What car? Modern classic family car

[Kirk280]

Hi all. I'm after a car for occasional commuting, but I've only had classic insurance policies in my name for the last few years so I've got zero no claims bonus, therefore insurance quotes for 'normal' modern cars are obscene. Luckily my insurance broker have quoted a very cheap price for a couple of 'modern classic' cars. Suggestions anyone?

My criteria are: over 15 years old (for insurance); must be able to fit 2 baby seats in the back; annual milage <5k so petrol engine; reliable; some power but not a thief magnet; not a golf. Budget £3k, ideally less than £2k to allow a 'Bork' fund (I've learnt a PH word!).

My shortlist so far: 190e 2.6, w124 saloon 3.2, e36 328i saloon/touring, e38 728i (I don't need the space but love the look!).

Opinions on these anyone? Or have I missed anything obvious? Thanks all

[Efbe]

I had a e36 328i touring. By far the best car have owned.

Was able to get three kids in the back, loads of boot space, but the dimensions of it were actually quite small from the outside.
great fun around corners, and never skipped a beat even at 160k miles

[noell35]

850 T5 ?

[AnotherClarkey]

Saab 900 turbo or, rather more contentiously, Primera eGT?

[soxboy]

W124 E280 estate - I know a very good one for sale at the moment

[Kirk280]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I should have added I don't need loads of space, the car will be used to take 2 toddlers to/from nursery and me to work. We've got a 'family' car (this will be car number 4!)

[AnotherClarkey]

Oh well, a Saab 99 turbo then. Hard to look past the 190 2.6 though if space is not a major concern, wonderful cars if you can find a decent one.

[Scootersp]

Low mile BMW 535 G reg on ebay £1995

Item no 130707122948

[Kirk280]

I can't seem to find that ebay 535. Early e39s are also over 15 years old, but I'm not sure they'll be accepted as classics by the insurance broker.

[karl_h]

I still miss my 2.6 190e, lovely cars.

[300bhp/ton]

Jaguar XJ6 of some kind. XJ40's and maybe early x300's.

Early Lexus LS400/Soarer (if a 2+2 coupe is ok).

Rover P6

Rover SD1 Vitesse

Rover 620TI

Rover 820TI

Triumph 2000

BMW e30

BMW 635CSI

[chrisp84]

Another vote for the Rover SD1 Vitesse.....got to be pretty rare now though I would've thought?

[Kirk280]

An SD1 is an interesting shout, but I'm not sure about parts. I've thought about XJ6s but a bit scared of the potential big bills! 2+2 coupes are fine, I quite like w124 coupes but they seem to be at the top end of budget for decent examples.

[300bhp/ton]

Kirk280 said:

An SD1 is an interesting shout, but I'm not sure about parts.

Why?

I'd have thought easier to source parts for than most Mercs.

Kirk280 said:

I've thought about XJ6s but a bit scared of the potential big bills!

Again why?

Kirk280 said:

2+2 coupes are fine, I quite like w124 coupes but they seem to be at the top end of budget for decent examples.

[Kirk280]

No logic re: fear of xj6 repair bills really, my mate had one and complained a couple of times, but to be fair he prefers modern cars anyway. I'm happy to hear they aren't too bork prone!

[morgrp]

190e cosworth - mine fits a baby seat in the back

[morgrp]

190e cosworth - mine fits a baby seat in the back

[300bhp/ton]

Kirk280 said:

No logic re: fear of xj6 repair bills really, my mate had one and complained a couple of times, but to be fair he prefers modern cars anyway. I'm happy to hear they aren't too bork prone!

I don't think they are any worse than anything else of similar ilk. Over the years we've had a 3.6 auto, 3.6 manual, 2.9 auto and a 6.0 V12 XJ40 and a 4.0 auto x300.

None where really problematic, I think the control module for the indicator is a tad pricey (although you can get them used). A rad hose burst on the 2.9 and the engine got cooked and pushed a rod out the side of the block. But it could have been avoided. We fitted a used 2.9 motor in no probs.

The V12 had a relay box fault that caused it to not start sometimes. Jag failed to fix it after 2 months of trying. The RAC guy fixed in 15 mins for no cost (lose connection) and was never an issue again. The self leveling rear suspension needed work on occasion too. And watch for rust these days. But most parts are not overly complex and there's a good used spares market and suppliers.

[deltashad]

I saw this car a few days ago on an internet auction site. Looks really nice. They are starting to go up in value.
Only problem is there are no rear doors. The estate versions are also very desirable.

"Beautiful 1995 Mercedes Benz E320 Coupe in tourmaline green with beige leather electric driver and passenger seats.
This car was until recently part of a collection of Mercedes Benz cars owned by a local enthusiast.the car was in excellent overall condition but needed some TLC and a substantial amount of money to bring to its current condition."

[Gruber]

I've got an e30 BMW as my daily driver at the moment - great little thing, seems very reliable and within your budget.



Costs me £95 a year on a 3k limited policy in central London.

I've had 190 and W124 Mercs in the past on similar deals.