Which 'modern classic' with character for £6k?
Discussion
I appreciate that this forum on piston heads caters mainly for 'classic cars' (whatever that really means!?) but I am guessing that a fair few of you have many different types of cars in addition to your traditional classic car?
Can the forum recommend a car for me?
Probably something built in last 15 - 20 years.
I only have a £6k budget.
Do you think I could get a car - maybe a more modern 'classic' within the following criteria -
I would use it every day.
It would live outside.
Annual mileage of about 6000.
I would like something reliable and one that would not bankrupt me with every repair!
Reasonable mpg would be nice, so no gas guzzlers!
It should have 'character'. I often think that the engine of both motor bikes and cars give the rider/driver that 'feeling/character. V twins in bikes and V 8's in cars spring to mind.I know this is very subjective and am open to your views and thoughts.
I have owned older Alfas back in the day and they would tick the character box for me but equally maybe a Merc coupe would also do the same.
Apologies for the usual 'what car thread' but,
What have you got and what would you suggest?
Thanks
Jules
Can the forum recommend a car for me?
Probably something built in last 15 - 20 years.
I only have a £6k budget.
Do you think I could get a car - maybe a more modern 'classic' within the following criteria -
I would use it every day.
It would live outside.
Annual mileage of about 6000.
I would like something reliable and one that would not bankrupt me with every repair!
Reasonable mpg would be nice, so no gas guzzlers!
It should have 'character'. I often think that the engine of both motor bikes and cars give the rider/driver that 'feeling/character. V twins in bikes and V 8's in cars spring to mind.I know this is very subjective and am open to your views and thoughts.
I have owned older Alfas back in the day and they would tick the character box for me but equally maybe a Merc coupe would also do the same.
Apologies for the usual 'what car thread' but,
What have you got and what would you suggest?
Thanks
Jules
If you're only doing 6k miles is the MPG really that important? Most cars with character are quite juicy!
For modern cars, how about -
MG ZT 260 - got one, use it every day for over 20k miles to date. Very reasonable on everything except petrol, and character coming out of its ears. I'm starting to consider replacing it but I'm struggling to think of anything as interesting in the price range.
Alfa GT 3.2 V6? A Q2-equipped GT is on my mental shortlist
Vauhall VX220 if you can cope with the compromises?
Mazda RX-8 - controversial, but I enjoyed mine and the engine character is a unique experience.
For modern cars, how about -
MG ZT 260 - got one, use it every day for over 20k miles to date. Very reasonable on everything except petrol, and character coming out of its ears. I'm starting to consider replacing it but I'm struggling to think of anything as interesting in the price range.
Alfa GT 3.2 V6? A Q2-equipped GT is on my mental shortlist
Vauhall VX220 if you can cope with the compromises?
Mazda RX-8 - controversial, but I enjoyed mine and the engine character is a unique experience.
This thread may be worth a look:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I posted a MG ZT 260 a few pages back.
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I posted a MG ZT 260 a few pages back.
Plenty of options, but it depends on your criteria (do you need 4 doors and a big boot for example?).
Off the top of my head, I'd be looking at:
Fiat Coupe
Jaguar XJS or XK8, although potential for ruinous billls
MGF VVC wiith hardtop
Alfa GTV
Alfa 156
Corrado
924/944
TVR S series, as mentioned above
Lotus Excel
Off the top of my head, I'd be looking at:
Fiat Coupe
Jaguar XJS or XK8, although potential for ruinous billls
MGF VVC wiith hardtop
Alfa GTV
Alfa 156
Corrado
924/944
TVR S series, as mentioned above
Lotus Excel
Julesx said:
I appreciate that this forum on piston heads caters mainly for 'classic cars' (whatever that really means!?) but I am guessing that a fair few of you have many different types of cars in addition to your traditional classic car?
Can the forum recommend a car for me?
Probably something built in last 15 - 20 years.
I only have a £6k budget.
Do you think I could get a car - maybe a more modern 'classic' within the following criteria -
I would use it every day.
It would live outside.
Annual mileage of about 6000.
I would like something reliable and one that would not bankrupt me with every repair!
Reasonable mpg would be nice, so no gas guzzlers!
It should have 'character'. I often think that the engine of both motor bikes and cars give the rider/driver that 'feeling/character. V twins in bikes and V 8's in cars spring to mind.I know this is very subjective and am open to your views and thoughts.
I have owned older Alfas back in the day and they would tick the character box for me but equally maybe a Merc coupe would also do the same.
Apologies for the usual 'what car thread' but,
What have you got and what would you suggest?
Thanks
Jules
I had this dilema 6 months ago. I wound up with a 94 R129 Merc SL. Hard top for the winter, perfect. But you need to regard it as a two seater.Can the forum recommend a car for me?
Probably something built in last 15 - 20 years.
I only have a £6k budget.
Do you think I could get a car - maybe a more modern 'classic' within the following criteria -
I would use it every day.
