Most reliable car of 1970/1971/1972

[AlVal]

I'm determined to not own a car again that incurs big road tax. I really fancy a big v8 without the tax - so am wondering what might be reliable options that fall in the historic exemption which is as I understand, manufacture date (not necessarily registration date, which could happen later) up to 1972?

been trying to think what the most reliable cars of those years would be that would suit a v8 platform.

some kind of yank camaro? would be interested in suggestions

mercedes?

[andrew]

s class

[GAjon]

Rover 3500 V8

[davepoth]

GAjon said:

Rover SD1 3500 V8

Not until 1976. And very unreliable.

[AlVal]

GAjon said:

Rover 3500 V8

you're kidding, right?

[davepoth]

AlVal said:

I'm determined to not own a car again that incurs big road tax. I really fancy a big v8 without the tax - so am wondering what might be reliable options that fall in the historic exemption which is as I understand, manufacture date (not necessarily registration date, which could happen later) up to 1972?

been trying to think what the most reliable cars of those years would be that would suit a v8 platform.

some kind of yank camaro? would be interested in suggestions

mercedes?

Buy one from pre-2001 when the tax was based on engine capacity (less than 1500cc or more than 1500cc) and you can have a Dodge Viper for £215 a year...

[GAjon]

AlVal said:

you're kidding, right?

No but I put the wrong model, I meant the one before the P range.
I had a 2000tc, absolutely brilliant car.



This one

Edited by GAjon on Sunday 11th March 12:17

[Strawman]

Assuming you buy something rust free the biggest problem is parts supply, American muscle cars and old Mercedes are well supported so a sensible choice.



http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C265870

[garycat]

Honda Civic

[AlVal]

davepoth said:

Buy one from pre-2001 when the tax was based on engine capacity (less than 1500cc or more than 1500cc) and you can have a Dodge Viper for £215 a year...

yup, im familiar with how it works, (ran a pre-mar2001 s55 amg for a good while at this rate) but I begrudge them the £215/year

[PH lurker]

AlVal said:

I'm determined to not own a car again that incurs big road tax. I really fancy a big v8 without the tax - so am wondering what might be reliable options that fall in the historic exemption which is as I understand, manufacture date (not necessarily registration date, which could happen later) up to 1972?

been trying to think what the most reliable cars of those years would be that would suit a v8 platform.

some kind of yank camaro? would be interested in suggestions

mercedes?

Would you consider a car from the sixties?

[Chris71]

GAjon said:

AlVal said:

you're kidding, right?

No but I put the wrong model, I meant the one before the P range.
I had a 2000tc, absolutely brilliant car.



This one.

Maybe I'm getting older but suddenly these seem to look a lot sharper than they used to. Could just be too many Life On Mars re-runs.

Also, bear in mind tax isn't the only thing. Okay, it's £180 in round figures, but you could spend that amount again on other running costs quite easily if you pick the 'wrong' classic, so don't discount later '70s cars.

[Mr2Mike]

AlVal said:

I'm determined to not own a car again that incurs big road tax.

Why? Do you do so few miles every year that the cost of tax is actually significant? Have you considered that running costs of a classic could easily outweigh the cost of tax?

[xRIEx]

AlVal said:

some kind of yank camaro?

Nah, you want one of those German camaros.

[Strawman]

garycat said:

Honda Civic

Did they come with a V8 option?

[Cemesis]

In a large V8, you'll pay almost as much tax in 3 tanks of fuel as you will for road tax (pre 2001). I run an M5 which is £215 a year and about £4500 in fuel. Tax is one of the cheapest bills for a V8.

[J4CKO]

There isn't really any car from then that will all that reliable, it is possible to run one from then but they tended to be a bit more hands on, very rust prone and stuff just didn't last as long, the best option would be something retro that has had a modern engine transplanted along with associated suspension and brake upgrades, preferable one that has had the shell attended to.

I am thinking perhaps early seventies fords, say a Capri Mk1 with a Zetec transplanted along with its fuel injection etc.

[Bonefish Blues]

Strawman said:

Assuming you buy something rust free the biggest problem is parts supply, American muscle cars and old Mercedes are well supported so a sensible choice.



http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C265870

Hmmm...helluvan expensive way to save £400andabit pa!

[davepoth]

Bearing in mind how much you'll pay in fuel tax on a non-fuel injected car (around town they are usually appalling) it'll probably be cheaper to buy something later.

[TheHeretic]

garycat said:

Honda Civic

I think that looks very cool.