MG Midget Service Schedule: Intervals, Costs & What's Critical

MG Midget service: key facts

Oil service every 3,000 miles or 6 months
Gearbox oil: £40–£80 — don't skip this one
2 generations from 1961 to 1979
5 tracked service items across routine, major, and periodic schedules

Routine service items

These are the items covered in a standard service. Most garages include oil, oil filter and a basic inspection. The rest are typically checked or replaced on a schedule.

Service item	Interval	Typical cost
Engine oil and filter Classic car specialists recommend 3,000 mile intervals due to engine age and design. Use 20W-50 grade oil. Check level weekly as these engines consume oil by design. MkI-III, MkIV	3,000 miles or 6 months	£80–£120

Major service items

These are the big-ticket items. Miss them and you risk engine or gearbox damage. The costs are higher but the consequences of skipping are much worse.

Service item	Interval	Typical cost
Gearbox oil Check level every 6 months. Use SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Top up through filler plug on gearbox side. MkI-III, MkIV	12,000 miles or 2 years	£40–£80

Periodic maintenance

Items that don't need doing at every service but should be on your radar at the right mileage or age.

Service item	Interval	Typical cost
SU carburettor service Clean jets, adjust mixture, check float chamber and needle valve. Essential for reliable running on period carburettors. MkI-III, MkIV	6,000 miles or 1 year	£150–£250
Brake fluid 2-year interval regardless of mileage. Use DOT 4 fluid. Flush system completely due to age of components. MkI-III, MkIV	2 years	£60–£100
Coolant flush Flush cooling system every 2 years. Use appropriate antifreeze mix for classic cars. Check radiator core condition during service. MkI-III, MkIV	2 years	£80–£120

Known issues to watch for

The most common problems reported on the MG Midget, ranked by severity.

dangerous

Floor pan rust

The floor pans on MG Midgets are notorious for severe corrosion due to the single-skin steel construction and poor drainage design.

dangerous

Sill corrosion

The door sills and A-post junctions on MG Midgets are critical structural components that commonly suffer severe corrosion.

major

King pin wear

MG Midgets use king pin front suspension instead of modern ball joints, with steel pins that pivot in bronze bushes.

major

Wheel bearing wear

Wire wheel MG Midgets use tapered roller bearings in the front hubs that require regular adjustment and periodic repacking with grease.

3 more known issues tracked. Check a specific car's history to see what matters for its age and mileage.

Check a MG Midget's service history

Enter a reg to see franchised dealer service records — dates, mileage, and work done at every visit.

Check service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

MG Midget service FAQs

How often should a MG Midget be serviced?

A MG Midget should have an oil service every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Classic car specialists recommend 3,000 mile intervals due to engine age and design.

How much does a MG Midget service cost?

Costs vary depending on the service items required and whether you use an independent garage or main dealer. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper.

Can I service a MG Midget at an independent garage?

Yes. Under UK consumer law, using an independent garage does not void your manufacturer warranty, provided they use parts meeting the manufacturer's specification and follow the correct schedule. However, independent services won't appear in the franchised dealer digital records.

MG Midget Service Schedule & Costs