Midget for 18 yr old driver
Discussion
It would be a lot better for the car and new driver for the Midget to do a lot more miles per year (say at least 5,000 of regular use - especially not a 1,000 mile-tour and 1000 other miles per year, as a lot of MG classics owners seem to do)
The Midget (or most classics) with regular use will run better and be more reliable and the young driver will learn more about driving and the car
It maybe with some insurance companies that limiting the mileage (to that extreme at least) does not necessarily reduced the premium greatly
The Midget (or most classics) with regular use will run better and be more reliable and the young driver will learn more about driving and the car
It maybe with some insurance companies that limiting the mileage (to that extreme at least) does not necessarily reduced the premium greatly
SB - Nigel said:
It would be a lot better for the car and new driver for the Midget to do a lot more miles per year...
Mileage is pretty much irrelevant from a policy point of view. Apart from anything else it takes a matter of minutes to clock the odometer on a Smith's speedo, with nothing more than a small screwdriver... 
Bigger problems are that classic policies usually demand that the car is a 'second vehicle' and in the event of a claim may seek confirmation of the primary vehicle and, as others have said, driver age limits usually apply.
Sam_68 said:
SB - Nigel said:
It would be a lot better for the car and new driver for the Midget to do a lot more miles per year...
Mileage is pretty much irrelevant from a policy point of view. Apart from anything else it takes a matter of minutes to clock the odometer on a Smith's speedo, with nothing more than a small screwdriver... Bigger problems are that classic policies usually demand that the car is a 'second vehicle' and in the event of a claim may seek confirmation of the primary vehicle and, as others have said, driver age limits usually apply.
Sam, I meant - the mileage to apply for the benefit to car and young driver rather than insurance
Insurance is risk assesment and market forces - there's usually a company out there that is willing to take on the sort of risk being presented here for a reasonable price without too many restrictions (only owners of show cars could put up with cars not being out after dark!) - but the trick is the companies and those that what a particular insurance finding each other!
Some may possibly allow for acess/use of another car (perhap as a named driver on his dad's car) rather than ownership of another car
Yeap there are a lot of generalisations with car insurance but they are that generalisations, don't give up there's probabnly a company out there that will cover this risk at a reasonable (not cheap) price AND they may not be so restictive with the annual mileage
SB - Nigel said:
Sam, I meant - the mileage to apply for the benefit to car and young driver rather than insurance
Yes, I agree that higher mileage is better for both car and driver, which is why I qualified my response with the words '...from a policy point of view'.My experience is that 'Classic' policies are dramatically cheaper than conventional policies not because of the mileage limitations, but because they assume a reasonably experienced driver with access to a modern principal car for everyday use. Upping the mileage limit from, say 2K miles per annum to 4.5K miles doesn't make a big difference to the premium, but tell them that it's your only car and/or you're a recently qualified/young driver and suddenly you'll find yourself looking at a 'standard' policy, regardless of the car's classic status.
Certainly, if you go through a specialist broker, you may find a better-than-average deal, but I'd be surprised if you can get anywhere near the silly cheap quotes that are the norm for conventional 'Classic' policies.
I've been the owner of a 73' Midget (1275cc RWA)for the past 2 years (since 19). Footman James were the company willing to give me a quote on a classic policy. I Was quoted £395 TPF&T with 3k miles per year under the condition I joined a recognised owners club (MGOC). Come renewal time for this year Footman James quoted circa £250 F/C, which is less than half any of my friends pay to insure mundane shopping cars.
I cant say for sure how good they are to deal with via telephone as i've always spoken face to face with sales, but have always found them to be helpful even with the most simple/stupid questions. I don't know if it will help lower the quote but I'm also as named driver on another car, though am unsure if it's a requirement of FJ for classic insurance.
The biggest problem in my opinion is finding a decent car. Given hindsight perhaps I would have looked at a later 'rubber bumper' vehicle as I hear the 1500 is a more flexible unit, and from what I've seen a better condition car for the same money. My midget was most certainly purchased with the heart and I have the bills to prove it. Over the last 18 months it's cost in repairs (mainly bodywork) almost the purchase price again. However it's been a great little car in which I've gained more experience with regards to feel and general car control. Also a greater degree of mechanical sympathy than I would from driving the usually young driver shopping carts alone. Every drive is an event come rain or shine (as long as it's not severe rain it comes out to play) and given it's a solid example, cost very little to enjoy.
