1969 MG Midget Mk III review from Australia and New Zealand
"Goes just like a rear wheel drive Cooper S, only topless"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Exhaust fell off due to rust.
Dash lights blew with a puff of smoke and sparks. Now I know why they list a fire extinguisher as an upgrade option in some of the MG parts catalogs.
Inlet manifold gasket needed replacing. Not a big deal.
Wire wheels needed replacing. But I knew that when I bought it.
General comments?
The Midget, if set up properly, can be a great city car. It handles like a go cart and due to its weight (or lack thereof) it accelerates nicely in traffic. Particularly if you fit a better exhaust manifold (extractors) open air filters and re-jet the carburettor. Just don't try to go over 70mph very often.
I picked up this one for an absolute bargain. It had just had an engine rebuild and the suspension sorted.
The paint was awful and the interior worn out. I resprayed and re-trimmed it myself so now it looks great and runs beautifully.
It has been extremely reliable and has always taken me to my destination unscathed.
A good looking MG Midget is cooler than Snoop Dogg sipping iced-tea in the antarctic. It always attracts waves, smiles and pleasant comments whenever it's out and about.
Find a rust free example and you won't regret it.
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  | A cheap and cheerful 70's British classic to put a smile on your face |
  | Excellent fun to cost ratio!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 37000 miles |
| Previous car | n/a n/a |
| Date of Entry | 4th June, 2004 |