I’m one year into ownership of my ‘69 tourer and I think if I got slapped with the repairs you’ve seen I would have gotten pretty discouraged. In my case I bought it running, driving and stopping for $4000 USD and I’m only in maybe another $1500 in parts and improvements, though I do all my own work. I couldn’t ask for a better behaved classic car. I did over 3000 miles last summer with it. It’s a such a great little roadster. Cheers!
@@ClassicMGB Oh I get it. If something major happens to me now I’ll be in the same boat as you because now that I’ve had a taste of a good running B I’ll do what it takes to bring it back up.
Graham, how in the world did ya get through that without shedding a tear…. You’re the best, hang in there brother, it’s the ride we remember right? Still a bargain for what we get out of them
We feel your pain, We spent a probably to higher purchase price for our 1970 mgb roadster as we didn't want a project car. After 8 years of ownership we have quite easily paid for the car again. I am no mechanic by any stretch of imagination but have learned loads and really try to take on as much as I possibly can. So is it really pain😊 it's all part of the fun and after all we're only looking after our classics for the next owner. Love your channel 👍
Thanks so much for your comments - yes, the maintenance bit is a good part of the hobby - I just need to get a bit of confidence to do some of the bigger jobs beyond servicing :-)
How we'll I remember my 1971 MGB GT. I drove through my senior year of high school and college....great car and fun to drive. It was costly at times but I learned thru MG manuals how to do much of the work myself. ....and the cost does fade from memory!!!!
I have owned a 1980 MGB roadster for 21 years. 9 of these years in New York City the rest of the time in Scotland. I was trained as a mechanic and rebuilt the engine,after having it rebored 40thou. I have covered approx 25000 miles with the car and it has never let me down. I have spent relatively little on it apart from service items. However I did pay for parking in NYC. The 9 years of parking in an open unsecured parking lot cost over $26000 dollars. Better not to think about the costs of classic motoring. Shipping of the car to the UK was relatively cheap at approx $1000. The memories of traveling through beautiful upstate New York are worth every penny of it.
I bought my '64 two years ago and have $18,500 into it including purchase price of $4,500. Keep in mind, it's beautiful and pe forms brilliantly. If I were to sell it today, I know I could ask $18,500, but thats not the point of owning these. Have fun and safety fast!
Great video. I bought my 1973 B when I was still in college....19 years old and became a pretty damn good mechanic as a result. Some 10 years later I shed a tear when I sold it.... but I got over it pretty quick. 1987 Toyota Supra V6, twin-cam, turbocharged... and oh yea....reliable as the day is long. I'm not sure if I miss the car or miss being 19....
Thanks for your comment - I think sports cars are in the blood and reliability can certainly help the love affair, but the quirky nature of MGBs is also endearing :-)
Sounds almost like my story. My grandfather had a 1980 B in black, in which he took 5-year old me for small trips around town. I vividly remember being scared when he got the engine started, that sound, that smell! Truly the car that got me into cars. He sold it, and I bought it back from that buyer 7 years ago. It has cost twice the purchase price of 6k euro in maintainance, not counting outrageous rent for an indoor parking space. I'm really tired of it breaking down, not being able to drive in rain or salt, and I never drive it. But still cannot bring myself to sell it. Recently I'm looking at an XJ (x308 or x350) as a daily, and sell the MG. I just know I will forever regret it like you do.
Love the background music, it’s like a Benny hill episode lol, but I’d say worth every penny. It’s providing you fun times and that’s all that matters. We can get the money back, but we can’t get the time back.
Thanks for your comment - ha - the background music is meant to be a bit tongue in cheek and not too serious.. sort of " what a fool I've been" but as you say, worth every penny to me!
Blimey that’s a lot of money I feel for one mg …. I’ve currently got 3 , I’m hoping that mine remain reasonably good and not test my pocket to that extent 😳🤞
It's very interesting to see your running costs. Hopefully, my GT will be back on the road this year. The cost of the seats was eye-watering! I've installed a decent pair of MX5 seats with separate headrests. They look almost identical to the MGOC spares ones, but they only cost me €150! Like other MG owners, I've found the quality of new parts to be very poor!
Thanks for your comment. I've generally found most of the new parts I've fitted - mainly from MGOC Spares - have been fine. the seats were expensive, but I'm pretty happy with them.
Best to learn how to fix and maintain your MG yourself. Parts are not too expensive and if you take the labour costs out of the equation running an MG is quite cheap. They are simple and pretty easy to work on. The quality of replacement parts is becoming an issue, which is probably why your new clutch failed prematurely.
Thanks for your comment - I'm working on learning how to do maintenance and have recently done a few jobs with the help of members of the Car Club and the local MGOC. I've just had the gearbox and overdrive done (video coming soon) and that's definitely a job that I wouldn't want to tackle!
You're not alone. My first mgb was a disaster which informed a much wiser buy in the form of a beautiful solid and usable '68 GT for not too much money. Do in depth research before going anywhere near a 'B - otherwise it's big bills time !
Thanks this was really honest & useful for potential new owners. I do all the work on the car myself with the exception of the rebore of the engine, so I don't have the labour cost. I did put it back together though & 100,000 miles later it's still going strong but I do change the oil every 3000 miles as oil is a lot cheaper & easier to change than an engine. What you didn't mention was, that unlike a modern car you have not lost out on depreciation & if you factored that in you would probably be even. I would recommend the MGB as a car to work on yourself, there isn't anything difficult to work on. Replace the fuel pump with a solid-state one & replace the points in the distributor with a hall effect pickup. If you ever need to take the engine out replace the clutch driven plate & release bearing & the brushes in the starter motor; if you have the original one, since these are difficult to do with the engine in the car. I did once replace the rear oil seal whilst the engine was in the car, so nothing is impossible. The only cars that are easier to work on are Morris Minors & the Triumph Herald based vehicles, which even have their owns inbuilt seats (tyres).
