Doug,
I can only say "I agree" to everything Lew has said. I bought my MG Midget
in '87 and my '80 MGB this past year. The Midget was my first love and my
wife claims my MBG is my new mistress!
Find a well-sorted car and you'll be OK. Don't be afraid to get your
fingernails dirty, understand how the car works, and you'll be OK. I do a
lot of the routine maintenance to my cars, but have also taught myself to
know what I can and cannot do. Fortunately, most of it you can do.
A lot of people _do_ tinker with their LBS a lot, but that's because it's
addictive; not always out of necessity.
Regards,
Kevin Shertz
On 1/15/03 9:21 PM, "Lew Palmer" <lpalmer@roundaboutmanor.com> wrote:
> Doug,
>
> Remember that the newest MG on these shores is now 23 years old.
> Therefore, unless the previous owner replaced or restored virtually
> every part on the car, it remains at least 23 years old. Any car that
> age is bound to have some gremlins creeping in somewhere.
>
> That having been said, there is no reason to believe that if you choose
> your car carefully from a reputable owner, and have the car inspected
> prior to purchase by a knowledgeable MG mechanic, you can't have a
> pretty trouble-free experience.
>
> Sooner or later every car will require maintenance and some repair, but
> if you choose carefully, pay an honest amount of money for the right
> car, maintain it properly, you can enjoy years of ownership.
>
> Be sure, also, to join the local MG club. It not only provides you with
> ready knowledge to find and purchase a car, but also is a helpful source
> of experts in case you do run into a "spot of bother". Besides, I think
> you will find an amazing level of social activity and friendship rarely
> found with any other marque.
>
> Regards,
> Lew Palmer
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net] On
> Behalf Of NFexec@aol.com
> Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 7:33 PM
> To: mgs@autox.team.net
> Subject: Can I ever count on having a fairly trouble-free MG???
>
> OK, here I am, a previous owner of a brand-new (then) '77 MGB that I had
> for
> only 4 years. I've owned three Miatas over the years, and my current
> one is
> going back after lease end in two years.
>
> I've thought about getting an MG for a long time, and while I would not
> do
> that before my miata goes bye-bye, I am taking my time to get some
> information and possibly join the local club (haven't yet).
>
> My question has to do with my concern over how UNreliable these neat
> cars
> really are these days. I get the sense that there are a lot of MG
> owners out
> there who spend a LOT of time rebuilding, fixing, patching, repairing,
> replacing,etc. their LBC's... and while I understand that might be part
> of
> the enjoyment of owning one, I am wondering if I were to get a virtually
>
> totally restored car with appropriate 21st century upgrades in
> carburation,
> ignition, rebuilt engine & tranny, - all major electrical, mechanical,
> etc.
> systems.... will I still be faced with fixing leaks, replacing parts
> here and
> there, adjusting items ad nausem just to keep the car running?
>
> Am I being delusional to think I can get an MGB that won't require a
> trip to
> the garage every other week? Or, can I enjoy relatively trouble-free
> motoring with a sensible maintenance schedule that doesn't include
> pulling
> the engine or replacing the carbs every year??
>
> Please don't laugh too hard --- while I'm not inept, I don't have a lot
> of
> car repair experience, but do think the MG's are georgous cars. --
> thanks
> for any advice, guys!
>
> Doug
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