Need advice on Classic car as a first car - MG Midget? MGB?
Discussion
Hi, I joined the forum today and I am looking for some advice.
I know there have been plenty of topics/posts about a classic first car but they all seem to be from a few years ago so I am looking for an updated opinion.
I am mad about cars, classics specifically, I am 17, 18 in July, and I am soon going to pass my driving test. I have been contemplating a classic as a first for a while, I started off being set on an old VW Beetle, then a mini and now I am set on a MG Midget or and MGB GT.
Reading the topics similar to this one that were posted 3-4 years ago it seemed a pretty realistic thing to do as you could get classic insurance pretty cheap with footmanjames but I believe now they only insure over 25's now.
Basically is it worth it and could it happen these days (A 17 being insured on a 1.8 MGB for a realistic price)? Insurance is the biggie, is there anyone who might have been in the same position I am in? and that may have done it? That may be able to recommend a classic insurance firm that would insure a 17 year old.
The other option would be what I wanted to do from a young age, which is to buy a beat up classic and restore it slowly till I may be of suitable age to be insured on it. Only thing being I don't have a garage, only an aircraft hanger at my dads work 20 minutes away!
Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any replies!
I know there have been plenty of topics/posts about a classic first car but they all seem to be from a few years ago so I am looking for an updated opinion.
I am mad about cars, classics specifically, I am 17, 18 in July, and I am soon going to pass my driving test. I have been contemplating a classic as a first for a while, I started off being set on an old VW Beetle, then a mini and now I am set on a MG Midget or and MGB GT.
Reading the topics similar to this one that were posted 3-4 years ago it seemed a pretty realistic thing to do as you could get classic insurance pretty cheap with footmanjames but I believe now they only insure over 25's now.
Basically is it worth it and could it happen these days (A 17 being insured on a 1.8 MGB for a realistic price)? Insurance is the biggie, is there anyone who might have been in the same position I am in? and that may have done it? That may be able to recommend a classic insurance firm that would insure a 17 year old.
The other option would be what I wanted to do from a young age, which is to buy a beat up classic and restore it slowly till I may be of suitable age to be insured on it. Only thing being I don't have a garage, only an aircraft hanger at my dads work 20 minutes away!
Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any replies!
Can't help with the insurance question but I would definitely go for the MGB over the Midget if it's going to be a year round everyday car.
My other half has a '72 Midget that gets used every day for 6 months of the year and with the top down it's a lovely little thing and lots of fun. Top up it really feels its age and it's no fun in the pouring rain and current freeze your nuts off weather...
MGB GT is a different beast altogether and quite snug in the winter. Just make sure you rust proof it thoroughly underneath if its going to see any road salt. My brother's old one averaged about 12mpg before we sorted the carbs and ignition so worth bearing that in mind... Cool first car anyway
My other half has a '72 Midget that gets used every day for 6 months of the year and with the top down it's a lovely little thing and lots of fun. Top up it really feels its age and it's no fun in the pouring rain and current freeze your nuts off weather...
MGB GT is a different beast altogether and quite snug in the winter. Just make sure you rust proof it thoroughly underneath if its going to see any road salt. My brother's old one averaged about 12mpg before we sorted the carbs and ignition so worth bearing that in mind... Cool first car anyway
bstark said:
Can't help with the insurance question but I would definitely go for the MGB over the Midget if it's going to be a year round everyday car.
My other half has a '72 Midget that gets used every day for 6 months of the year and with the top down it's a lovely little thing and lots of fun. Top up it really feels its age and it's no fun in the pouring rain and current freeze your nuts off weather...
MGB GT is a different beast altogether and quite snug in the winter. Just make sure you rust proof it thoroughly underneath if its going to see any road salt. My brother's old one averaged about 12mpg before we sorted the carbs and ignition so worth bearing that in mind... Cool first car anyway
Thanks for the reply, indeed I prefer the MGB as it is a hard top. I do not normally like soft tops at all but would still love a midget. Still need to fish around for info on insurance at my age, thanks again! My other half has a '72 Midget that gets used every day for 6 months of the year and with the top down it's a lovely little thing and lots of fun. Top up it really feels its age and it's no fun in the pouring rain and current freeze your nuts off weather...
MGB GT is a different beast altogether and quite snug in the winter. Just make sure you rust proof it thoroughly underneath if its going to see any road salt. My brother's old one averaged about 12mpg before we sorted the carbs and ignition so worth bearing that in mind... Cool first car anyway
Matthew,
I don't know where you've been looking, not far I'd guess, both subjects come up regularly and both recently - B or Midget, insurance for under 25/21
have look on this website, this forum and the MG forum for both subjects
first things first you need to pass your test, then you need to find out if either car or a classic is for you by getting passenger rides and better still test drives - I could put loads of advice here but if you look you'll see loads of it already in my previous posts
I think a Midget is more of a young person's car and a Midget would be better for all year driving that a B roadster and as good as a BGT depending on your requirements
I've used two Spridgets all year round and two Bs, one a roadster and one a BGT - for the last nearly 6 years (by far the longest I've ever owned a car) I've been using a Midget as my daily and only car, been using various classics as dailies for over 20 years, all year round for work, holidays, tours and club events - all have been used year round and sit outside year round
classics are not like moderns though as you actually have to put a little effort into driving them and maintaining them which some find wear thin quickly, i.e. they're not for every one
I don't know where you've been looking, not far I'd guess, both subjects come up regularly and both recently - B or Midget, insurance for under 25/21
have look on this website, this forum and the MG forum for both subjects
first things first you need to pass your test, then you need to find out if either car or a classic is for you by getting passenger rides and better still test drives - I could put loads of advice here but if you look you'll see loads of it already in my previous posts
I think a Midget is more of a young person's car and a Midget would be better for all year driving that a B roadster and as good as a BGT depending on your requirements
I've used two Spridgets all year round and two Bs, one a roadster and one a BGT - for the last nearly 6 years (by far the longest I've ever owned a car) I've been using a Midget as my daily and only car, been using various classics as dailies for over 20 years, all year round for work, holidays, tours and club events - all have been used year round and sit outside year round
classics are not like moderns though as you actually have to put a little effort into driving them and maintaining them which some find wear thin quickly, i.e. they're not for every one
My girlfriend was in the same situation a few years ago, but getting insurance was a pain. She ended up with a Morris Minor (which she still has 3 years later) and she has covered over 20,000 miles in that time. Insurance is about half of the cost of a modern, but that is just on a normal car policy through confused.com as she is still deemed too young for classic policies. This year she is 21 and will be looking at around the £300 mark.
Also with free tax and 40mpg its a pretty cheap way of getting around. In those 3 years I have done a lot to the car, but servicing / repairs / upgrades has still only amounted to around £300 a year
Also with free tax and 40mpg its a pretty cheap way of getting around. In those 3 years I have done a lot to the car, but servicing / repairs / upgrades has still only amounted to around £300 a year
I think it depends what kind of driving you do.
I have had my Midget as my one and only car for about eight years and it's a fantastic little machine that provides smiles per miles like few other cars could.
As I live in Tokyo I hardly ever drive any great distances so the little Midget is remarkably suitable for city driving.
A bigger MGB or the like would probably be a better choice if you do a fair amount of longer trips.
Horses for courses ...
I have had my Midget as my one and only car for about eight years and it's a fantastic little machine that provides smiles per miles like few other cars could.
As I live in Tokyo I hardly ever drive any great distances so the little Midget is remarkably suitable for city driving.
A bigger MGB or the like would probably be a better choice if you do a fair amount of longer trips.
Horses for courses ...
I am too young to give an informed and experienced answer but assuming money is the biggest concern I would choose the Midget. They're cheaper to purchase and insure than a B and I believe that they're more economical. My dad has a '79 Midget and she's great fun, I would recommend a Midget to anybody.
Work out the insurance and go from there.
The MGBGT is a decent enough starter car. If you can handle the looks go for the latest one you can - the rubber bumper ones are a little more civilised inside, and since they're less valuable your money will go further. Try to find the least modified example you can.
Rust is the big issue. It's pretty much the only issue to be honest. These cars are so simple that if you really went at it you could swap every mechanical part on the car in a weekend, but they rust badly. If you are after a cheap one, buy entirely on body condition.
The MGBGT is a decent enough starter car. If you can handle the looks go for the latest one you can - the rubber bumper ones are a little more civilised inside, and since they're less valuable your money will go further. Try to find the least modified example you can.
Rust is the big issue. It's pretty much the only issue to be honest. These cars are so simple that if you really went at it you could swap every mechanical part on the car in a weekend, but they rust badly. If you are after a cheap one, buy entirely on body condition.
You know guys, there's other classic cars out there then MGB's, take a look about, it may surprise you!
Have a look on this site OP, especially the members rides section and see what else tickles your fancy, a lot of the members on there are around your age.
http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi
My recommendation?, how about a Hillman Imp or Triumph Herald (although the offset driving position can be off putting for a new driver.)
Have a look on this site OP, especially the members rides section and see what else tickles your fancy, a lot of the members on there are around your age.
http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi
My recommendation?, how about a Hillman Imp or Triumph Herald (although the offset driving position can be off putting for a new driver.)
Edited by dockertrigger on Saturday 6th April 11:23
dockertrigger said:
You know guys, there's other classic cars out there then MGB's, take a look about, it may surprise you!
Have a look on this site OP, especially the members rides section and see what else tickles your fancy, a lot of the members on there are around your age.
http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi
My recommendation?, how about a Hillman Imp or Triumph Herald (although the offset driving position can be off putting for a new driver.)
Thanks for that!Have a look on this site OP, especially the members rides section and see what else tickles your fancy, a lot of the members on there are around your age.
http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi
My recommendation?, how about a Hillman Imp or Triumph Herald (although the offset driving position can be off putting for a new driver.)
Edited by dockertrigger on Saturday 6th April 11:23
I had this as my first car at 17, when I learnt to drive:
I had an MG Midget as my second. Most of my cars have been classics.
A great idea if you can get insurance. But I would suggest you get familiar with classics. Cars have come so far in the last 20 years or so, and any classic from before 1980 will feel slow, noisy, flimsy, cold/hot (you dont get much of a choice in this matter!!!), unreliable (can you change and set points??), not very well built and not very good if you have a crash. My car above didnt even have seat belts..
I love them all, but they feel very odd now compared to todays cars. Its why I love them, but they might not suit everyone. And I'd hated you to buy one, get home and simply say "I dont like it..."
I had an MG Midget as my second. Most of my cars have been classics.
A great idea if you can get insurance. But I would suggest you get familiar with classics. Cars have come so far in the last 20 years or so, and any classic from before 1980 will feel slow, noisy, flimsy, cold/hot (you dont get much of a choice in this matter!!!), unreliable (can you change and set points??), not very well built and not very good if you have a crash. My car above didnt even have seat belts..
I love them all, but they feel very odd now compared to todays cars. Its why I love them, but they might not suit everyone. And I'd hated you to buy one, get home and simply say "I dont like it..."
williamp said:
A great idea if you can get insurance. But I would suggest you get familiar with classics. Cars have come so far in the last 20 years or so, and any classic from before 1980 will feel slow, noisy, flimsy, cold/hot (you dont get much of a choice in this matter!!!), unreliable (can you change and set points??), not very well built and not very good if you have a crash. My car above didnt even have seat belts..
I love them all, but they feel very odd now compared to todays cars. Its why I love them, but they might not suit everyone. And I'd hated you to buy one, get home and simply say "I dont like it..."
A Rover P4? Very nice. I did find one thread from while back of a 17 year old with a MGB at 17 and he said how it was cheaper to insure then his mums Fiat Panda, only thing is he did not say who it was insured with! Not even in replies to the same question. I love them all, but they feel very odd now compared to todays cars. Its why I love them, but they might not suit everyone. And I'd hated you to buy one, get home and simply say "I dont like it..."
My appeal to classics is I just prefer the look and the fun that would come with owning one, like all the meets and shows I could attend, and of course getting experience in maintaining it at the same time, but yes I am still browsing for ideas on insurance.
Thanks!
Just to add, if you are going to look outside of the obvious MG / Triumph models check the parts supply situation.
You can get literally every part for a Midget the next day. The same isn't true for many cars ( even popular ones like a Capri - a lot of body / trim parts are hard to source).
Moss and Rimmer Brothers are good places to look to see well supported models.
You can get literally every part for a Midget the next day. The same isn't true for many cars ( even popular ones like a Capri - a lot of body / trim parts are hard to source).
Moss and Rimmer Brothers are good places to look to see well supported models.
Got a few chaps in the same boat as you over on www.younggunsclassics.com
Probably more importantly, more lads and ladies around 21-22 who have been insuring and running classics daily since age 17, so plenty of pointers available!
Probably more importantly, more lads and ladies around 21-22 who have been insuring and running classics daily since age 17, so plenty of pointers available!
warninglight said:
Got a few chaps in the same boat as you over on www.younggunsclassics.com
Probably more importantly, more lads and ladies around 21-22 who have been insuring and running classics daily since age 17, so plenty of pointers available!
Thanks for that!Probably more importantly, more lads and ladies around 21-22 who have been insuring and running classics daily since age 17, so plenty of pointers available!
I paid:
£160 fully comp 3000 miles a year with Peter S Taylor and Co on a Midget 1500 at the age of 19
£130 with Footman James on the same car with breakdown cover etc at 21. They have now reintroduced a young drivers scheme.
I currently pay £450 a year with classicline on a car that has a 1275 engine instead of 1098, MG Metro manifold and a single HIF carb. This one is a second car though. However, they do offer a form of no claims bonus!
It is well worth ringing round and seeing what you get!
Rylan
£160 fully comp 3000 miles a year with Peter S Taylor and Co on a Midget 1500 at the age of 19
£130 with Footman James on the same car with breakdown cover etc at 21. They have now reintroduced a young drivers scheme.
I currently pay £450 a year with classicline on a car that has a 1275 engine instead of 1098, MG Metro manifold and a single HIF carb. This one is a second car though. However, they do offer a form of no claims bonus!
It is well worth ringing round and seeing what you get!
Rylan
Sparticate said:
I paid:
£160 fully comp 3000 miles a year with Peter S Taylor and Co on a Midget 1500 at the age of 19
£130 with Footman James on the same car with breakdown cover etc at 21. They have now reintroduced a young drivers scheme.
I currently pay £450 a year with classicline on a car that has a 1275 engine instead of 1098, MG Metro manifold and a single HIF carb. This one is a second car though. However, they do offer a form of no claims bonus!
It is well worth ringing round and seeing what you get!
Rylan
So Footman James will insure an 18 year old again? I thought they only insured 25 + years? £160 fully comp 3000 miles a year with Peter S Taylor and Co on a Midget 1500 at the age of 19
£130 with Footman James on the same car with breakdown cover etc at 21. They have now reintroduced a young drivers scheme.
I currently pay £450 a year with classicline on a car that has a 1275 engine instead of 1098, MG Metro manifold and a single HIF carb. This one is a second car though. However, they do offer a form of no claims bonus!
It is well worth ringing round and seeing what you get!
Rylan
Thanks for the help, also what's your opinion on a MGB GT as a first, is it too 'big', would I struggle to get insured on one at my age?
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff