Free garage - what to fill it with

[davidspooner]

Hi all,

I now have a free garage, after many years of having only on street parking. I don't currently have a car, and whilst in the past I've been tempted by a puma or similar to up the no claims bonus (I'm 26 but have been for a couple of years without a car) a garage opens more opportunities in terms of working on the car, insurance and security.

Would an e28 5 series be a terrible idea? A family friend took me out in his m535 and I loved it! Miles more interesting than the modern 5s, (and dare I say it more interesting than the m5 m3 and z4m I've been in). Budget is a couple of k, happy to wait around for the right car.

I have no need for a car... But I guess it would be nice to be able to jump in and do the 100 mile trip to the folks house occasionally instead of using the train.

Cheers!

[slomax]

kit car......

[davidspooner]

What kind for 2k... And how about insurance?! Also, I'd probably have to take the train rather than bombing up the m1 right?

[The Lukas]

Is it me or did I not see a budget limit in your post?

I'd get something mental. Kit car, TVR, Lotus. Anything unreliable, unsafe, polluting, uneconomical, not water tight...

ETA a good old classic, MGB, a MIni, Spitfire?

Edited by The Lukas on Sunday 26th September 23:10

[dougc]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1969493.htm

[davidspooner]

I hid it by saying 'a couple of k', very poor form!

Are m535s a terrible idea in terms of running costs, reliability and tail happiness? I've always been a fwd driver, perhaps not the best introduction... How about later e34 525s? I have access to a focus, and like the idea of having something random in the garage!

[davidspooner]

dougc said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1969493.htm

Hmm should really consider these I guess. 'average condition' means what at this age though?

Eta: have also been looking at alfa 145 cloverleafs and 80s Saab 900s, not quite sure why!

Edited by davidspooner on Sunday 26th September 23:19

[slomax]

davidspooner said:

What kind for 2k... And how about insurance?! Also, I'd probably have to take the train rather than bombing up the m1 right?

well....
Insurance is sod all for a few reasons.
1. It's always going to be garaged
2. You're going to look after it
3. Most kit car accidents happen because the owner/driver was being a little bit ambitious and usually involves tracks or country lanes. If you know where to get the parts from and can do it yourself, then its always easier to do that than go through insurance, so i don't think many claims are made each year.

Country lanes are more fun than motorway driving anyway.

http://carandclassic.co.uk/car/C183298/

if you could stretch to £3k this...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2013013.htm

[davidspooner]

The first one looks amusing in a Morgan-like way. The second looks pretty er, well not me! Interesting idea though indeed. Perhaps an mx5 would make more sense though? Eg resale, parts

[Legacywr]

not a kit car surely???

an e28 is my favourite 5 series too!

[davidspooner]

Legacywr said:

not a kit car surely???

an e28 is my favourite 5 series too!

Yes I've been getting very keen on these since going in one. I like the light and airy feeling, and imagining the 80s exec pounding some serious motorways!