF and if the head gasket hasn't had the Land Rover repair done... it could be weak. A lovely car to drive though, you'll enjoy it.

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 10:38 am

yes that's what's worrying me, the head gasket!!! :S it's still on standard gasket

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:05 am

Would be quite an adventure - but don't see why it wouldn't be ok. Just make sure you have 'Recovery' cover with your Insurance - or from someone else. If it breaks down - they will take you 'home' to Malta! Realistically - you can work out how much petrol and hotel bills will cost - and compare with ferry cost. Perhaps drive part way - and then ferry the rest ?

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:10 pm

yes cold arrange recovery and isnurcance , ferries are all full booked up to mid june! I think best is to work out costs!

Post by **ASL642** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:34 pm

Have you bought it then? Is this the one in Wilts. Could someone keep it on their drive and you could fly over attend the National Rally in it and then ferry across to France early July

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:27 pm

how I wish Lou!!!

Post by **ASL642** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:32 pm

You could always come over and buy one in person!

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:35 pm

well I am coming over for it and drive it down to Malta but I don't have that much time to stay till July!

Post by **ASL642** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:42 pm

I envy you the drive I'd love to do it - don't think I'd come back here though. Load up with some spares before you go so if something does go wrong at least you won't have to wait for parts to be brought to you. Get roadside assistance a well,. Then you should be ok.

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:54 pm

yes I'm going to the MG owners club to pick-up some spares and mods for the future and if there's a chance I'll give ti a service, yes am fdoing breakdown service and insurance next week

Post by **ASL642** » Wed May 13, 2009 2:58 pm

Well good luck - I hope it all goes ok

Have you any pictures of the car you're getting?

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:00 pm

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1021816.htm

Post by **ASL642** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:11 pm

Very nice!!!!!

- especially for Maltese climate.

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:15 pm

yes it's already toasting over here!!! after the wettest and coldest winter we've ever had it's a very good start for summer, though I heard we might still have some colder temperatures late this month!

Post by **dalebrignall** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:21 pm

that looks a nice car at a good price.that car will get you home easilly.a friend of mine moved to malta,and drove his morgan there from the uk.

Post by **Dean** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:21 pm

It's got the upgraded sport suspension and calipers on too..... a £1100 option back in the day... nice!

One thing to note is the tyres. DO NOT get goodyear D3's when you have to replace the tyres that's on. The car will give a snakey/drifty feeling at speed (it's scary). Goodyear still make the D2's in small volumes (the D3 predecessor) just for TF's, garages will automatically fit D3's if you don't mention it too them. Unfortunately you may have to order them in advance unless MG forums have found other tyres that drive correctly on the chassis. MG Rover couldn't get the latest goodyear tyre at the time to balance on the TF chassis correctly enough.

Just though I'd advise you as I found this out after splashing out £120 per tyre over the web!!! I was told I couldn't return them.

Post by **FrankM83** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:28 pm

how do you know they're goodyear D3s?

and will any other brand fit? Thanks

Post by **Dean** » Wed May 13, 2009 3:43 pm

D2 tread pattern
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Goodyear_Eagle_F1_GS_D2__6556448

D3 tread pattern
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Goodyear_Eagle_F1 ... e__6861506

Very similar tread pattern and a D3 tyre will have D3 written in the wording. All MG Rover TF's had D2's fitted, they did start to fit D3's while under administration as they are cheaper. Some say they have no problems.... but once you hit 80mph it feels like you are on a skid pan.

You also have front and rear tracking too on these cars, so make sure both are done.

Other brands do fit, just about every brand makes a tyre for this car, but you need to be sure the tyre works ok on the car. You are best asking on TF forums as I haven't owned on for a couple of years, so I'm out of the scene.

Seriously though you will enjoy driving this car... it's a proper mid engined finely balanced sports car. Hence the reason why you need decent tyres as you'll feel every twitch!!!. Keep off the throttle in the wet, you can do a 360 quite easily.

The only other cars about to match the handling are the specialised two seaters (Lotus, Caterham etc). This isn't an MX5 or MR2, it'll out handle any of these.