I cant say for sure how good they are to deal with via telephone as i've always spoken face to face with sales, but have always found them to be helpful even with the most simple/stupid questions. I don't know if it will help lower the quote but I'm also as named driver on another car, though am unsure if it's a requirement of FJ for classic insurance.
The biggest problem in my opinion is finding a decent car. Given hindsight perhaps I would have looked at a later 'rubber bumper' vehicle as I hear the 1500 is a more flexible unit, and from what I've seen a better condition car for the same money. My midget was most certainly purchased with the heart and I have the bills to prove it. Over the last 18 months it's cost in repairs (mainly bodywork) almost the purchase price again. However it's been a great little car in which I've gained more experience with regards to feel and general car control. Also a greater degree of mechanical sympathy than I would from driving the usually young driver shopping carts alone. Every drive is an event come rain or shine (as long as it's not severe rain it comes out to play) and given it's a solid example, cost very little to enjoy.
Very good points above
Don't rely on their websites ring them (I'm with Peter Best)
Buy the best you can body wise or it could cost you a lot more later
Consider the r/b 1500 (Wildoliver will be along soon) as you get more for the same money compared to an 'A' engine car
Bit for midget_ad now,
stick with the 1275
and don't worry about the heavy rain it's the light rain after a dry spell that causes accidents - unless -
you mean your hood leaks, sawp it, I'm on my second Spidget and a good hood don't leak and isn't draughty - well very, very, little, and on passengers side with mine
Don't rely on their websites ring them (I'm with Peter Best)
Buy the best you can body wise or it could cost you a lot more later
Consider the r/b 1500 (Wildoliver will be along soon) as you get more for the same money compared to an 'A' engine car
Bit for midget_ad now,
stick with the 1275
and don't worry about the heavy rain it's the light rain after a dry spell that causes accidents - unless - you mean your hood leaks, sawp it, I'm on my second Spidget and a good hood don't leak and isn't draughty - well very, very, little, and on passengers side with mine
[quote=SB - Nigel
Bit for midget_ad now,
stick with the 1275 and don't worry about the heavy rain it's the light rain after a dry spell that causes accidents - unless -
you mean your hood leaks, sawp it, I'm on my second Spidget and a good hood don't leak and isn't draughty - well very, very, little, and on passengers side with mine
[/quote]
No problems with with the hood. Was slightly tatty at first as the previous owner kept the car outside, but it's cleaned up well and manages to keep the rain out. Now trying to perfect the art of quickly raising and lowering (been caught by the rain once and spending 5-10 mins raising the hood solo isn't much fun)
In any weather the odd mishap can occur - At first I was shocked at just how little weight there is over the rear wheels, but with everything happening a quite slow speed it's all good fun.
Wouldn't have anything other than a 1275 now iv'e lived with it (think it must be the chrome bumpers ). Originally the midget was stop gap until a suitable BGT came along. Now I don't think I could consider selling it.
Bit for midget_ad now,
stick with the 1275
and don't worry about the heavy rain it's the light rain after a dry spell that causes accidents - unless - you mean your hood leaks, sawp it, I'm on my second Spidget and a good hood don't leak and isn't draughty - well very, very, little, and on passengers side with mine
[/quote]
No problems with with the hood. Was slightly tatty at first as the previous owner kept the car outside, but it's cleaned up well and manages to keep the rain out. Now trying to perfect the art of quickly raising and lowering (been caught by the rain once and spending 5-10 mins raising the hood solo isn't much fun)
In any weather the odd mishap can occur - At first I was shocked at just how little weight there is over the rear wheels, but with everything happening a quite slow speed it's all good fun.
