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  • 02-11-2010 1:27pm
    #1
    stackerman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭


    Hi all

    Just wondering if any of you have any thoughs on this car

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1622143

    My mother has been through a hard time and has always wanted one (long story). The BIG problem is that while I'd love to surprise her, I haven't got a clue about classics or indeed this car. Would this example seem like a good one and a fair price ?
    I know you can only tell so much from an add :)
    Any thoughts on this car or the model would be great, such as what to look out for etc. Only looking around and toying with the idea at the moment.

    Many thanks in advance for any advice.


Comments

  • #2
    mountai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 960 ✭✭✭mountai


    Brilliant little car!!. Dont know how good your Mother is at maintenance, but anyone with an MG needs to be handy with the spanners!!.Cant make any comments re this particular car, but there are many pitfalls in buying a car of this age. You could have the car examined be a mechanic or engineer, the cost would be worth it as it might prevent you from buying a "Lemon".Anothrt suggestion is to get the vendor to put it through an NCT.This would ensure that the car is at least roadworthy,and at 50 Euro is a reasonable option.
    As for price -- If its negotable, and it can be purchased the right side of 4k, providing its in good nick, then it would seem reasonable to me.


  • #3
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    You should bear in mind that while driving B-roads is a blast, the lack of power steering about town or parking can be wearing on the driver of an old motor like that.

    Parking is a good upper-body workout, but I know my own mother wouldn't be able to handle it!


  • #4
    COB MGV8
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 136 ✭✭COB MGV8


    I have one of these - they are great fun to drive, the trick with the steering is to only turn the steering wheel while the car is moving - even slowly, it takes all the hard work out of parking etc. The heavy steering is nowhere near as bad as other cars of its vintage.

    The only other warning is that unless it has a 5 speed conversion, its not for long journeys unless you want to drive the nuts off it to keep up with the traffic - the upside of this however is that its great fun on short/town trips or on back roads (as long as the suspension is in good nick)

    Maintenance wise - its no better or worse than any other classic car - parts are easily available and there is a good support network in Ireland and the UK. Mechanically they are very simple - same engine as the Mini Cooper with more space in the engine bay to work on them.

    Does it have an unleaded head ? If not, you will need to put additive in with every fill. (This can be changed, but will cost you 4-600 to do)

    You deffo need to get it checked out...in all the usual spots - sills, wheel arches, floors.

    Guy who took the photo didn't know how to fold the hood properly - looks like the plastic windows on the roof has been bent under the rest of the hood - you'll need to check that it hasn't cracked - you could be looking at a new hood. Hard to see in the photos, may be some rust on the rear quarter panels.....


  • #5
    Ali Babba
    Closed Accounts Posts: 874 ✭✭✭Ali Babba


    If I was you i'd get her a Mazda MX5, I know it's not vintage but it would be far more practical for her and a very easy car for her to drive and maintain. The MG is tiny inside and really not a practical car for everyday use. For the price being asked for this one you'd buy a MGB roadster anyway.


  • #6
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,820 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Ali Babba wrote: »
    If I was you i'd get her a Mazda MX5, I know it's not vintage but it would be far more practical for her and a very easy car for her to drive and maintain. The MG is tiny inside and really not a practical car for everyday use. For the price being asked for this one you'd buy a MGB roadster anyway.

    +1 on the Mazda: an MG for people who hate garages. But love.......power steering, suspension, no rust, reliability, being dry, and they're cheap. No contest, really.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • #7
    _Conrad_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,191 ✭✭✭_Conrad_


    If the lady wants an MG midget, then by all means get her one if you can, specially if she's had a bad time lately, they're lovely little cars, and i'd imagine it wouldnt be her everyday car. Just ensure you find a trusted mechanic (preferably one with some experience with old cars) in your area if you're not confident in your own skills, and get it checked over well. Perhaps find a few options, narrow it down to maybe 2, and pick the best one


  • #8
    macplaxton
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 2,957 Mod ✭✭✭✭macplaxton


    COB MGV8 wrote: »
    the trick with the steering is to only turn the steering wheel while the car is moving - even slowly, it takes all the hard work out of parking etc.

    That's not a trick. That's part of driving properly. :(


  • #9
    stackerman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭stackerman


    Thanks a mill all for the replies.

    The mother is a very good driver and fairly 'fresh' ;) herself, so the power stearing should not be a problem. It really is this car she has a craw for, and the Mazda or any other would be a unwanted/needed.

