Ask the Expert: Which modern convertible can replace our classic MGB?
Dear Alex,
We are thinking of changing our 1971 MGB Roadster, which we've owned for 31 years, for a car that's easier to enter and exit. While it has not had a full rebuild, the MG has an uprated engine and drives well. It is well maintained, has a current MOT and a guaranteed write-off value of £15,000. We fancy a slightly sporty convertible, possibly based on a four-seater saloon. What do you recommend for £15,000? And what's the best way to sell the MG?
– CE
Dear CE,
I don't imagine you'll have much of a problem selling your MGB, as it's a classic with a huge following. Normally I'd say to try selling privately via a classic car classifieds site – Car & Classic is probably the best known and most popular in the UK.
However, given the huge following for MGs, you might have better luck using an MG owners' club. If you belong to one of the many such groups, place an advert in the club magazine, or contact the club to see whether you can circulate your car's details to fellow members. You never know; they may have someone looking for a car just like yours.
What to replace it with? Nothing modern will offer the charm, simplicity or connection of something much older like the B, so be prepared for that.
The closest you'll get will be with a Mini Convertible. For your £15,000 budget you can get an early F56 (third-generation) example introduced in 2014. This should offer as much character as a modern car can muster along with the sporty feel you seek, with its zippy handling and perky engines, along with a retro interior that looks and feels more interesting than most.
And while earlier Minis had a poor reputation for reliability, these later models seem to have fared much better – indeed, Mini beat Lexus, Suzuki, Honda and Toyota to first place out of the 31 manufacturers in the What Car? Reliability Survey last year, with the Mini Hatch achieving an excellent score of 97.9 per cent.
A Cooper with the 1.5-litre petrol engine makes a great little all-rounder thanks to a slightly more forgiving suspension set-up than other versions. A 2020 example in well-equipped Exclusive form, with a low 26,000 miles and a full history, can be yours for £14,990.
However a Cooper S, with the punchy 2.0-litre engine and grippier handling, will be more exciting to drive – I found a 2020 Cooper S Classic, with less equipment but again with a full history, for the same price.
If a Mini feels a bit too gaudy, look at an Audi A3 Cabriolet instead. It's larger and therefore roomier, but also pricier. It'll be less of a hoot than the Mini, and potentially less reliable too, but this is still a satisfying car to drive, with crisp handling and responsive engines.
The consensus is that the 1.4-litre engine is nicer to drive than the slightly blander 1.5 that replaced it and more reliable than the 1.8, making it the one to go for. I found a 2017 1.4 S-Line with 44,000 miles and a full history for £14,500.
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