Thanks for your comment. All good advice and particularly regarding the depreciation - a point I hadn't thought about... in fact, the depreciation on my daily driver is actually way more over the 2 year period! I'm trying to do a bit more maintenance myself, but it's really helpful having a local classic expert garage locally :-)
Thanks for spending the time to reply to my post. I really like the channel, not formal & I like the honesty. I do have the total for my 1970 MGB roadster but after nearly 40 years of ownership the prices I paid for parts, can't be compared with current ones for our depreciating fiat currencies. I would recommend carrying a spare set of points or at least some fine wet & dry paper for the fuel pump. I replaced my points when I rebuilt the car but still had problems about 5 years later. I fitted a solid state SU pump & haven't looked back since. A sharp tap on the pump body with the hide hammer (wire wheels) will often get you home but it's not a longterm fix. At least on my Morris Minor I didn't have to crawl under the car to give it a tap. I would pencil in a fuel pump when you have time & an empty tank but expect to replace the flexible fuel lines at the same time unless they have been replaced recently & make sure that the new ones can handle E10 fuel.
Look at the bright side.You now have a fairly dependable solid car and knowing what you have is half the battle.More likely than not you could probably sell it and with reciepts backing it upat a premium. But for guys like us, a vehicle that we can live with is so much nore than just transportation. It's money well spent if you ask me.I hope you have many more enjoyable days with your MG!!!! Anything used is going to require investment in parts. Who wants to drive a new piece of plastic junk that starts falling apart as soon as you drive it off thr showroom floor not to mention devaluation.
Thanks for this video. And for you closing statement about prospective owners - I’m looking at getting one in years to come and this is helpful to enter into a purchase with my eyes (and wallet) open
Thanks for your comment - yes, its a case of do as I say, not as I do! get as much info as you can and definitely talk to the Owners Club and Car Club and also try to join a local club as well. You may be interested in our Top 10 tips video - ruclips.net/video/UEsTs23U-5I/видео.html
Thanks Graham, not put off buying but probably will think about how much I will spend to buy, probably add a few extra thousand, so might be a little longer to save up but should be able to buy a car that had most of the work done, like you I will get it checked out so I know if impending costs. Great information in the video and thank you again.
Thanks for your comment - absolute pleasure - best advice is to learn as much as you can about the model. Our top ten buyers tips is a start - ruclips.net/video/UEsTs23U-5I/видео.html - and there's also a great book that I would say is essential when thinking about buying an MGB - amzn.to/49EihLa
@@ClassicMGB I did all of it myself and picked up parts second hand over a year or so. I love your track day videos btw. I might go for one of the MGs on track events this year
@@stuwhite2337 I would thoroughly recommend a track day with MGs on Track - great bunch and good fun! Not sure where you are in the country but I'll be at Castle Combe in June - good track for the MGB :-)
Thanks for your comment - yes, can't disagree. My daily driver cost a bit more and is now worth less - hopefully the GT will retain its value - or some of it at least :-)
If you love it, it's a fair price. My Slightly Modified one has cost well over $50,000USD (over 12 years), worth every cent! (and I'm currently adding approx. 125/150hp, full repaint next month), they're never done.
It sounds a lot of money to me but if you are doing quite a few track days you will be putting a lot more strain on most of the parts than if you was just using it as a daily driver but in the end if you enjoy having and driving it then that is all that matters I have a 22 year old 4ltr Jeep WJ not very good on mpg but I love it I think if you can afford it just enjoy it and forget about the cost.
Well done, a full nut and bolt on 68 roadster , after I did 85% of the work, in Australia has cost me close to $50000. I hope my wife doesn't read this😂
Thanks for your comment. My GT isn't a standard factory colour - it left Abingdon as a Blaze, but is now British Racing Green. I went to a local paintshop and had it colour matched to 98% for a rattle can for the odd bit of touch-up... you can see mine here - ruclips.net/video/5oJmBUkASNw/видео.html
Put yourself in the mindset of a owner/ diy mech of the 60s and seventies. Get the coveralls on, you will know you have fitted the best parts available. Keep the car standard as much as possible, remember the MGB is an industry, they know the owners love their old Bs, and let emotions rule their wallets,
Thanks for your comment - yes, absolutely true, although I've found spares to be fairly reasonably priced - I get most of mine at MGOC spares. That said, like depreciation, comparing MGB parts prices with modern car prices and they look positively cheap! I was quoted £1500 to fit a towbar to my Volvo V60!
😂😂 get into the Hondas I have a CRX old school style with 10.5 compression Weber carb 272 Delta cam regrind header 10 pounds flywheel stage 2 clutch and free flow exhaust system with a cherry bumb muffler.And she sounds like a ford muscle car and look like a toy buck build and mostly all from junkyard part d15b2 block with po8-3 head with y8 head gasket no VTEC no turbo crap using d15b2 distributor and believe me on 3 gear she do 100 miles in no time at all fast never any problems cost around 600 dollar USA or less this including the head gasket header well everything go deal jjjj compared to you set up and my value go up and up everyday jjjjj real desirable out here in USA
@@ClassicMGB yeap they are as well old Toyotas but nothing compared to a Honda CRX is like driving a go kart plus her looks is to sporty with flares and bulk light weight good on gas cheap to maintenance plus can be mod easy by changing parts plus her values with the new generation is real desirable for the streets quater miles and car shows the CRX never died in people eyes .As well the 240 z Datsun something about this two cars that catch people eyes by they designs and feeling when is driving
Thanks for your comment and good luck! There's a yound members branch of the MG Car Club - they're great and very welcoming! www.mgcc.co.uk/young-members/
Well Done Graham, you have given a honest look at owning these delightful cars, you are in good company as I ( and I know their are many of us) have spent the same, if not more in my 8 year ownership. It's does help if you can do the easier bits yourself but as i say its cheaper than golf as a hobby ! ... I call my B the mistress because "she looks fabulous, makes you feel excited but costs a lot to keep, she demands attention, and she will almost always let you down at the wrong moment" ... .......keep your youtube videos going there great.
Thanks so much for your comments. If you compare the cost of ownership of an MGB with a modern car, its not too bad given the depreciation and main dealer labour rates!
I shall try again. Interesting review of costs running the MGB/GT Graham. For my part I have owned my 1974 MGB roadster since new. I have documented all repairs and expenses since day one. Total spend over my 50 year ownership is $12,445 Canadian. That does not include original purchase price and taxes or insurance. The car has 100,000 miles and is still in excellent condition sporting the original factory paint, Harvest Gold, along with the original interior and soft top. Sure there are a few stone chips here and there and the odd scratch but that's life. The car is a true survivor with absolutely no rust anywhere.
I believe with classic cars, they are worth the money you put into them. I will find out. I am about to spend GBP 10,000.00 on a 71 MGBGT, I bought for GBP 2,500.00. To me it will be worth minimum GBP 15,000.00 or I wont' sell and just enjoy about town. Eventually there will be someone out there wants it. 🏁
I spent $2000 recently in a new starter motor and rear shock absorbers plus an oil change here in the US. It seems way more expensive than in England. Luckily I'm planning to move to Europe soon!
Thanks for your comment - that's really interesting as there are probably way more MGBs in the US than the UK given the export figures... We're really lucky in the UK to have several suppliers that seem to have most parts in stock - I'd guess that it's probably the best-supported classic in the UK. Hope the move goes well!
Thanks for your comment - Peter actually features in one of our videos - 10 Famous MGB owners - ruclips.net/video/1YWAkKyv5Fg/видео.htmlsi=a4RHq68PDQanGIWU&t=212
My nephew leases an Audi A6 , he thinks it's a good deal at 400 pounds a month on a four year contract , so after 4 years he's spent 19,200 plus 3,000 down and ofcourse he doesn't own it at that point, so he will just take out another contract. His wife also does the same. Your car seems like good value compared to that.
Blimey I’m glad I only paid £3500 for my 1967 MGB but I’ve already spent a fair bit on parts from MGOC & Moss and I’ve not really started on the expensive body panels yet,but I’m a retired body shop owner so luckily know how to do most of the jobs myself which should save me a chunk of money.
Thanks for your comment - Absolutely - it is MUCH cheaper if you do the work yourself, especially bodywork. I think the bodywork on my GT is pretty good so I'm hoping that I won't be spending quite so much on it in future!
Thanks for your comment. As I mentioned, I did wonder whether certain jobs with the first garage early on were strictly necessary, but I took the advice of the experts - you live and learn!
You're genuinely a brave man doing this exercise & I love your honesty.Do as I do - see it as another learning exercise,somewhat forced, as we become aware of the need to tackle these jobs ourselves to try & offset the amount of money going out.Consider how much knowledge you now have compared to before.
Very honest video, I bought mine as a non-runner last year for 2700 euro. it's actually very solid. I have spent about another 1500 on it, new tyres, service kit, rear brake cylinders, steering wheel etc. I am lucky as I can do most, if not all the work myself. So far it has been a case of drive it and see if something breaks if it does replace it. When I bought the car I noticed someone fitted a stainless exhaust, rear tele shocks , electronic ignition etc so it was loved at one point in it's life !
Great episode Graham! You could save the money and invest it, but then again the memories you are creating (as well as a well sorted car) are far more enjoyable than numbers in an investment account. I am keeping tally on the cost of my restoration and provide that in the episodes whenever there is a spend. I am trying to do a lot of the restoration work, but have opted to have the professionals do the things that are out of my capabilities (engine rebuild, body&paint, carb/shock rebuild etc). The car will eventually be owned by my daughter (see episode #6 for her interview) when I am through with it so it's always an easy decision to replace/rebuild parts when I picture her standee on the side of the road by herself. With that said, I feel ike I am replacing or rebuilding every part! At the end of the day when my restoration is complete, my cost will be substantially higher than yours and should make you feel great about what you have spent! Cheers....Steve
Thanks for your comment Steve - I'm following your journey and its lovely that your daughter shares your passion. Mine is also a petrolhead and features in a few episodes!
That is quite a tale. For the original price I would have expected a mint, low milage example. I'm sort of lost for words. My 1970 GT cost me £3,200 and runs like a Swiss watch.