    This little car on the other hand, well . . it will bring her back every time she gets in it. I would prob garage it for her in the winter as the rural roads around us flood and ice regularly.

    Still undecided, about the whole thing. My biggest worry would be finding a good guy near me to look after it and not rip me off.


  • #10
    mountai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 960 ✭✭✭mountai


    Where do you live????. I love MGs,- Am totally trustworthy and am on the lookout for a "fresh" Mammy!!!!! . Handy with the spanners as well!!!!!


  • #11
    COB MGV8
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 136 ✭✭COB MGV8


    macplaxton wrote: »
    That's not a trick. That's part of driving properly. :(

    You are completey correct, however while it may be obvious to you - it mightn't be so much for people who have only ever driven cars with power steering.


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  • #12
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    mountai wrote: »
    Where do you live????. I love MGs,- Am totally trustworthy and am on the lookout for a "fresh" Mammy!!!!! . Handy with the spanners as well!!!!!

    I was just thinking to myself that if the OP mentioned a 'fresh' Ma in After Hours his thread would be 10+ pages long by the end of the night! :p


  • #13
    stackerman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭stackerman


    Same car

    http://cgi.ebay.ie/Mg-Midget-1971-red-/320612299326?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4aa5fb723e

    Down to €3,500

    Getting more like it I think ?

    Anyone Have an idea what an body restoration would cost on same type of car (approx) and what an engine referb would cost ? There seem to be a good few around in need of work. Do you think I'd be mad to consider that option, seeing as I have no experience ?

    Again, MANY THANKS


  • #14
    stackerman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭stackerman


    OK

    So my head is wrecked, I just hope I'm not wrecking yours guys ;)

    Plan has now changed after I talked to the ma

    http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C193242/

    http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C189413

    I know, I know :o

    I got the car wrong (It was an MGA), and the price bracket WAY wrong. Although I'll only be paying 50%, its still more than I'd planed.

    Would any of you have any experience with these cars, and if the above two cars are priced roughly right.

    Sorry again to bother you, and many thanks in advance ;)


  • #15
    mountai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 960 ✭✭✭mountai


    Well you sure have gone Up the scale a good bit.!!. Prices for MGAs have gone up considerably in the last few years, and are a good investment IMHO. They are more difficult to drive, harder to maintain than the Midget but well worth the bother. The cars you have shown look to be in great condition and the prices quoted reflect this. If you dont know much about these cars then be careful,they are prone to tin worm in the usual places, get anything inspected before you buy.By the way---- Hows the Mammy???!!!!


  • #16
    stackerman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,241 ✭✭✭stackerman


    mountai wrote: »
    Well you sure have gone Up the scale a good bit.!!. Prices for MGAs have gone up considerably in the last few years, and are a good investment IMHO. They are more difficult to drive, harder to maintain than the Midget but well worth the bother. The cars you have shown look to be in great condition and the prices quoted reflect this. If you dont know much about these cars then be careful,they are prone to tin worm in the usual places, get anything inspected before you buy.By the way---- Hows the Mammy???!!!!

    The Mammys the finest Mountai :D

    Thanks for the comments

    Am looking around for a good one and fair price. As I said I know very little about them, but doing alot of searching on the net etc, and picking up a BIT :o

    Think I may have found one in the midlands which I may have a look at next week, if I can get someone who knows what they are looking at to go with me and check it over. I think the MGA would be a good investment too, although with all this economic mess at the moment . . .

    Thanks again all ;)


  • #17
    galwaytt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,820 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    keving wrote: »
    Thanks a mill all for the replies.

    The mother is a very good driver and fairly 'fresh' ;) herself, so the power stearing should not be a problem. It really is this car she has a craw for, and the Mazda or any other would be a unwanted/needed.

    This little car on the other hand, well . . it will bring her back every time she gets in it. I would prob garage it for her in the winter as the rural roads around us flood and ice regularly.

    Still undecided, about the whole thing. My biggest worry would be finding a good guy near me to look after it and not rip me off.

    keving - I admire your tenacity, but have you, or your Ma, sat in, or driven an MX-5? If you do so, and still feel as above, I defer, but if you do, and then actually drive an MG-anything, the answer will be more than obvious.....not to mention an awful lot cheaper. Test drive's are free.

    Hell, I'll even arrange it for you !


    [edit] I forgot to ask: have you a garage, to park (whatever), in ? [/edit]

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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