It would live outside.
Annual mileage of about 6000.
I would like something reliable and one that would not bankrupt me with every repair!
Reasonable mpg would be nice, so no gas guzzlers!
It should have 'character'. I often think that the engine of both motor bikes and cars give the rider/driver that 'feeling/character. V twins in bikes and V 8's in cars spring to mind.I know this is very subjective and am open to your views and thoughts.
I have owned older Alfas back in the day and they would tick the character box for me but equally maybe a Merc coupe would also do the same.
Apologies for the usual 'what car thread' but,
What have you got and what would you suggest?
Thanks
Jules
Some good ideas!Thanks.
I don't really need 4 seats so don't really want a 'saloon' so I suppose a coupe would fit the bill.
Something like a VX220/Lotus is a bit too 'hard core' for me, especially if used along the M25 etc - not really the cars remit! Not keen on the MX5/MGF although the MX5 I tested was good fun.
I like the idea of the Alfa GTV and the Fiat but am concerned about some of the idiosyncrasies/maintenance issues that they may have.
Jag? Nice but as you say would probably eventually hit me with a big bill that would spoil the experience.
Dunno about a TVR - love the idea but it will be a daily driver?
Maybe a 944.
I have thought about a BMW but know nothing about them as they have never really appealed.
I am a little biased to the Merc idea as they seem to be good value both in CE and SL form with good build and relibility.
I suppose the 944 is a nod to a 'sports car' wheres the Merc is more of 'cruiser/relaxed' car. Like the idea of both but can only choose one!
Mmmmm - basically, you lot are no help at all!
I don't really need 4 seats so don't really want a 'saloon' so I suppose a coupe would fit the bill.
Something like a VX220/Lotus is a bit too 'hard core' for me, especially if used along the M25 etc - not really the cars remit! Not keen on the MX5/MGF although the MX5 I tested was good fun.
I like the idea of the Alfa GTV and the Fiat but am concerned about some of the idiosyncrasies/maintenance issues that they may have.
Jag? Nice but as you say would probably eventually hit me with a big bill that would spoil the experience.
Dunno about a TVR - love the idea but it will be a daily driver?
Maybe a 944.
I have thought about a BMW but know nothing about them as they have never really appealed.
I am a little biased to the Merc idea as they seem to be good value both in CE and SL form with good build and relibility.
I suppose the 944 is a nod to a 'sports car' wheres the Merc is more of 'cruiser/relaxed' car. Like the idea of both but can only choose one!
Mmmmm - basically, you lot are no help at all!
968 - I hadn't thought of one of those. I did drive a Club Sport when it was launched and the engine was lovely. I really had not considered one as a potential option - Must be my age! That might work very nicely.
But -
Do you use it every day or is it a weekend car?
Same question for anyone who also use any of the above cars as a daily.
I see a fair few Merc 124 CE's and 129'SL floating around most days of the week but not many Fiats or GTV's (in V6 trim).
I will probably only do 6,000 odd miles which sometimes might be just local to home and on some occasions it will sit on the drive unused for several days.
The recent thread on here about Porsche 928 ownership got me all excited and wanting a new car!
It was this comment that did it - 'And I say this hand-on-heart, because every time I open the garage door, and look at my 928, it gives me goosebumps, I jump in, turn the key, listen to the fuel pump turning for a few seconds, then start the engine, and the hairs on the back of my neck really do lift in anticipation'.
Now I know I am getting carried away the rhetoric of that particular thread, but you guys know what I mean!
But -
Do you use it every day or is it a weekend car?
Same question for anyone who also use any of the above cars as a daily.
I see a fair few Merc 124 CE's and 129'SL floating around most days of the week but not many Fiats or GTV's (in V6 trim).
I will probably only do 6,000 odd miles which sometimes might be just local to home and on some occasions it will sit on the drive unused for several days.
The recent thread on here about Porsche 928 ownership got me all excited and wanting a new car!
It was this comment that did it - 'And I say this hand-on-heart, because every time I open the garage door, and look at my 928, it gives me goosebumps, I jump in, turn the key, listen to the fuel pump turning for a few seconds, then start the engine, and the hairs on the back of my neck really do lift in anticipation'.
Now I know I am getting carried away the rhetoric of that particular thread, but you guys know what I mean!
Your budget is a bit tight for a BMW Z3M, but how about a 2.8 or 3.0 Z3?
Decent engines that have a bit of character as they're 6 cylinder but aren't too heavy on fuel. Comfortable enough for the M25, and you can drop the roof when (if?) the sun shines.
An indie garage can look after them to keep costs reasonable.
A random example from the classifieds, no connection with seller: advert
I appreciate they may be a bit too modern for your 'modern classic' criteria though.
Decent engines that have a bit of character as they're 6 cylinder but aren't too heavy on fuel. Comfortable enough for the M25, and you can drop the roof when (if?) the sun shines.
An indie garage can look after them to keep costs reasonable.
A random example from the classifieds, no connection with seller: advert
I appreciate they may be a bit too modern for your 'modern classic' criteria though.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Rare-Iconic-Ford-Motor...
Probably overpriced but if I had the garage space for it I'd have it.
Probably overpriced but if I had the garage space for it I'd have it.
My R129 is a daily and lives outside. I tend to use it for longer runs but could manage without it if need be.
All been good SL320 25ish MPG. I've done a little work on it but more out of desire than necessity. A lot of stuff is fairly straight forward. Worth keeping some contact cleaner, test light and multimeter handy though.....
All been good SL320 25ish MPG. I've done a little work on it but more out of desire than necessity. A lot of stuff is fairly straight forward. Worth keeping some contact cleaner, test light and multimeter handy though.....
Edited by HumbleJim on Monday 24th February 16:05
I had this dilemma - I wanted a classic to use every day - but it had to live outside in all weathers as the Mustang takes up the garage.
Bought a sub-£4k Porsche 944 2.7. Doesn't need the fettling the Turbo or the S2 does yet goes superbly well. Not too thirsty - relatively simple when compared to anything modern. Always look forward to driving it. Had it on a 5k annual classic policy as well, but have done over 3k since October. It has over 130k on it already so the mileage doesn't really matter.
Last week I was off and me and the missus went to York in it - 350-odd miles, then the day after we got back, we were down in deepest Essex - so it clocked up another 200-odd miles ... not a hint of any problems at all - cruises at 70mph all day.
It's so low though compared to all this modern stuff ...
I can't believe people are saying MX5, Z3, RX8 - jesus, he wants a classic motor not a recent car ... !
Mine is on a G reg and is 24 years old this year. It's raining outside as I type but I know I will go out tomorrow and it'll start on the button and be dry as a bone inside ...
Bargain of the decade, make no mistake. And with a £6k budget you'll be quids in ...
Edit: heare's the best bit. Classic policy - lives outside, comp insurance £120.
Bought a sub-£4k Porsche 944 2.7. Doesn't need the fettling the Turbo or the S2 does yet goes superbly well. Not too thirsty - relatively simple when compared to anything modern. Always look forward to driving it. Had it on a 5k annual classic policy as well, but have done over 3k since October. It has over 130k on it already so the mileage doesn't really matter.
Last week I was off and me and the missus went to York in it - 350-odd miles, then the day after we got back, we were down in deepest Essex - so it clocked up another 200-odd miles ... not a hint of any problems at all - cruises at 70mph all day.
It's so low though compared to all this modern stuff ...
I can't believe people are saying MX5, Z3, RX8 - jesus, he wants a classic motor not a recent car ... !
Mine is on a G reg and is 24 years old this year. It's raining outside as I type but I know I will go out tomorrow and it'll start on the button and be dry as a bone inside ...
Bargain of the decade, make no mistake. And with a £6k budget you'll be quids in ...
Edit: heare's the best bit. Classic policy - lives outside, comp insurance £120.
Thanks again - having had a search nearly all the 944 range are appear to be within my budget and a few at the top seem to be in good order. On that model - heart says 'turbo' but head says '2.5/2.7'
I see that the 968 is just within reach as is Merc R129. At first glance the BMW 840 seems to be edging towards 928 territory - more reading required on that one.
I seem to be heading towards German marques although will not discount an V6 Alfa just yet.
Mmm..............decisions as always!
I see that the 968 is just within reach as is Merc R129. At first glance the BMW 840 seems to be edging towards 928 territory - more reading required on that one.
I seem to be heading towards German marques although will not discount an V6 Alfa just yet.
Mmm..............decisions as always!
Stacks of 944s for sale at all price levels, which helsp to keep the prices down in effect - sorting the good uns from the bad uns will take time but is half the fun ...
Loads of info on this site if you search and also the PCGB and TIPEC sites which is where I went to learn more.
It's no coincidence there are so many still being used, they were well built in the first place ...
Loads of info on this site if you search and also the PCGB and TIPEC sites which is where I went to learn more.
It's no coincidence there are so many still being used, they were well built in the first place ...
If you go for a 944/68 then take your time. A bad one is very easy to buy, a good one isn't.
I can put you in touch with a few people round your way if you want to look seriously.
My friend is also about to sell his battleship grey supercharged 968 Sport but not sure how much he wants for it. 320bhp is quite fun
I can put you in touch with a few people round your way if you want to look seriously.
My friend is also about to sell his battleship grey supercharged 968 Sport but not sure how much he wants for it. 320bhp is quite fun
The Crack Fox said:
benjj said:
My friend is also about to sell his battleship grey supercharged 968 Sport but not sure how much he wants for it. 320bhp is quite fun
I am sure someone mentioned that same car to me about a year ago when I was looking for mine. Someone Yorks/NE based?Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff