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Re: Can I ever count on having a fairly trouble-free MG???

To: Lew Palmer <lpalmer@roundaboutmanor.com>, <NFexec@aol.com>,
Subject: Re: Can I ever count on having a fairly trouble-free MG???
From: Kevin Shertz <kshertz@bellatlantic.net>
Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 21:35:00 -0500
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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