What was the best "forever car"
Discussion
We used to see cars get scrapped after a few years because of corrosion but the cars were so simple in electromechanical terms that you could keep on repairing them if you really wanted to.
So, cars like the Volvo 1800s ended up with the highest mileage in the world and can still be used as a daily driver today if you wanted.
This is what I'd call a forever car and there's lots of examples such as say 60s and 70s Fords, other Volvos, Triumphs etc.
Most if not all modern cars are now so complex that despite excellent corrosion resistance, there comes a point when manufacturing specific parts becomes unviable so reach a certain age before becoming extinct very quickly.
I wonder at what point did forever cars stop being a thing and if we'll see them again?
So, cars like the Volvo 1800s ended up with the highest mileage in the world and can still be used as a daily driver today if you wanted.
This is what I'd call a forever car and there's lots of examples such as say 60s and 70s Fords, other Volvos, Triumphs etc.
Most if not all modern cars are now so complex that despite excellent corrosion resistance, there comes a point when manufacturing specific parts becomes unviable so reach a certain age before becoming extinct very quickly.
I wonder at what point did forever cars stop being a thing and if we'll see them again?
Based on my experiences, knowledge and cars I've owned, I'd give a shout out to the Land Rover Series 1 200Tdi Discovery.
Ok, it's slow, fairly agricultural and likes to corrode - however, in its favour it's simple, comfortable, easy and cheap to fix, will tow 3.5 tons, seats seven and is a timeless design that fits in everywhere. Parts are readily available and are reasonably priced, it'll cruise at 70mph all day. Certainly more refined than a Defender, and a bit more practical and economical than the Classic Range Rover.
I love mine and plan holding on to it for a very long time - it's a refreshing antidote to most complicated modern cars.
Ok, it's slow, fairly agricultural and likes to corrode - however, in its favour it's simple, comfortable, easy and cheap to fix, will tow 3.5 tons, seats seven and is a timeless design that fits in everywhere. Parts are readily available and are reasonably priced, it'll cruise at 70mph all day. Certainly more refined than a Defender, and a bit more practical and economical than the Classic Range Rover.
I love mine and plan holding on to it for a very long time - it's a refreshing antidote to most complicated modern cars.
For me it’s the Audi A2 TDi - had a number over the years. Most recent one we’ve put 95,000 miles on in 5 years and it’s been great, serviced every 10,000 miles, great on fuel, surprisingly comfortable in the later slightly facelift guide, and very durable given the aluminium exterior and lightweight of it.
VR99 said:
MK1 Focus 1.8 petrol manua....owned 10+ years, absolute blast. Would of held onto but was breaking down so ended up scrapping.
The 1.8 and 2.0 petrols are best for big mileage, but for me, the 1.6 is the most engaging. I think the former pair are Mazda units, the latter Ford/Yamaha.I had one mate who has dailied a Volvo 140 for decades and another who, until recently, did the same with an Amazon. Tough, simple cars. One engine replacement between the two of them.
I have another mate who does it with a TR6 although that's pretty much been completely rebuilt twice in the last 25 years. Again, very simple tech although made out of cheese compared to the Volvos.
I have another mate who does it with a TR6 although that's pretty much been completely rebuilt twice in the last 25 years. Again, very simple tech although made out of cheese compared to the Volvos.
Pistom said:
We used to see cars get scrapped after a few years because of corrosion but the cars were so simple in electromechanical terms that you could keep on repairing them if you really wanted to.
So, cars like the Volvo 1800s ended up with the highest mileage in the world and can still be used as a daily driver today if you wanted.
This is what I'd call a forever car and there's lots of examples such as say 60s and 70s Fords, other Volvos, Triumphs etc.
Most if not all modern cars are now so complex that despite excellent corrosion resistance, there comes a point when manufacturing specific parts becomes unviable so reach a certain age before becoming extinct very quickly.
I wonder at what point did forever cars stop being a thing and if we'll see them again?
I think its only 'beyond economic repair' that stops a banger becoming scrap. Some clever people out there that can repair/refurb ECUs and such like, as long as the will and funds allow. So, cars like the Volvo 1800s ended up with the highest mileage in the world and can still be used as a daily driver today if you wanted.
This is what I'd call a forever car and there's lots of examples such as say 60s and 70s Fords, other Volvos, Triumphs etc.
Most if not all modern cars are now so complex that despite excellent corrosion resistance, there comes a point when manufacturing specific parts becomes unviable so reach a certain age before becoming extinct very quickly.
I wonder at what point did forever cars stop being a thing and if we'll see them again?
Trim can be 3d printed, body panels are awkward.
People, certainly in affluent countries, can’t be bothered with repairing things any more.
Yes, modern cars are made up of some things that can’t be fixed like they used to be. But if there was any real demand for solutions, they would appear. But it’s easier to scrap and move on.
By contrast, and for no apparent reason, Youtube sometimes takes me to clips of people in less developed countries (on dirt floors in flip flops) ingeniously refurbing and repairing vehicles and components that would have been instantly consigned to the tip in the UK.
For that reason, if I had to pick the best example of a ‘forever’ car, it would be the Hindustan Ambassador.
Yes, modern cars are made up of some things that can’t be fixed like they used to be. But if there was any real demand for solutions, they would appear. But it’s easier to scrap and move on.
By contrast, and for no apparent reason, Youtube sometimes takes me to clips of people in less developed countries (on dirt floors in flip flops) ingeniously refurbing and repairing vehicles and components that would have been instantly consigned to the tip in the UK.
For that reason, if I had to pick the best example of a ‘forever’ car, it would be the Hindustan Ambassador.
Edited by swisstoni on Saturday 28th September 11:32
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