>From: Tomsjetta@aol.com
>
>I would like to thank...
>
>As I search for my MGB of choice, how concerned should I be about the car's
>mileage?...
>
>Thanks,
>
>Tom
>
Tom -
Since the youngest of the MGBs are now nearing 20 years old, I'd say
evaluate the condition of the car and ignore the odometer. Yes there are
some rare <50K cars out there but as you've no doubt seen, they
deteriorate from dissuse. Most of these are probably 150K or 250K cars
anyway. I know my '76 B is at least 145K (it turned over to 00000 in my
possession) and it could be 245K. My '73 has over 140K on it and my '73 GT
turned over 200K some time ago.
My philosophy of MGB ownership (which includes practical considerations of
daily transportation) is that it is a long-term commitment; savings from
the high prices, depreciation, car loan interest, taxes, car insurance, etc
associated with late-model cars, will more than offset any repairs you have
to make. If the car is fundamentally sound structurally, there is
absolutely nothing that is not worth repairing, rebuilding, or replacing.
Instead of buying a car you replace when it wears out, you replace each
piece as it wears out and keep the car indefinitely.
Buy it with your eyes open, ask lots of questions, be prepared to learn a
lot, and forget conventional wisdom about not spending more on a car than
it's "worth". Case in point: I bought my '76B as a potential driver back
in '91. The engine was out and in pieces, but it had a sound body,
overdrive and wire wheels, all for $750. Since then, in chronological
order, I rebuilt the engine ($1200), reupholstered and replaced the top
($900?), replaced the rear axle ($325 for an overdrive '76 parts car) and
rear brake cylinders/shoes, replaced rear springs ($100), front springs
($?), rebuilt front suspension ($200?), replaced all shocks ($220),
replaced tires ($200) and new Dayton wire wheels (on sale for about $600!),
replaced rear quarter panels where rust appeared after six years and
repainted car ($2500). Right now, I've just had the brake servo rebuilt
($275) and while I was at it I replaced brake and clutch master cylinders
with new ones ($270), and as I write, I am awaiting rebuilt front calipers.
These old brake components of indeterminant age (maybe original?) were
serviceable but peace of mind is worth its price. I did spend $15 for new
alternator bearings back in '92. The only other electrical problems I've
had are two or three oxidized bullet connectors. Believe it or not, the
battery - old-looking in 1991 - is still in there and high-functioning.
How long WILL it last? ' Gotta find out!
Keep in mind this has been spread out over 8 years, during which I have
gotten 46000 miles of utility and pleasure from it and it is ready for the
next 8 years. Add it up - about $7500, right? That's less than $1k per
year. Realistically, I couldn't sell it for "what I have in it" - but have
you tried doing that with a new car?! Maybe I could sell it for around
$5000. That's $2500 depreciation for 8 years - about $300 per year.
Anybody know of a better transportation bargain than that? Wait a minute,
I hear you say, the flaw in my argument is I haven't considered
reliability. Well, this car has yet to leave me stranded - and in fact the
only time any MGB has ever done so was 15 years ago when I didn't know
about Zenith Stromberg carburator diaphragms. A little piece of duct tape
or a $4 spare diaphragm and I could have been on my way in less than 20
minutes. But that's the way with MGs - you counter the economics with
knowledge. And hey it's not rocket science. You always carry tools and
lots of spare parts - acknowledging the 29th Law of Random Perversity: "The
chance of a component failure is inversely proportional to the availability
of a replacement". I now walk a little taller, and I have new
self-confidence and poise because I've learned to be responsible for my own
transportation (not to imply that there isn't a lot more for me to learn!).
The MG is not a complete car without its owner.
But observing that old 47th Law of Random Perversity: "The chances of
being stranded in your MG are directly proportional to how much you've
pontificated about never being stranded", I'm almost afraid to press
"Send". You see, in a few days, we're off to Grand Bend Ontario (about 700
miles) in our '73 B for the Hosers Eh! GT. If you see a Damask Red '73 B
by the roadside somewhere between Virginia and Ontario with the bonnet up,
you'll be able to snicker... "Oh that's the guy who wishes he hadn't
written all this..."
But I haven't even begun to discuss how much fun it is. ' Can't put a
price tag on that!
2¢?????
Allen
******************************************
Allen H. Bachelder =iii=<
Sinking Creek Home for Wayward MGs
New Castle, VA 24127
USA
540/544-7333
******************************************
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