Wouldn't have anything other than a 1275 now iv'e lived with it (think it must be the chrome bumpers
). Originally the midget was stop gap until a suitable BGT came along. Now I don't think I could consider selling it.Comments below are useful to OP's son
Unless it’s raining very hard or you’re travelling below 40 mph keep going as the rain will hardly come into the car, stop and you’ll get wet
It’s messing about taking the hood cover off that takes the time
I assume you’ve got the Owners Handbook, and are raising and lowering the hood correctly, a lot of owners don’t, I couldn’t remember how to properly lower hood when I first picked up my present Midget
The Owners Handbook are a must for MG classic owners as they tell you just about everything you need to know including regular and proper servicing
Excellent remark from a 19-21 driver
When I had my previous Spridget I let a confirmed B owner drive my Spridget and today - he still owns the B – and a Midget he uses everyday to and from work to make the journey fun
midget_ad said:
Now trying to perfect the art of quickly raising and lowering (been caught by the rain once and spending 5-10 mins raising the hood solo isn't much fun)
You’re obviously not using the car enough Unless it’s raining very hard or you’re travelling below 40 mph keep going as the rain will hardly come into the car, stop and you’ll get wet
It’s messing about taking the hood cover off that takes the time
I assume you’ve got the Owners Handbook, and are raising and lowering the hood correctly, a lot of owners don’t, I couldn’t remember how to properly lower hood when I first picked up my present Midget
The Owners Handbook are a must for MG classic owners as they tell you just about everything you need to know including regular and proper servicing
midget_ad said:
In any weather the odd mishap can occur
Quite rightExcellent remark from a 19-21 driver
midget_ad said:
- At first I was shocked at just how little weight there is over the rear wheels, but with everything happening a quite slow speed it's all good fun.
yeap another advantage of a car like a Midget it’s a good car to learn in and can be safer when you make minor mistakes midget_ad said:
Wouldn't have anything other than a 1275 now iv'e lived with it (think it must be the chrome bumpers ). Originally the midget was stop gap until a suitable BGT came along. Now I don't think I could consider selling it.
I’ve had a BGT and Spridget at the same time for a short while and they’re different style of (even B roadster) ). Originally the midget was stop gap until a suitable BGT came along. Now I don't think I could consider selling it.When I had my previous Spridget I let a confirmed B owner drive my Spridget and today - he still owns the B – and a Midget he uses everyday to and from work to make the journey fun
I've learnt my lesson, now I don’t stop until I get where I'm going.
Agree completely RE: handbook. Without it I’m sure I'd miss many of the things that need regular attention, especially grease points which can go neglected. I think my copy of the handbook is the original from the car, by the looks of it has to be at least 30 years old but I could be wrong.
It's only been insured this year since the beginning of the month, so the hood's been down since then but it always goes up and down as per the handbook, as I cannot afford a replacement
Your midget looks a world apart from my scruffy example, is the colour damask or tartan red? Can’t see for sure from the picture.
Agree completely RE: handbook. Without it I’m sure I'd miss many of the things that need regular attention, especially grease points which can go neglected. I think my copy of the handbook is the original from the car, by the looks of it has to be at least 30 years old but I could be wrong.
It's only been insured this year since the beginning of the month, so the hood's been down since then but it always goes up and down as per the handbook, as I cannot afford a replacement
Your midget looks a world apart from my scruffy example, is the colour damask or tartan red? Can’t see for sure from the picture.
midget_ad said:
Your midget looks a world apart from my scruffy example, is the colour damask or tartan red? Can’t see for sure from the picture.
Blimey how bad is your computer or monitor It's old-man, boring, Damask - not sunny-day, show-queen (usually wire chrome wire wheels) Tarty Red (wow that's gonna upset a few
)The photo is last year's insurance photo so the car was polished and shot in brilliant sunshine, the car is not so pretty in the metal
I bought from a MG Midget specialist and paid top dollar yet I've still had to pay out for a few unexpected expenses (despite the knowledge and experience I should have by now)
After 2 years of ownership I should just about have the car working the way I want and in another year's time (a year later than planned) I should have seats refurbed, replace nasty wheels with Mini-lite copies and an electric fan to replace engine driven -
then all it needs is a new windscreen and quarterlights and a full respray, oh and another gearbox
by which time I'll need to replace some of the stuff I put on last year!
Only way to justify all this is to drive it and have as much fun as often as possible otherwise cost per mile would be silly
Keep yourself and the car safe but enjoy it regardless of (percieved) condition
Sorry about all that, best allow others to get back on to topic
SB - Nigel said:
and an electric fan to replace engine driven
why? i run a winter stat all year in my 1500 with only the original fan, never had a problem with it getting warm. indeed a leccy fan caused problems, the lack of constant airflow under the bonnet ment the carbs got hotter & she'd splutter in traffic as the fuel vapourised much sooner without the engine fan.Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff