17 year old looking to buy and insure MGB.
Discussion
Hello Pistonheads!
I am 17, and will be passing my practical driving test in the UK shortly. Naturally, this means I shall be looking for my first car.
Having looked at common modern day cars such as the Ford Focus and similar for some time, I began to get the feeling that they are all quite boring and generic, and have decided that I would like something more interesting.
Whilst looking through a classic car magazine one day my attention was drawn to an MG B Roadster, a car which I have admired for many years. I was surprised to read that they are cheap to buy, run, insure and repair mechanicals on.
Ever since, I have been using the internet to find out more about these British classics, and have found a lot particularly on this forum. I do however still have some questions I feel I must ask you experts about before buying a car.
Firstly, buying the car:
My original budget for buying any car was about £1500, however since looking at MGBs it has gone up considerably (£5000 absolute maximum).
I am very interested in a chrome bumpered B roadster, preferably pre-1973 as it is tax exempt and saves money each year. Early models are beautiful too but I feel a 1972 model would be better for me as it is not as old and has the all-synchro gearbox and 5 bearing engine for increased reliability. That said, I would not hesitate to buy a MKI if it was in great condition and came up for a reasonable price. (Is this wise?)
I would be using the car for everyday use, and by everyday, I mean when I first get it I will be driving it everywhere, I expect! Later on it would probably get used a few times a week if it was only being driven for some actual purpose other than the thrill of cruising down B roads in a classic. Other uses may well include trips to the seaside and the occasional long drive down from the North to London. If the car turns out to be very reliable then I'm even playing with the idea of taking it to europe, and having a roadtrip to Italy and back.
With my maximum budget of £5000, (although I would prefer to spend up to £3000, maybe a little more) would it be likely to find such a car?
Secondly, the insurance:
I am 17, so it's going to cost more than it should. My mum who I plan to share the car with has held a driving licence for years but has never had her own insurance. Neither does she have proof that she has never claimed as a named driver on someone else's insurance. I presume for her it will be high too.
I have read a few discussions relating to this matter where 17 and 18 year olds have managed to get insurance (TPFT) for a bit under £900. These were from later on in 2009, so not long ago at all. I would be fine paying anything under £1000, however would simply not be able to afford higher. Looking at all the comparison websites with the annoying adverts, my best offer so far is over £6,500 a year. Still, this is cheaper than the insurance for a Focus, to my horror!
As far as I am aware I definately need classic car insurance.
I am also planning to do PassPlus, and am willing to do anything else to bring insurance down further. Anything that would be useful? I plan to join the owners club.
I am a safe driver compared to most 17 year olds. I want the MG for it's character and style, rather than it's performance. Unfortunately, I doubt an insurer would take that into account. Would I be able to haggle prices at all by telling different companies of any lower prices I have been offered? Also, does anyone here know where a person like me could get £1000 insurance for an MG B Roadster?
Finally, running and maintenance:
Are Bs pleasant to live with as an every day car? Will it be able to carry the weekly shopping in the boot, and will it leak much in heavy rain? Are they easy to park without power steering? And all the other questions of buying this classic roadster for everyday use.
Will there be any higher than usual costs? It does 30mpg apparently, which isn't as good as a modern car, but it's not bad either. Parts are cheap, as long as it isn't bodywork (correct me if I'm wrong). Will a good example break often compared to a modern?
I took an ABC in motor vehicle maintenance at college some years back. It's hardly a master mechanic's degree but I am intuitive and have a logical mind for stuff like this. Will I have trouble performing my own maintenance work?
Even on a good example, how much money should I expect to spend repairing/maintaining the car each year, and how much time would I spend?
Lastly, what should I be doing exactly to maintain it? I'm familiar with the obvious rust problem, but what is the best way to prevent it?
If there are any other useful things I need to know please do tell me.
And yes, I have set my heart on a B Roadster, but I will still listen to your opinions. My ideal specs are:
MGB Roadster
Mk II or III
Pre-1973 (Tax exempt)
Chrome bumpers
Overdrive
Unleaded conversion preferable
Red colour preferable
I am 17, and will be passing my practical driving test in the UK shortly. Naturally, this means I shall be looking for my first car.
Having looked at common modern day cars such as the Ford Focus and similar for some time, I began to get the feeling that they are all quite boring and generic, and have decided that I would like something more interesting.
Whilst looking through a classic car magazine one day my attention was drawn to an MG B Roadster, a car which I have admired for many years. I was surprised to read that they are cheap to buy, run, insure and repair mechanicals on.
Ever since, I have been using the internet to find out more about these British classics, and have found a lot particularly on this forum. I do however still have some questions I feel I must ask you experts about before buying a car.
Firstly, buying the car:
My original budget for buying any car was about £1500, however since looking at MGBs it has gone up considerably (£5000 absolute maximum).
I am very interested in a chrome bumpered B roadster, preferably pre-1973 as it is tax exempt and saves money each year. Early models are beautiful too but I feel a 1972 model would be better for me as it is not as old and has the all-synchro gearbox and 5 bearing engine for increased reliability. That said, I would not hesitate to buy a MKI if it was in great condition and came up for a reasonable price. (Is this wise?)
I would be using the car for everyday use, and by everyday, I mean when I first get it I will be driving it everywhere, I expect! Later on it would probably get used a few times a week if it was only being driven for some actual purpose other than the thrill of cruising down B roads in a classic. Other uses may well include trips to the seaside and the occasional long drive down from the North to London. If the car turns out to be very reliable then I'm even playing with the idea of taking it to europe, and having a roadtrip to Italy and back.
With my maximum budget of £5000, (although I would prefer to spend up to £3000, maybe a little more) would it be likely to find such a car?
Secondly, the insurance:
I am 17, so it's going to cost more than it should. My mum who I plan to share the car with has held a driving licence for years but has never had her own insurance. Neither does she have proof that she has never claimed as a named driver on someone else's insurance. I presume for her it will be high too.
I have read a few discussions relating to this matter where 17 and 18 year olds have managed to get insurance (TPFT) for a bit under £900. These were from later on in 2009, so not long ago at all. I would be fine paying anything under £1000, however would simply not be able to afford higher. Looking at all the comparison websites with the annoying adverts, my best offer so far is over £6,500 a year. Still, this is cheaper than the insurance for a Focus, to my horror!
As far as I am aware I definately need classic car insurance.
I am also planning to do PassPlus, and am willing to do anything else to bring insurance down further. Anything that would be useful? I plan to join the owners club.
I am a safe driver compared to most 17 year olds. I want the MG for it's character and style, rather than it's performance. Unfortunately, I doubt an insurer would take that into account. Would I be able to haggle prices at all by telling different companies of any lower prices I have been offered? Also, does anyone here know where a person like me could get £1000 insurance for an MG B Roadster?
Finally, running and maintenance:
Are Bs pleasant to live with as an every day car? Will it be able to carry the weekly shopping in the boot, and will it leak much in heavy rain? Are they easy to park without power steering? And all the other questions of buying this classic roadster for everyday use.
Will there be any higher than usual costs? It does 30mpg apparently, which isn't as good as a modern car, but it's not bad either. Parts are cheap, as long as it isn't bodywork (correct me if I'm wrong). Will a good example break often compared to a modern?
I took an ABC in motor vehicle maintenance at college some years back. It's hardly a master mechanic's degree but I am intuitive and have a logical mind for stuff like this. Will I have trouble performing my own maintenance work?
Even on a good example, how much money should I expect to spend repairing/maintaining the car each year, and how much time would I spend?
Lastly, what should I be doing exactly to maintain it? I'm familiar with the obvious rust problem, but what is the best way to prevent it?
If there are any other useful things I need to know please do tell me.
And yes, I have set my heart on a B Roadster, but I will still listen to your opinions. My ideal specs are:
MGB Roadster
Mk II or III
Pre-1973 (Tax exempt)
Chrome bumpers
Overdrive
Unleaded conversion preferable
Red colour preferable
Edited by Klayking on Thursday 3rd March 16:50
You appear to be asking the right sort of questions.
I ran a Triumph Spitfire for my first car and it was great fun. Yes I did have to do more maintenance than you would on a modern car but it was far more fun to own and drive. (And cheaper overall taking into account insurance and resale value)
For the insurance I would try a specialist classic insurer, the price comparison sites are more geared to the mainstream market hence the quotes. Also join the MG owners club, they have an excellent spares shop near Cambridge (and online) plus it can get you a discount on insurance.
Longer journeys are do-able, I used to use A roads rather than motorways as my car wasn't really designed for long periods of 70mph.
For me I would tend to look at the 1275 MG Midgets too, the A Series is the same as a Mini and there is loads of relatively cheap tuning possibilities for when funds stretch. Yes it will have a non synchro 1st gear but if you only use first from stationery or learn to double declutch it is fine.
