Classic?

P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

I know this is Bike Chat Forums, but, does anyone else think that owning a classic car is a nice idea?

https://i1.ebayimg.com/03/i/00/d3/f5/7a_1.JPG
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439656318&category=18308

...and, does an MG Midget, actualy fit into the classic car category?

I have always fancied these cars since I was about 12 or 13. There used to be one parked up in a garage down our back alley. It was a soft top, Dark/British racing green.

I spotted it one day walking the dog and it was there for literaly years. The guy finaly got around to replacing the broken garage door so for all I know, it might still be there.

Do any of you think that this, as a first car, (if/when i pass my test in dec) would be a good/bad idea.

Its a convertable that im after if I was to get one, and winter seems to be the best time to buy one. Because its freezing and no one wants to ride in a convertable in the cold. Strange that.

What would be the pros and cons of buying a car like this. Obviously its not going to be in mint condition but they were allegedly built to last in those days.

PJ
(dont think spell checker is working - ust loads the frame then doesnt do anything)
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Laura · Playboy Bunny Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Karma :

I was also thinking of getting a midget. They do fall under classic car category and are also tax exempt.
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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

Im looking to see what kind of insurance category they fall under, cant seem to find it.

Anyone know what it would most likely be for 24 Yr old with one years no claims (if bike carries over).

PJ
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Sorry to rain on your parade,
My boss where I used to work had an MG and he said that it was quite hard to drive due to the extremely heavy clutch and steering. You really need to be into them (MG's or classic cars) AFAIK to get any pleasure frrom them. They're not as reliable as a modern car, the parts are expensive, they rust themselves to dust and they are impractical. I think even the tyres are a weird size or something.

Yeah so they've got style (fror a cage), but what good will it do you when you're standing at the side of the road with a broken down car that the AA man doesn't have the parts for?

If you really want to do it, then I say go for it, but take the above points into consideration first. Smile

As a first car I would say be wary, especially as the insurance might be high. And if youy do fall in love with it, what happens when you have an accident?

I'm not trying to be a spoil sport, but it does seem odd to want a classic as a first car. Smile

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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

Just rang Norwich Union.

Apparently they take into account the number of years you have had your provisional, not just full licenses. (7years for me then)

Fully comp was £300 quid cheaper that TPF&T.

1977 MG Midget - No NC bonus (bike wont carry over) - 1.5ltr blah blah = £670 (£220 XS + £150 young driver thing because im under 25)

Not bad IMO for first car.

You know when you get that funny feeling inside telling you to just go ahead and do it...?!?!?

PJ
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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

ps,

The guy at Norwich Union says that insurance group for an MG Midget is "7".

And the year of registration denotes tax examption or not.

Not sure what year it kicks in though.

PJ
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richn · Derestricted Danger Joined: 05 May 2003 Karma :

As far as I know, any car/bike is tax exempt if it is built before Jan 1st 1973. Dont forget about specialist classic car insurers like footman james.

Regards

Rich

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Surprised it is that cheap.

Anyway they do rust (if the doors open when cornering on a test drive then run away, quickly). Parts are fairly commen.

That one in the pic is a later rubber bumper model so is too new to be tax exampt.

All the best

Keith
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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

PJ just went a did a rather stupid thing.

"If I bid £10... i wonder if it will accept it..."

It did, I am now the highest bidder on a Yellow 1980 MG Midget Convertable.

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439311017&category=29757

Just how the fcuk am i goint to get that 250 miles home?

How much is it going to cost to replace a floor pan, which is obviously needed before it goes for its MOT (expired)

After three everybody 1 - 2 - 3 "Fuckwit!"

PJ
Confused

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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Aaah, you've got a day to get outbid. Fuckwit. Laughing

Syfoon · TRUCK!!! Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Karma :

Oooh, yellow.

Fuckwit.
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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

Well, if you are going to be different, may as well do it right. Smile

I do like these cars im just not sure about how much its likley to cost me to put it right.
Confused

PJ
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Akira · Trackday Trickster Joined: 24 Jul 2003 Karma :

You couldn't have picked a worse first car if you were a deaf mute nun from mongolia with a skoda fetish! WTF were you thinking?? That thing is a proper POS, and it's going to need at least the purchase price again spent on it to make it roadworthy, I quote- This car is an excellent WINTER RESTORATION PROJECT. You better hope there's a retarded MG addict out there on the interweb about to find eBay, or you gon' be in a world of financial pain, my rash friend, there's nothing worse than paying for something you don't want. Learn from your mistakes, unbookmark eBay for your own good.

mr jamez · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Karma :

Owning a classic car is great, i love my mini Laughing

WildGoose · White Van Man Joined: 21 Mar 2002 Karma :

https://www.film.warka.pl/images2/samochody/s_bullit_2.jpg

thats a real classic car, forget this mg crap Razz

</typical goose response>
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P_J · Nearly there... Joined: 24 Nov 2002 Karma :

would like something like that.

Does anyone know of a site/dealer, listing unusual/rare /classic cars?

Google brings either so many results or nothing to do with what you want.

PJ
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Dreams will get you nowhere, a good kick up the arse will take you a long way.
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Laura · Playboy Bunny Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Karma :

carvell · Scuttler Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Karma :

In my opinion, a classic car is the last thing you want when you are young and have just passed your test.

Most people that own classic cars have a modern car which they use for day to day business such as the shopping!

Generally, they drive a lot worse than a modern car, they rust, and it costs a fortune to MOT them. Oh, and they're nowhere as near as safe as any modern car (not that that's really an issue if you ride a motorbike too!)

I'd go for something cheap and practical as a first car, then get a classic when you can afford it.
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mr jamez · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Karma :

Well allthough my mini isnt exactly a classic car, its still relevant, before I started learning to drive all I wanted to buy was a mini. If I couldnt get one then I would just have a motorbike, I was not interested in nova's and all the other rubbish. Now I have the Mini I am starting to realise the amount of work and upkeep I am going to have to do to it. Thankfully the parts are cheap and they are not that hard to work on, plus I love them so i can forgive it Very Happy

. The rust however is a terrible problem Crying or Very sad

If I turned back the clock I would probably have thought hard about getting a micra or something, or perhaps spent longer finding a better mini.

Hex · Party Boy Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Oh hell don't get me started on mini's! Very Happy

As for the MG, you will have your work cut out if you don't have a garage or the time to keep on top of the body work etc.

As has been said they have a heavy clutch, heavy steering (also very limited room for when you get the back end out - very easy to do as its rear wheel drive, My father doesn't like me driving his two as I can't help myself in a rear wheel drive car Very Happy

(you wana see me in the BMW Laughing

)) so ain't the best car to drive round town etc.

With it been old and if you wanted a soft top one be prepared for leaks - lots of them. Heaters that don't demist the windows and all the other fun stuff old cars offer.

I'd have one but not as my only car - infact I would have one if I had a garage to put one in so it didn't just sit on the street and rust.

Hex
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