When I got the car the brakes needed to be replaced. My wife was driving behind me on the way home and my MG was leaking oil all over her windshield. It left a trail of oil all the way home. When I was close to home the muffler fell off. This was just on the way home after buying the car. My wife was doing everything she could to keep herself from laughing.
After repairing the brakes, oil pan gasket, and the muffler. The car started to over heat. I replaced the water pump.
Not too long after replacing the water pump the starter blew. I am still waiting to replace it.
Believe it or not... despite all of the problems... I love this car. When it runs, I forget all of the problems. This is definitely not a reliable car, but will put a smile on your face during those nice summer drives.
Did replacing the water pump solve the overheating problem.
I have a 1976 MG Midget, and contrary to the other comments, mine appears to be reliable. It has had lots of things replaced starter, generater, clutch and other things, but it is 31 years old I expect some things to go wrong in an old car, but I have never been stranded and with luck (knock on woood) I never will. I love this little car, I bought a new one in 1973 when I was 18, and always wanted another, and at 52 I got one (lucky me)
I purchased a 1976 Midget about a year ago, great car, lots of fun to drive. Mine has been great and has not let me down as of yet. After all it is a British car so it's just a matter of time before something happens. I also drive a Land Rover, so I'm already familiar with the British vehicles. You have to know this going in before you buy an MG, but the fun to drive factor outweighs any quirks you may have. My advice would be to check for any major leaks and check your brakes. There is a line that has a check valve in it that is prone to fail. you can simply plug the line to solve this problem. Buy and MG and have Fun!
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