Thanks for your comment - yes, it goes to show that a bit of knowledge pays dividends. I had none when I bought it, and I realise I paid over the odds but it's a lovely car and some of the expense was optional - seats, steering wheels etc! :-)
Omg that's insane...... For the price you paid you should have got a beautiful well sorted car with hardly any issues at all. My tatty 1976 B roadster cost me £3,500 in 2015 and has hardly had any issues at all runs and drives beautifully I just can't believe how much that car has cost you..... Absolutely horrendous....
Thanks for your comment. I don't regret how much it cost because its given me so much pleasure, and some of the cost was optional like the seats and various steering wheels!
I paid out around 11k when I went to a new classic MG restorer workshop for an appraisal, service and MOT. My clutch was failing after having a new engine fitted and after only around 5k miles the carbon release bearing failed, there was no carbon left! So probably a faulty part was fitted, but the new roller release bearing which came with the clutch kit was no better, so the mechanic had a NOS carbon release bearing in stock so that was fitted, and more items were found faulty or worn out or corroded such as a mullured steering column where some idiot po had hit the shaft with a hammer ruining the splines,so that was replaced along with the steering lock which was worn to the point of that it could have locked the steering when driving, so that defo had to be replaced, the exhaust system which was supposed to be stainless was found to be mild steel and corroded and well past it's best so I had a complete new stainless system installed from MGOC spares and a lovely much better sound now, plus a new fuel tank which was leaking and could be smelt, plus a gearbox cross member to replace one badly corroded, a new radiator to replace one leaking along with water pump,and other bits and pieces. Then more recently a new brake servo fitted as brakes were pumping up and the aftermarket servo was deemed the culprit as failing so had a new Lockheed unit fitted which was around £900 and a month ago 5 new tyres at just under £400. The mechanic showed and explained to me all the faulty parts. It's the labour charges which bump up the costs, even with the area MGOC discount, it did make me wince😢 So actually cost more than what I first said over 2 years, but in my 12 years of ownership have spent even more. Thing is I can and have done some of the smaller jobs like oil & filter changes, brakes, greasing, but haven't got the room and tools to do the bigger jobs, and think it can be the same for many owners. But, at the end of the day I love driving the B and as I've said it does sound lovely.😊
One of the best videos I have seen for a long time. Ten thousand pounds well spent. I bet you have enjoyed driving every mile in that car. Now, compare the $10k cost (sorry my keyboard doesn't have a pound figure) to the depreciation on the average family car? That is what is really frightening for many people, calculating the depreciation on the cars we have owned. That was $10k well spent my friend. Cheers. Marc.+
Oh, wow. I paid $4500 USD for my last one and have put $10k into it over the past 16 months, but have a super nice car. Best wishes and thanks for sharing.
Why is it that you love MGBs so much and what made you want to buy one , great video as always and I hope you get many more miles out of your MGB , thanks 👍
Thanks for your comment. I guess its a complex one ... I remember them as a child but I've always wanted one and when a health issue cropped up I thought now or never - my uncle bought one on retirement and sadly passed away a few months later hardly having driven it.. The car gives me so much pleasure and I don't regret a bit of it - although I'm hoping to reduce the spend a bit!
I’m one year into ownership of my ‘69 tourer and I think if I got slapped with the repairs you’ve seen I would have gotten pretty discouraged. In my case I bought it running, driving and stopping for $4000 USD and I’m only in maybe another $1500 in parts and improvements, though I do all my own work. I couldn’t ask for a better behaved classic car. I did over 3000 miles last summer with it. It’s a such a great little roadster. Cheers!
Thanks for your comment - it has been quite expensive, but worth every penny!
@@ClassicMGB Oh I get it. If something major happens to me now I’ll be in the same boat as you because now that I’ve had a taste of a good running B I’ll do what it takes to bring it back up.
Graham, how in the world did ya get through that without shedding a tear…. You’re the best, hang in there brother, it’s the ride we remember right? Still a bargain for what we get out of them
Thanks so much for your comment. I did wince a bit when paying out, but then I take it for a drive :-)
Outstanding video and presentation. Great job learning how to do a lot of the tasks.
Thanks for your comment - much appreciated!
We feel your pain, We spent a probably to higher purchase price for our 1970 mgb roadster as we didn't want a project car. After 8 years of ownership we have quite easily paid for the car again. I am no mechanic by any stretch of imagination but have learned loads and really try to take on as much as I possibly can. So is it really pain😊 it's all part of the fun and after all we're only looking after our classics for the next owner. Love your channel 👍
Thanks so much for your comments - yes, the maintenance bit is a good part of the hobby - I just need to get a bit of confidence to do some of the bigger jobs beyond servicing :-)
How we'll I remember my 1971 MGB GT. I drove through my senior year of high school and college....great car and fun to drive. It was costly at times but I learned thru MG manuals how to do much of the work myself.
....and the cost does fade from memory!!!!
Thanks for your comment - yes, the fun is remembered long after the cost is forgotten!
I have owned a 1980 MGB roadster for 21 years. 9 of these years in New York City the rest of the time in Scotland. I was trained as a mechanic and rebuilt the engine,after having it rebored 40thou. I have covered approx 25000 miles with the car and it has never let me down.
I have spent relatively little on it apart from service items. However I did pay for parking in NYC. The 9 years of parking in an open unsecured parking lot cost over $26000 dollars. Better not to think about the costs of classic motoring. Shipping of the car to the UK was relatively cheap at approx $1000. The memories of traveling through beautiful upstate New York are worth every penny of it.
Thanks for your comment. What an excellent tale.. That parking cost in NYC is frightening though ...:-)
I bought my '64 two years ago and have $18,500 into it including purchase price of $4,500. Keep in mind, it's beautiful and pe forms brilliantly. If I were to sell it today, I know I could ask $18,500, but thats not the point of owning these. Have fun and safety fast!
Thanks for your comment - couldn't agree more!
Great video. I bought my 1973 B when I was still in college....19 years old and became a pretty damn good mechanic as a result. Some 10 years later I shed a tear when I sold it.... but I got over it pretty quick. 1987 Toyota Supra V6, twin-cam, turbocharged... and oh yea....reliable as the day is long. I'm not sure if I miss the car or miss being 19....
Thanks for your comment - I think sports cars are in the blood and reliability can certainly help the love affair, but the quirky nature of MGBs is also endearing :-)
Sounds almost like my story. My grandfather had a 1980 B in black, in which he took 5-year old me for small trips around town. I vividly remember being scared when he got the engine started, that sound, that smell! Truly the car that got me into cars.
He sold it, and I bought it back from that buyer 7 years ago. It has cost twice the purchase price of 6k euro in maintainance, not counting outrageous rent for an indoor parking space. I'm really tired of it breaking down, not being able to drive in rain or salt, and I never drive it. But still cannot bring myself to sell it. Recently I'm looking at an XJ (x308 or x350) as a daily, and sell the MG. I just know I will forever regret it like you do.
Love the background music, it’s like a Benny hill episode lol, but I’d say worth every penny. It’s providing you fun times and that’s all that matters. We can get the money back, but we can’t get the time back.
Thanks for your comment - ha - the background music is meant to be a bit tongue in cheek and not too serious.. sort of " what a fool I've been" but as you say, worth every penny to me!
Blimey that’s a lot of money I feel for one mg …. I’ve currently got 3 , I’m hoping that mine remain reasonably good and not test my pocket to that extent 😳🤞
Thanks for your comment - Yes, I was a bit surprised how it added up, but for me it was money well spent!
It's very interesting to see your running costs. Hopefully, my GT will be back on the road this year. The cost of the seats was eye-watering! I've installed a decent pair of MX5 seats with separate headrests. They look almost identical to the MGOC spares ones, but they only cost me €150! Like other MG owners, I've found the quality of new parts to be very poor!
Thanks for your comment. I've generally found most of the new parts I've fitted - mainly from MGOC Spares - have been fine. the seats were expensive, but I'm pretty happy with them.
@@ClassicMGB Hi. Yes parts I've got from MGOC seem pretty good. Parts from other suppliers can be a bit hit n miss!
Best to learn how to fix and maintain your MG yourself. Parts are not too expensive and if you take the labour costs out of the equation running an MG is quite cheap. They are simple and pretty easy to work on. The quality of replacement parts is becoming an issue, which is probably why your new clutch failed prematurely.
Thanks for your comment - I'm working on learning how to do maintenance and have recently done a few jobs with the help of members of the Car Club and the local MGOC. I've just had the gearbox and overdrive done (video coming soon) and that's definitely a job that I wouldn't want to tackle!
You're not alone. My first mgb was a disaster which informed a much wiser buy in the form of a beautiful solid and usable '68 GT for not too much money.
Do in depth research before going anywhere near a 'B - otherwise it's big bills time !
Thanks for your comment - wise advice! :-)
Yes they can be very expensive. I’ve just completed a 10k restoration for my MK1 GT. But worth it.
Thanks for your comment - absolutely - expensive but worth it!
Thanks this was really honest & useful for potential new owners. I do all the work on the car myself with the exception of the rebore of the engine, so I don't have the labour cost. I did put it back together though & 100,000 miles later it's still going strong but I do change the oil every 3000 miles as oil is a lot cheaper & easier to change than an engine.
What you didn't mention was, that unlike a modern car you have not lost out on depreciation & if you factored that in you would probably be even. I would recommend the MGB as a car to work on yourself, there isn't anything difficult to work on. Replace the fuel pump with a solid-state one & replace the points in the distributor with a hall effect pickup. If you ever need to take the engine out replace the clutch driven plate & release bearing & the brushes in the starter motor; if you have the original one, since these are difficult to do with the engine in the car. I did once replace the rear oil seal whilst the engine was in the car, so nothing is impossible. The only cars that are easier to work on are Morris Minors & the Triumph Herald based vehicles, which even have their owns inbuilt seats (tyres).
Thanks for your comment. All good advice and particularly regarding the depreciation - a point I hadn't thought about... in fact, the depreciation on my daily driver is actually way more over the 2 year period! I'm trying to do a bit more maintenance myself, but it's really helpful having a local classic expert garage locally :-)
Thanks for spending the time to reply to my post. I really like the channel, not formal & I like the honesty. I do have the total for my 1970 MGB roadster but after nearly 40 years of ownership the prices I paid for parts, can't be compared with current ones for our depreciating fiat currencies.
I would recommend carrying a spare set of points or at least some fine wet & dry paper for the fuel pump. I replaced my points when I rebuilt the car but still had problems about 5 years later. I fitted a solid state SU pump & haven't looked back since. A sharp tap on the pump body with the hide hammer (wire wheels) will often get you home but it's not a longterm fix. At least on my Morris Minor I didn't have to crawl under the car to give it a tap.
I would pencil in a fuel pump when you have time & an empty tank but expect to replace the flexible fuel lines at the same time unless they have been replaced recently & make sure that the new ones can handle E10 fuel.