Breaking down is probably something you will have to accept, I think I arrived home on a trailer once a year and did running repairs more frequently, but again breakdown cover can be had with insurance or better yet, get RAC cover with Tesco Clubcard vouchers like me!
Maintenance with a classic car is like Mechano, get hold of a Haynes manual (you can borrow from the library, but they don't like oily fingerprints on it when you return them). I don't know what the new edition Haynes books are like, I seem to remember thinking the later ones have sections deleted. So the old ones I have show you how to dismantle the gearbox where the new ones don't.
The major benefit that I had from the Spitfire was fun at lower speeds, new cars are often raved about as great "drivers cars" but I would put money on them only being fun on the limit and not round town.
Anyway, whatever you decide, have fun.
I ran a Triumph Spitfire for my first car and it was great fun. Yes I did have to do more maintenance than you would on a modern car but it was far more fun to own and drive. (And cheaper overall taking into account insurance and resale value)
For the insurance I would try a specialist classic insurer, the price comparison sites are more geared to the mainstream market hence the quotes. Also join the MG owners club, they have an excellent spares shop near Cambridge (and online) plus it can get you a discount on insurance.
Longer journeys are do-able, I used to use A roads rather than motorways as my car wasn't really designed for long periods of 70mph.
For me I would tend to look at the 1275 MG Midgets too, the A Series is the same as a Mini and there is loads of relatively cheap tuning possibilities for when funds stretch. Yes it will have a non synchro 1st gear but if you only use first from stationery or learn to double declutch it is fine.
Breaking down is probably something you will have to accept, I think I arrived home on a trailer once a year and did running repairs more frequently, but again breakdown cover can be had with insurance or better yet, get RAC cover with Tesco Clubcard vouchers like me!
Maintenance with a classic car is like Mechano, get hold of a Haynes manual (you can borrow from the library, but they don't like oily fingerprints on it when you return them). I don't know what the new edition Haynes books are like, I seem to remember thinking the later ones have sections deleted. So the old ones I have show you how to dismantle the gearbox where the new ones don't.
The major benefit that I had from the Spitfire was fun at lower speeds, new cars are often raved about as great "drivers cars" but I would put money on them only being fun on the limit and not round town.
Anyway, whatever you decide, have fun.
Hi Klayking, there are many threads on here on both subjects of using a classic as an everyday car and insurance for a 17 year old on this forum and Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes forum
The only thing I'd say on the insurance is be careful aboy putting the cheaper personas the main driver if they're not or advertise the fact on a web site
First you've got to pass your test so certainly do the research but bear that in mind
If you go throroufgh my profile you'll find I've contributed to loads of these threads but don't just take your information from those threads or this thread
You need to consider you have no experience(?) of driving RWD car, £5000 would get a much better BGT and you need to have a reserve for servicing and maintainence
Sorry but I also would how many sellers would let a 17 driver there P&J MGB (most are not used to driving the car themselves) and you need to drive as many as possible including ones well out of your price range to see how good they should be
As always I suggest . . . well you look it up
The only thing I'd say on the insurance is be careful aboy putting the cheaper personas the main driver if they're not or advertise the fact on a web site
First you've got to pass your test so certainly do the research but bear that in mind
If you go throroufgh my profile you'll find I've contributed to loads of these threads but don't just take your information from those threads or this thread
You need to consider you have no experience(?) of driving RWD car, £5000 would get a much better BGT and you need to have a reserve for servicing and maintainence
Sorry but I also would how many sellers would let a 17 driver there P&J MGB (most are not used to driving the car themselves) and you need to drive as many as possible including ones well out of your price range to see how good they should be
As always I suggest . . . well you look it up
Yeah, thanks for the advice so far.
That is a problem with buying such a car. Although I know I would love the MG and look after it many owners will most likely stereotype me and expect me to be racing it around and crashing into everything.
I presume almost all owners of MG Bs need a little bit of convincing that you will love the car as they do.
That is a problem with buying such a car. Although I know I would love the MG and look after it many owners will most likely stereotype me and expect me to be racing it around and crashing into everything.
I presume almost all owners of MG Bs need a little bit of convincing that you will love the car as they do.
Edited by Klayking on Thursday 3rd March 19:37
Sorry I'm assuming you know how to do a Search on here and how to go through my profile (na's Profile) if not just ask
You seem level headed so I'll say, you understand the difference between a dream and a dreamer (I'm not suggesting you are a dreamer, just you need to get facts and experience to make an informed choice)
Whilst you will no doubt drive your car carefully statisically at least you are like to have a bump and if not you then someone might else might damage your P&J plus if you're only on TPF&F it's worst than starting from now
Possibly forget about involving your mother to get round the insurance, it probably wont help for a classic insurance anyway but YOU'll need to find this out
Unless you're very tall or very well built a Spridget would be a very good alternative as the prices are lower (but the fun even higher)
Unfortunately a lot (but by no means all) of B owners are old farts more intertested in owning or showing cars than driving them which is fine if YOU want a show car
More (but not all) Spridget owners are of younger mind if not body
I think (but it's up to you, your money and dream) for a first car you'd be better in buying a less espensive car that is very sound and useable but perhaps not near show standards cosmetically
Beware of low mileage cars and/or those that are only used for very few miles a year as they can hold more problems than a higher mileage car or one that's used regularly
Bright red cars especially Bs - often (but not always) show type cars, with wire wheels, usually chrome, can sometimes be painted to look good or hide stuff but not that reliable or best to drive
This post should get you some replies from B and Spridget owners
You seem level headed so I'll say, you understand the difference between a dream and a dreamer (I'm not suggesting you are a dreamer, just you need to get facts and experience to make an informed choice)
Whilst you will no doubt drive your car carefully statisically at least you are like to have a bump and if not you then someone might else might damage your P&J plus if you're only on TPF&F it's worst than starting from now
Possibly forget about involving your mother to get round the insurance, it probably wont help for a classic insurance anyway but YOU'll need to find this out
Unless you're very tall or very well built a Spridget would be a very good alternative as the prices are lower (but the fun even higher)
Unfortunately a lot (but by no means all) of B owners are old farts more intertested in owning or showing cars than driving them which is fine if YOU want a show car
More (but not all) Spridget owners are of younger mind if not body
I think (but it's up to you, your money and dream) for a first car you'd be better in buying a less espensive car that is very sound and useable but perhaps not near show standards cosmetically
Beware of low mileage cars and/or those that are only used for very few miles a year as they can hold more problems than a higher mileage car or one that's used regularly
Bright red cars especially Bs - often (but not always) show type cars, with wire wheels, usually chrome, can sometimes be painted to look good or hide stuff but not that reliable or best to drive
This post should get you some replies from B and Spridget owners
na said:
Sorry I'm assuming you know how to do a Search on here and how to go through my profile (na's Profile) if not just ask
All forums are pretty much the same, I shall take a look as soon as I have posted this.When you say about not involving my mother to get round the insurance, it won't actually increase the price to have two drivers will it?
Anyway, whilst we are talking about Midgets, I have looked into them before. I do think they look good, and they sound a lot more fun to drive, but they sound less practical than a B Roadster (not that they are the most practical car) for everyday use. The lack of overdrive and synchro, coupled with the even smaller boot have put me off somewhat. But I agree, they seem to be cheaper. Just yesterday I saw a classified which claimed the car had a fully preserved body and rebuilt engine. The picture too looked almost too good to be true at £4000, but I guess I'd have to inspect such a car myself. Luckily my mum knows a member of the MG owner's club.
