20 replies to this topic

[Reidbook]

Title pretty self explanatory. I’m looking to buy either a Mini or an MG Midget (pre Truimph engine) as a first car. My Dad already has 3 Minis and suggested the Midget as an alternative for me, which I had never considered before. Anyone had any experiences with both cars and are willing to share opinions?

TIA, Adam

[Tupers]

Minis aren’t exactly easy to get in and out of and Midgets are worse.

Go and find a Midget to sit in. I think you’d be pretty miserable if you had to drive one every day.

[RedRuby]

Agree with Tupers, Midgets can be awkward to get in and out off particularly with the hood up. Having said that it also depends on your age. They are however nice to drive. Just to throw a curve ball in have you considered a classic Fiat 500.

Edited by RedRuby, 29 October 2019 - 09:48 PM.

[sledgehammer]

Midgets can rust even worse than Mini's - the floor pans can rot quickly

 

they are also very tight in the seat area , but once you are used to them , they are liveable (1275 is the best IMHO)

 

I had the opportunity of one , that was solid for £400 , a few years ago , but had no space for it sadly , kicking my self now

 

an alternative is the spitfire , which isn't a bad little 2 seater , but the rear suspension has a mind of it's own
 

the rear wheels tend to swap camber very quickly , which can catch some people out on heavy cornering

 

and can rot as well , but still worth a look , and very easy to work on , with good turning circle

Edited by sledgehammer, 29 October 2019 - 10:01 PM.

[Reidbook]

Cheers for all the reply’s guys, RedRuby I haven’t looked at 500’s as I just don’t see the appeal to 2 cylinders and air cooled.

[JDImini]

Hi 

 

I have owned both when young as daily drivers but a rubber bumpered midget and I enjoyed the midget more. 30+ years later I have a 1275 midget which is lovely when the weather is good and my son has a mini and I must say smiles per mile the mini wins hands down as does the mini handling, it's amazing.

 

The mini has been lowered, has a full roll cage, buckets seats and harnesses so takes some getting into. The midget even with the hardtop on is tricky but manageable.

 

If the car is going to live outside then I would go for the mini as water gets in everywhere in the midget and the soft top doesn't offer much protection, but both will rot before your eyes. Which ever you go for you'll enjoy it for different reasons

 

good luck

[sonikk4]

I can attest to Midgets rusting and in some weird places. Plus at 6ft and 14.5 stone i found getting into the damn thing with the hood fitted somewhat awkward. It drove well but personally not the car for me.

 

(repaired one for a mate and he was smaller so not so bad)

[Ethel]

Once had a lift in one with a 2L Pinto lump. Rocket ship, but a foot well that was too narrow to put both feet side by side was a  tad impractical.

 

If you're intent on a classic car, then it's probably as practical to see what comes up close enough to your location and then decide if it fits your bill.

[minitravellerman]

Well of course there is a big difference between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive.

I love the Midget and had a 1500 rubber bumper one for a couple years. I also compete in the local autotest circuit here in Northern Ireland and quite a number of Midgets compete with a range of power plants (from standard 1275s, through big bore A-Series, to alternative power - Zetec, Red Top, V-Tec).

What about an MGB? I'm 6'2" and daily drove a 1950 Oselli race tuned MGB (chrome bumper) for 5 years and it was a great reliable, quick and comfortable sportscar.

[sonscar]

I have both,Mini old noisy uncomfortable classic car with well known rust issues,Midget old noisy uncomfortable classic car with well known rust issues.Both make me smile when I look at them and both make me laugh when I drive them.Mini is probably easier to live with.Neither will disappoint if you buy wisely.Steve..

[Jase]

I also have a Spitfire, whilst nowhere near as well built as the MG, easy to work, no issues with rear suspension just fit wider wheels etc, did we say they all rust? - They all rust.

[Cooperman]

I think the fun of having an old and slow classic car as a first car/daily driver soon wears off.

I love classic cars as does my Grandson. He had a Mini as his first car when he was 17 and passed his test. That lasted about 3 months as he got fed up with the servicing and repairs whilst his friends were driving around in their modern cars. He sold the Mini and bought a Fiesta 1.25 with reliability, economy, air-con, power steering, nice seats, great suspension and good brakes. He still had my Minis to drive whenever he wished and has recently bought back his first Mini restoration for me to re-restore and ship to him at his new home in Vancouver.

[Algordo1100]

My first car was a 1991 mini. This was in 2001 when you would still see classic minis everywhere and parts were plentiful and available anywhere from scrappers to Halfords.

My 1st mini was 10 years old and cost me £200. It wasn't any less reliable that I recall than my friends' 1st cars at the time. 80s Fiestas, Novas, Metros, Pandas etc. One of my friends did have a midget also.

Times are obviously different now and a 10 or 12 year old small car is leaps ahead of what we had.

[jaybeeonline]

Have you considered a Mini based Kit Car - GTM Rossa mid engined fun!












J.

[62S]

I think you yourself have to be the right build for a Midget, probably more so than for a Mini. I presume you are quite young so getting in and out of a Midget shouldn't be a problem for you.

In standard form an A series engined Midget drives and handles better than a rubber bumper one. Even the last A series Midgets still had a three synchro gearbox i.e. no synchro on 1st gear but that isn't a problem once you are used to it.

They are quite a different driving experience but both are enjoyable.