Look at the bright side.You now have a fairly dependable solid car and knowing what you have is half the battle.More likely than not you could probably sell it and with reciepts backing it upat a premium. But for guys like us, a vehicle that we can live with is so much nore than just transportation. It's money well spent if you ask me.I hope you have many more enjoyable days with your MG!!!! Anything used is going to require investment in parts. Who wants to drive a new piece of plastic junk that starts falling apart as soon as you drive it off thr showroom floor not to mention devaluation.
Thanks for your comment - much appreciated and you're right, we don't do this for the money :-)
Thanks for this video. And for you closing statement about prospective owners - I’m looking at getting one in years to come and this is helpful to enter into a purchase with my eyes (and wallet) open
Thanks for your comment - yes, its a case of do as I say, not as I do! get as much info as you can and definitely talk to the Owners Club and Car Club and also try to join a local club as well. You may be interested in our Top 10 tips video - ruclips.net/video/UEsTs23U-5I/видео.html
Thanks Graham, not put off buying but probably will think about how much I will spend to buy, probably add a few extra thousand, so might be a little longer to save up but should be able to buy a car that had most of the work done, like you I will get it checked out so I know if impending costs. Great information in the video and thank you again.
Thanks for your comment - absolute pleasure - best advice is to learn as much as you can about the model. Our top ten buyers tips is a start - ruclips.net/video/UEsTs23U-5I/видео.html - and there's also a great book that I would say is essential when thinking about buying an MGB - amzn.to/49EihLa
Wow! Mine stands me at about £3.5k including buying it. It was a wreck but now fully restored.
Thanks for your comment - that is wonderful - I guess you did most of the work yourself! Well done!
@@ClassicMGB I did all of it myself and picked up parts second hand over a year or so. I love your track day videos btw. I might go for one of the MGs on track events this year
@@stuwhite2337 I would thoroughly recommend a track day with MGs on Track - great bunch and good fun! Not sure where you are in the country but I'll be at Castle Combe in June - good track for the MGB :-)
That was the Best 23,994 L that you spent. :)
Thanks for your comment - yes, can't disagree. My daily driver cost a bit more and is now worth less - hopefully the GT will retain its value - or some of it at least :-)
If you love it, it's a fair price. My Slightly Modified one has cost well over $50,000USD (over 12 years), worth every cent! (and I'm currently adding approx. 125/150hp, full repaint next month), they're never done.
and I'm not counting several SBCs (on 4th),a couple transmissions, etc.)
Thanks for your comment. Absolutely - your spend makes me feel a little better about how much mine's cost me! :-)
It sounds a lot of money to me but if you are doing quite a few track days you will be putting a lot more strain on most of the parts than if you was just using it as a daily driver but in the end if you enjoy having and driving it then that is all that matters I have a 22 year old 4ltr Jeep WJ not very good on mpg but I love it I think if you can afford it just enjoy it and forget about the cost.
Thanks for your comment - yes - it is expensive but worth it on the fun per pound scale!
Well done, a full nut and bolt on 68 roadster , after I did 85% of the work, in Australia has cost me close to $50000. I hope my wife doesn't read this😂
Thanks for your comment - I bet your car is wonderful though :-)
What color is your mgb gt. The paint on mine was replaced years ago and it was changed then. Just looking for a different choice.
Thanks for your comment. My GT isn't a standard factory colour - it left Abingdon as a Blaze, but is now British Racing Green. I went to a local paintshop and had it colour matched to 98% for a rattle can for the odd bit of touch-up... you can see mine here - ruclips.net/video/5oJmBUkASNw/видео.html
Put yourself in the mindset of a owner/ diy mech of the 60s and seventies. Get the coveralls on, you will know you have fitted the best parts available. Keep the car standard as much as possible, remember the MGB is an industry, they know the owners love their old Bs, and let emotions rule their wallets,
Thanks for your comment - yes, absolutely true, although I've found spares to be fairly reasonably priced - I get most of mine at MGOC spares. That said, like depreciation, comparing MGB parts prices with modern car prices and they look positively cheap! I was quoted £1500 to fit a towbar to my Volvo V60!
You’re a brave man😂😂😂I darent add up how mch I’ve spent. Are we mad ?????
Thanks for your comment - I told the Mrs first! and Yes, we're completely mad - but then you get in and drive it :-)
I like the part where you bought an old car and ended up buying a new car
Thanks for your comment - yep, there's a fair few new bits on the car :-)
Technical problem with below two inputs, no idea what is going on.
Sorry, I don't understand this :-)
😂😂 get into the Hondas I have a CRX old school style with 10.5 compression Weber carb 272 Delta cam regrind header 10 pounds flywheel stage 2 clutch and free flow exhaust system with a cherry bumb muffler.And she sounds like a ford muscle car and look like a toy buck build and mostly all from junkyard part d15b2 block with po8-3 head with y8 head gasket no VTEC no turbo crap using d15b2 distributor and believe me on 3 gear she do 100 miles in no time at all fast never any problems cost around 600 dollar USA or less this including the head gasket header well everything go deal jjjj compared to you set up and my value go up and up everyday jjjjj real desirable out here in USA
Thanks for your comment - interesting story, my Dad had Honda's for years and I had a couple a few years ago. Good cars...
@@ClassicMGB yeap they are as well old Toyotas but nothing compared to a Honda CRX is like driving a go kart plus her looks is to sporty with flares and bulk light weight good on gas cheap to maintenance plus can be mod easy by changing parts plus her values with the new generation is real desirable for the streets quater miles and car shows the CRX never died in people eyes .As well the 240 z Datsun something about this two cars that catch people eyes by they designs and feeling when is driving
I’m fed up with my MGB repairs and I’m selling it. Maybe I’ll get a Miata.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, they can cost a bit to repair but for me its worth it - I guess it's a personal choice.
I want it to be my first car, lol.
Thanks for your comment and good luck! There's a yound members branch of the MG Car Club - they're great and very welcoming! www.mgcc.co.uk/young-members/
@@ClassicMGB Thank you very much!
My pleasure!
More money than sense.
Thanks for your comment - I guess everyone values things differently!
You would better paying for one car that was restored
Thanks for your comment - yes probably, but of course you don't know how much its going to cost when you start! No regrets though :-)
Well Done Graham, you have given a honest look at owning these delightful cars, you are in good company as I ( and I know their are many of us) have spent the same, if not more in my 8 year ownership. It's does help if you can do the easier bits yourself but as i say its cheaper than golf as a hobby ! ... I call my B the mistress because "she looks fabulous, makes you feel excited but costs a lot to keep, she demands attention, and she will almost always let you down at the wrong moment" ... .......keep your youtube videos going there great.
Thanks so much for your comments. If you compare the cost of ownership of an MGB with a modern car, its not too bad given the depreciation and main dealer labour rates!
I shall try again. Interesting review of costs running the MGB/GT Graham. For my part I have owned my 1974 MGB roadster since new. I have documented all repairs and expenses since day one. Total spend over my 50 year ownership is $12,445 Canadian. That does not include original purchase price and taxes or insurance. The car has 100,000 miles and is still in excellent condition sporting the original factory paint, Harvest Gold, along with the original interior and soft top. Sure there are a few stone chips here and there and the odd scratch but that's life. The car is a true survivor with absolutely no rust anywhere.
Thanks for your comment Tom - I reckon you've done really well there :-)
I believe with classic cars, they are worth the money you put into them. I will find out. I am about to spend GBP 10,000.00 on a 71 MGBGT, I bought for GBP 2,500.00. To me it will be worth minimum GBP 15,000.00 or I wont' sell and just enjoy about town. Eventually there will be someone out there wants it. 🏁
Thanks for your comment - yes, completely agree - it's all about enjoyment and who puts a price on that :-)
I spent $2000 recently in a new starter motor and rear shock absorbers plus an oil change here in the US. It seems way more expensive than in England. Luckily I'm planning to move to Europe soon!
Thanks for your comment - that's really interesting as there are probably way more MGBs in the US than the UK given the export figures... We're really lucky in the UK to have several suppliers that seem to have most parts in stock - I'd guess that it's probably the best-supported classic in the UK. Hope the move goes well!
Graham - I recently came across a s😂ong by the Monkees called MGB - GT where Peter Tork sings about his little red MGBGT !!!!
Thanks for your comment - Peter actually features in one of our videos - 10 Famous MGB owners - ruclips.net/video/1YWAkKyv5Fg/видео.htmlsi=a4RHq68PDQanGIWU&t=212
My nephew leases an Audi A6 , he thinks it's a good deal at 400 pounds a month on a four year contract , so after 4 years he's spent 19,200 plus 3,000 down and ofcourse he doesn't own it at that point, so he will just take out another contract.
His wife also does the same.
Your car seems like good value compared to that.
Thanks for your comment - that's a really good point - if you compare the depreciation on a modern car, the MGB looks great value :-)
Blimey I’m glad I only paid £3500 for my 1967 MGB but I’ve already spent a fair bit on parts from MGOC & Moss and I’ve not really started on the expensive body panels yet,but I’m a retired body shop owner so luckily know how to do most of the jobs myself which should save me a chunk of money.
Thanks for your comment - Absolutely - it is MUCH cheaper if you do the work yourself, especially bodywork. I think the bodywork on my GT is pretty good so I'm hoping that I won't be spending quite so much on it in future!
I am amazed how much was wrong with a car that cost £14k which is at the very top end of MGB's or should be,
Thanks for your comment. As I mentioned, I did wonder whether certain jobs with the first garage early on were strictly necessary, but I took the advice of the experts - you live and learn!
You're genuinely a brave man doing this exercise & I love your honesty.Do as I do - see it as another learning exercise,somewhat forced, as we become aware of the need to tackle these jobs ourselves to try & offset the amount of money going out.Consider how much knowledge you now have compared to before.
now i dont feel so bad about my stag, and it hasn't cost me anything like that
Thanks for your comment - that's great news as I thought the Stag was well known as being fairly costly to maintain...
I like my MGB, but not that much. I replaced the clutch in my 1984 Porsche 911 myself for less than that.
Thanks for your comment - I guess it will always be cheaper if you can do the work yourself... :-)
@ClassicMGB even having a garage doing my jaguar xtype was only £350 in labour and £350 in parts, I would be looking for another garage.
@@nrw34260 Interesting - what did you have done to your X-type?
Very honest video, I bought mine as a non-runner last year for 2700 euro. it's actually very solid. I have spent about another 1500 on it, new tyres, service kit, rear brake cylinders, steering wheel etc. I am lucky as I can do most, if not all the work myself. So far it has been a case of drive it and see if something breaks if it does replace it. When I bought the car I noticed someone fitted a stainless exhaust, rear tele shocks , electronic ignition etc so it was loved at one point in it's life !
Thanks for your comment - glad yours cost you less than mine!
The engine overhaul would have cost more than double that here in Australia
Thanks for your comment - that makes me feel a lot better! :-)
@@ClassicMGB my son was recently quoted AUD$6000 to overhaul the engine of our families 1967 Hilman Hunter which my uncle purchased new.
Great episode Graham! You could save the money and invest it, but then again the memories you are creating (as well as a well sorted car) are far more enjoyable than numbers in an investment account. I am keeping tally on the cost of my restoration and provide that in the episodes whenever there is a spend. I am trying to do a lot of the restoration work, but have opted to have the professionals do the things that are out of my capabilities (engine rebuild, body&paint, carb/shock rebuild etc). The car will eventually be owned by my daughter (see episode #6 for her interview) when I am through with it so it's always an easy decision to replace/rebuild parts when I picture her standee on the side of the road by herself. With that said, I feel ike I am replacing or rebuilding every part! At the end of the day when my restoration is complete, my cost will be substantially higher than yours and should make you feel great about what you have spent! Cheers....Steve
Thanks for your comment Steve - I'm following your journey and its lovely that your daughter shares your passion. Mine is also a petrolhead and features in a few episodes!
That is quite a tale. For the original price I would have expected a mint, low milage example. I'm sort of lost for words. My 1970 GT cost me £3,200 and runs like a Swiss watch.
Thanks for your comment - yes, it goes to show that a bit of knowledge pays dividends. I had none when I bought it, and I realise I paid over the odds but it's a lovely car and some of the expense was optional - seats, steering wheels etc! :-)
👍👍👏👏
Thanks for your comment!
Omg that's insane...... For the price you paid you should have got a beautiful well sorted car with hardly any issues at all. My tatty 1976 B roadster cost me £3,500 in 2015 and has hardly had any issues at all runs and drives beautifully I just can't believe how much that car has cost you..... Absolutely horrendous....
Thanks for your comment. I don't regret how much it cost because its given me so much pleasure, and some of the cost was optional like the seats and various steering wheels!
I paid out around 11k when I went to a new classic MG restorer workshop for an appraisal, service and MOT. My clutch was failing after having a new engine fitted and after only around 5k miles the carbon release bearing failed, there was no carbon left! So probably a faulty part was fitted, but the new roller release bearing which came with the clutch kit was no better, so the mechanic had a NOS carbon release bearing in stock so that was fitted, and more items were found faulty or worn out or corroded such as a mullured steering column where some idiot po had hit the shaft with a hammer ruining the splines,so that was replaced along with the steering lock which was worn to the point of that it could have locked the steering when driving, so that defo had to be replaced, the exhaust system which was supposed to be stainless was found to be mild steel and corroded and well past it's best so I had a complete new stainless system installed from MGOC spares and a lovely much better sound now, plus a new fuel tank which was leaking and could be smelt, plus a gearbox cross member to replace one badly corroded, a new radiator to replace one leaking along with water pump,and other bits and pieces. Then more recently a new brake servo fitted as brakes were pumping up and the aftermarket servo was deemed the culprit as failing so had a new Lockheed unit fitted which was around £900 and a month ago 5 new tyres at just under £400.
The mechanic showed and explained to me all the faulty parts. It's the labour charges which bump up the costs, even with the area MGOC discount, it did make me wince😢
So actually cost more than what I first said over 2 years, but in my 12 years of ownership have spent even more. Thing is I can and have done some of the smaller jobs like oil & filter changes, brakes, greasing, but haven't got the room and tools to do the bigger jobs, and think it can be the same for many owners.
But, at the end of the day I love driving the B and as I've said it does sound lovely.😊
Thanks for your story - I guess spending money on MGBs is quite a common thing!! Worth it though :-)
One of the best videos I have seen for a long time. Ten thousand pounds well spent. I bet you have enjoyed driving every mile in that car. Now, compare the $10k cost (sorry my keyboard doesn't have a pound figure) to the depreciation on the average family car? That is what is really frightening for many people, calculating the depreciation on the cars we have owned. That was $10k well spent my friend. Cheers. Marc.+
Thanks so much for your comment Marc - Couldn't agree more on the depreciation thing :-0
Oh, wow. I paid $4500 USD for my last one and have put $10k into it over the past 16 months, but have a super nice car. Best wishes and thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comment - sounds like you got a bargain!
😮I’ve managed 3years running with only minor repairs amounting to about £500, although my wife wouldn’t agree 👍 enjoy the summer with the GT
Thanks for your comment. Well done - I'm hoping that mine won't cost quite do much in future :-)
Sounds like you got ripped off and that is why it helps to know how to do your own work and at least you should know what is going on
Thanks for your comment. Completely agree - as I said in one of my earlier videos, do as I say not as I do - you learn from your mistakes... :-)
What, no fuel pump failure yet?
Thanks for your comment. I'm not going to jinx it :-)
Excellent content
Many thanks for your comment - really appreciated!
Wow, just wow.
Thanks for your comment - Yep, all true... :-)
Why is it that you love MGBs so much and what made you want to buy one , great video as always and I hope you get many more miles out of your MGB , thanks 👍
Thanks for your comment. I guess its a complex one ... I remember them as a child but I've always wanted one and when a health issue cropped up I thought now or never - my uncle bought one on retirement and sadly passed away a few months later hardly having driven it.. The car gives me so much pleasure and I don't regret a bit of it - although I'm hoping to reduce the spend a bit!
Banjo steering wheel for me
Thanks for your comment - fair enough , I love my Motolita and so won't be changing it in the near future!