I find the Search on PH tricker than on some others, going through na’s profile might be easier to start with, and keep going back this crops up at least every 6 months
I don’t know about insurance for 17 year olds, you’ll need to do your full research and contact the appropriate insurers and ask them
You’ve obviously done some research but not fully, you need to actually look at the cars in the metal and talk with owners that actually use their cars, more difficult I know with B owners
perhaps at shows and club meets
I can’t deny overdrive is a good idea for motorway driving and quieter but the Spridget would probably be just as economical at 70 mph – not that either car is economical on petrol or quiet compared to modern
1500 Midgets have synchro on 1st and some chrome bumper cars have been converted to 5 speed
The boot is a bit smaller but the secret on both B and Spridget is not to carry the spacing sapping spare wheel (unless you must have original style wire wheels) I’ve not carried a spare wheel in 20 years just a foot pump and reliable gauge
As I said you need to look at and drive as many cars as you can, price and cosmetic condition do not mean it’s a good car but it is usually less expensive in the long run to pay more at the start for a good car – not to say sometimes if you’re very, very, very, lucky you can get a good car at a lower price than it should cost but don't expect this as youy could get some very nasty and expensive surprises
You need a knowledgeable person to inspect the car, that is not necessarily a club member or a current or past owner of the cars – I've owned classics as everyday cars for over 20 years, had 2 Bs and a Spridget in the 90s and had my present Midget for 3 years yet I’m hopeless at inspecting them, what I’m saying is you may need to pay an expert, a professional or perhaps just expenses and a beer to an amateur
I don’t know about insurance for 17 year olds, you’ll need to do your full research and contact the appropriate insurers and ask them
You’ve obviously done some research but not fully, you need to actually look at the cars in the metal and talk with owners that actually use their cars, more difficult I know with B owners
perhaps at shows and club meets I can’t deny overdrive is a good idea for motorway driving and quieter but the Spridget would probably be just as economical at 70 mph – not that either car is economical on petrol or quiet compared to modern
1500 Midgets have synchro on 1st and some chrome bumper cars have been converted to 5 speed
The boot is a bit smaller but the secret on both B and Spridget is not to carry the spacing sapping spare wheel (unless you must have original style wire wheels) I’ve not carried a spare wheel in 20 years just a foot pump and reliable gauge
As I said you need to look at and drive as many cars as you can, price and cosmetic condition do not mean it’s a good car but it is usually less expensive in the long run to pay more at the start for a good car – not to say sometimes if you’re very, very, very, lucky you can get a good car at a lower price than it should cost but don't expect this as youy could get some very nasty and expensive surprises
You need a knowledgeable person to inspect the car, that is not necessarily a club member or a current or past owner of the cars – I've owned classics as everyday cars for over 20 years, had 2 Bs and a Spridget in the 90s and had my present Midget for 3 years yet I’m hopeless at inspecting them, what I’m saying is you may need to pay an expert, a professional or perhaps just expenses and a beer to an amateur
I can't really answer any of the questions about insurance at a young age, but having owned 2 MG B roadsters since 1997 I can offer up my advice on the cars.
1) MG Bs work better as a daily driver than they do sat in the garage. My dad did 70 miles a day in his and took it off the road in the winter. I did similar mileage in mine, but ran it year round and left it at home when there was snow.
2) Take the spare wheel out of the boot and replace with a can of tyre weld. Your boot is now huge - I can go camping for a week out of my B. Huge, as in bigger than small hatchback huge. And bigger than MX5 / MG F. There's also a lot of room behind the seats, even with the hood down. You also get used to going away with squashy bags rather than suitcases.
3) There are a few cheap mods that make Bs easier to live with - electronic ignition is one of them. I put it on my first B and it worked fantastically (this car lived outdoors). My current B has normal points, but lives in a garage and is a 3rd car. It did have electronic ignition once, but it didn't seem to work too well (turns out the issue was to do with the fuel, not the ignition).
4) You get used to the steering. Don't buy a car with negative camber wishbones as it'll eat the front tyres and make the steering ridiculously heavy. You learn to turn the steering wheel while the car is moving slightly and not rely on the motor to move the rack, which is how we all learned in the days before PAS.
5) You're looking at about the right models. Don't get too hung up on the tax free thing as you only save £200 a year, and the pre 73 cars have a premium of about a grand. You're unlikely to get a pre 65 3 bearing model as these tend to be more cherished because of their age. Pretty much all post 65 cars have overdrive. Don't rule out rubber bumper cars - yes, they're not as pretty and the handling is not as good, but you'll often find one that has been sorted (my first B had all sorts done - lowered, stiffened, gas shocks, parabolic springs) for the same price as a chrome bumper B, yet better to drive. Also, the later cars have a better fitting hood that is easier and quicker to put up.
6) They will leak when it's tipping down. The rain comes round the side of the windows at speed and in my case, through the bottom of the windscreen where the silicon isn't good enough. I can stall a puddle of rainwater on the side window by opening the quarterlight, but the rest is all part of the charm of the car.
7) Buy on body condition. They can't help but rust and sill replacements are expensive to carry out. Sills go, rear wheel arches go, inner wings go, the scuttle goes, if the outer wing is rusty, it's because the inner one is rotten too. If the sills have gone, usually the floor pan is gone or going too. Mechanics are a doddle, very cheap to repair and available overnight from places like Browns / the B Hive and the MGOC.
8) A well maintained MG B is more than suitable for daily use. You'll get about 25-30 mpg out of it, depending on carb set up / filters / exhaust. You need decent tyres on it. They're pretty reliable - I had a breakdown perhaps once a year at most - needed 2 alternators, a throttle cable, a new O seal in one of the carbs, a weld on the exhaust and a new bracket, a new thermostat plug and a fan belt in 10 years.
1) MG Bs work better as a daily driver than they do sat in the garage. My dad did 70 miles a day in his and took it off the road in the winter. I did similar mileage in mine, but ran it year round and left it at home when there was snow.
2) Take the spare wheel out of the boot and replace with a can of tyre weld. Your boot is now huge - I can go camping for a week out of my B. Huge, as in bigger than small hatchback huge. And bigger than MX5 / MG F. There's also a lot of room behind the seats, even with the hood down. You also get used to going away with squashy bags rather than suitcases.
3) There are a few cheap mods that make Bs easier to live with - electronic ignition is one of them. I put it on my first B and it worked fantastically (this car lived outdoors). My current B has normal points, but lives in a garage and is a 3rd car. It did have electronic ignition once, but it didn't seem to work too well (turns out the issue was to do with the fuel, not the ignition).
4) You get used to the steering. Don't buy a car with negative camber wishbones as it'll eat the front tyres and make the steering ridiculously heavy. You learn to turn the steering wheel while the car is moving slightly and not rely on the motor to move the rack, which is how we all learned in the days before PAS.
5) You're looking at about the right models. Don't get too hung up on the tax free thing as you only save £200 a year, and the pre 73 cars have a premium of about a grand. You're unlikely to get a pre 65 3 bearing model as these tend to be more cherished because of their age. Pretty much all post 65 cars have overdrive. Don't rule out rubber bumper cars - yes, they're not as pretty and the handling is not as good, but you'll often find one that has been sorted (my first B had all sorts done - lowered, stiffened, gas shocks, parabolic springs) for the same price as a chrome bumper B, yet better to drive. Also, the later cars have a better fitting hood that is easier and quicker to put up.
6) They will leak when it's tipping down. The rain comes round the side of the windows at speed and in my case, through the bottom of the windscreen where the silicon isn't good enough. I can stall a puddle of rainwater on the side window by opening the quarterlight, but the rest is all part of the charm of the car.
7) Buy on body condition. They can't help but rust and sill replacements are expensive to carry out. Sills go, rear wheel arches go, inner wings go, the scuttle goes, if the outer wing is rusty, it's because the inner one is rotten too. If the sills have gone, usually the floor pan is gone or going too. Mechanics are a doddle, very cheap to repair and available overnight from places like Browns / the B Hive and the MGOC.
8) A well maintained MG B is more than suitable for daily use. You'll get about 25-30 mpg out of it, depending on carb set up / filters / exhaust. You need decent tyres on it. They're pretty reliable - I had a breakdown perhaps once a year at most - needed 2 alternators, a throttle cable, a new O seal in one of the carbs, a weld on the exhaust and a new bracket, a new thermostat plug and a fan belt in 10 years.
Sorry can't resist
Good points from Alfa except they don't have to leak, when they do you should be able to fix it usually
and I carried Tyre-weld over the years and many hundreds of thousands of miles and never used it but did use my foot pump on three puntures, using the foot pump got me home easily each time
Good points from Alfa except they don't have to leak, when they do you should be able to fix it usually
and I carried Tyre-weld over the years and many hundreds of thousands of miles and never used it but did use my foot pump on three puntures, using the foot pump got me home easily each time
As usual, many people have recommended the Midget. I have actually been warming to the idea, and looking at a local example that is rotting away on the roadside to gauge its size.
I've heard that some Midgets have been fitted with a 5 speed gearbox. This solves both the non-synchro problem as well as the lack of overdrive. The only problem seems to still be the size. I was looking at the boot and it looks tiny. Still no idea whether I would fit comfortably inside one.
Would a 5 speed Midget be as practical as a B, and would it manage to carry a week's worth of shopping? I'm 6 foot tall so would I fit comfortably?
In terms of fuel, would it get more MPG? Any rough figures?
I'm guessing they are just as reliable and cheap to fix as a B. Are they generally in as good condition?
I've heard that insurance is even cheaper than a B. Can anyone confirm this?
I've heard that some Midgets have been fitted with a 5 speed gearbox. This solves both the non-synchro problem as well as the lack of overdrive. The only problem seems to still be the size. I was looking at the boot and it looks tiny. Still no idea whether I would fit comfortably inside one.
Would a 5 speed Midget be as practical as a B, and would it manage to carry a week's worth of shopping? I'm 6 foot tall so would I fit comfortably?
In terms of fuel, would it get more MPG? Any rough figures?
I'm guessing they are just as reliable and cheap to fix as a B. Are they generally in as good condition?
I've heard that insurance is even cheaper than a B. Can anyone confirm this?
I`ve a Midget 1500 which is absolutely standard mechanically , with the 4 speed `box . I appreciate it may not be the chrome bumper thing you`re looking or , but you could always remove the rubber ones and get more of a classic look .
The 4 speed in mine has a superb "rifle bolt" shift ( new gearbox in the last 1500 miles though) and does loads on fuel ( probably 35 average ) . It`s a hoot and attracts attention wherever it goes . As I`m more than twice your age , it costs me £98 a year to insure (!) . Highly recommended .
The 4 speed in mine has a superb "rifle bolt" shift ( new gearbox in the last 1500 miles though) and does loads on fuel ( probably 35 average ) . It`s a hoot and attracts attention wherever it goes . As I`m more than twice your age , it costs me £98 a year to insure (!) . Highly recommended .
Klayking said:
As usual, many people have recommended the Midget. I have actually been warming to the idea, and looking at a local example that is rotting away on the roadside to gauge its size.
I've heard that some Midgets have been fitted with a 5 speed gearbox. This solves both the non-synchro problem as well as the lack of overdrive. The only problem seems to still be the size. I was looking at the boot and it looks tiny. Still no idea whether I would fit comfortably inside one.
Would a 5 speed Midget be as practical as a B, and would it manage to carry a week's worth of shopping? I'm 6 foot tall so would I fit comfortably?
In terms of fuel, would it get more MPG? Any rough figures?
I'm guessing they are just as reliable and cheap to fix as a B. Are they generally in as good condition?
I've heard that insurance is even cheaper than a B. Can anyone confirm this?
My mother has a 1500 midget and would comfortably get a week's worth of family shopping in it - you just have to use all the space in the car, not just the boot. The boot is only half the size of a B's though.I've heard that some Midgets have been fitted with a 5 speed gearbox. This solves both the non-synchro problem as well as the lack of overdrive. The only problem seems to still be the size. I was looking at the boot and it looks tiny. Still no idea whether I would fit comfortably inside one.
Would a 5 speed Midget be as practical as a B, and would it manage to carry a week's worth of shopping? I'm 6 foot tall so would I fit comfortably?
In terms of fuel, would it get more MPG? Any rough figures?
I'm guessing they are just as reliable and cheap to fix as a B. Are they generally in as good condition?
I've heard that insurance is even cheaper than a B. Can anyone confirm this?
Relatively easy to fit the spitfire overdrive unit to a 1500 midget (same engine, same gearbox)as one of my mate's did it a few years back. Said the gear lever was very long, but otherwise it worked well. I've also heard of quite a few K series conversions, which would be ballistically quick.
A midget would probably cost less to insure, but they also rot worse than a B and are more fiddly to repair the bodywork e.g. more expensive.
In short, don't be put off a midget and keep an eye out for one that has been converted to 5 speed, but there's a lot more Bs out there and, in standard form, are a much better everyday car.
As it happens my son is 17, just about to take his test, and looking around for a car too.
Have a look at Icube insurance (google)...might suit you.
MGB versus MG Midget (possibly ?):
I'm old enough to remember even the earliest ones when they were new, owned and driven them too.
The Midget when new was cheaper to insure...2 or 3 groups lower than the MGB.
A 1275 Midget should be able to do 40mpg on a run if it's in tune.
MGB, maybe 25-30mpg.
Traditionally the Midget was the 'fun' car of the two, driven by a younger age group. Basically a sporty soft top Morris Minor, so simple and reliable...even by today's standards.
I'm 6'1", and found the Midget cockpit rather cramped, so I'd try one for size first. They are a brilliant little car to drive though.
The MGB was designed as more of a tourer, and you should have no trouble driving whatever distance you choose to (people DID go out of town even back then you know
) in comfort, and at motorway speeds with ease.
Roomy cabin too, with plenty of legroom. Similar size to a Spitfire.
Rot is the enemy. Everything else is pretty simple and straightforward on what were originally mass-produced sports cars. The MX5s of their day, only British and better of course.
Have a look at Icube insurance (google)...might suit you.
MGB versus MG Midget (possibly ?):
I'm old enough to remember even the earliest ones when they were new, owned and driven them too.
The Midget when new was cheaper to insure...2 or 3 groups lower than the MGB.
A 1275 Midget should be able to do 40mpg on a run if it's in tune.
MGB, maybe 25-30mpg.
Traditionally the Midget was the 'fun' car of the two, driven by a younger age group. Basically a sporty soft top Morris Minor, so simple and reliable...even by today's standards.
I'm 6'1", and found the Midget cockpit rather cramped, so I'd try one for size first. They are a brilliant little car to drive though.
The MGB was designed as more of a tourer, and you should have no trouble driving whatever distance you choose to (people DID go out of town even back then you know
) in comfort, and at motorway speeds with ease.Roomy cabin too, with plenty of legroom. Similar size to a Spitfire.
Rot is the enemy. Everything else is pretty simple and straightforward on what were originally mass-produced sports cars. The MX5s of their day, only British and better of course.
Wow this thread is quite scary, I'm 17 also about to take my test, also looking for and MGB, also looked into them also struggling with insurance quotes.
Great advice by all so thank you. I have seen a MGBGT on the MG owners club forum for £1500 but is drinking oil, suggesting the piston rings have gone, would that be a massive problem to fix on a B?
ETA: not meant to be a thread hijack, sorry OP
Great advice by all so thank you. I have seen a MGBGT on the MG owners club forum for £1500 but is drinking oil, suggesting the piston rings have gone, would that be a massive problem to fix on a B?
ETA: not meant to be a thread hijack, sorry OP
PLamborghini said:
Wow this thread is quite scary, I'm 17 also about to take my test, also looking for and MGB, also looked into them also struggling with insurance quotes.
Ah, did you see this B that was on there at the start of the month?
MGOwnersClub said:
1965 MGB ROADSTER Tartan Red, 39000 miles. New shell, engine rebuilt 1992, overdrive, steel wheels, garaged, MOT Aug 11 Tax exempt. Same owner 12 years £5000. View at MGOC 01954 234001 Cambridge
Appeared to be mint condition, but it was snapped up within days. If it was a later model I would have probably travelled down there to inspect it.Klayking said:
PLamborghini said:
Wow this thread is quite scary, I'm 17 also about to take my test, also looking for and MGB, also looked into them also struggling with insurance quotes.
Ah, did you see this B that was on there at the start of the month?MGOwnersClub said:
1965 MGB ROADSTER Tartan Red, 39000 miles. New shell, engine rebuilt 1992, overdrive, steel wheels, garaged, MOT Aug 11 Tax exempt. Same owner 12 years £5000. View at MGOC 01954 234001 Cambridge
Appeared to be mint condition, but it was snapped up within days. If it was a later model I would have probably travelled down there to inspect it.PLamborghini said:
Wow that's gorgeous! unfortunately I have very little money to buy one, so the best I'm going to get is a rubber bumper one probably, max budget is around £1500
unless you also have a heathy repair and maintanance budget on top of this I'd look at a Midget or MX-5 instead (possibly a BGT)I suggest all potential (or new) classic owners invest £8 in a owners Handbook as it tells you so much you need to know as to own, drive, service and maintain your car - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Look at and test drive as many good examples as you can including some well out of your buying budget to see how good the cars should be and that you may need to increase your budget
It usually works out less expensive to buy a good but higher priced example than a poor lower priced example
If you buy one then;
always have the battery in good condition and all battery connections and leads clean, secure and protected, same for all electrical wiring and connections
As soon as possible do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including;
g/box and back axle oils
brake and clutch fluids
coolant
dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones)
http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html
fan belt
Check the age of your tyres if they are 6 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth, this will improve, the braking, steering, ride, handling and possibly noise, of the car greatly
Use the car regularly - to get used to it, sort out any wrinkles and prevent others, and enjoy it
Every few weeks check your horn and wipers work (no problem if you use the car regularly)
Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook
Do not do any cosmetic or improvement work for at least 12 months of regular use, unless you need to replace parts or components, as you may need to use the money elsewhere on the car
Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good paper copy like - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
Good luck
na said:
I'd look at a Midget or MX-5 instead
An MX-5 would deffinately be the wisest choice for an everyday car in terms of reliability, but the one thing that makes this an impossibility is the price. It's massively expensive for 17 year olds to insure an MX-5 for some reason unknown to myself.Therefore, I would choose a classic. They are cheaper to insure and have tons more character.
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