Which daily driver quirky classic?
Discussion
I'm contemplating buying an older car, the current contenders being a Citroen 2CV, Morris Minor, or a 'classic' Mini.
It looks like I might be able to get something usable for £5k. However, other than a 1978 Mini Clubman, which was my first (rusty) car, and which I didn't really like, possibly because it was a 'bad example', I've not driven any of these.
I'd probably cover around 20,000 miles per year, in all weathers, and on all types of roads.
Do any of these cars stand out as being a wiser choice than the others, and are there any alternatives worth looking at?
It looks like I might be able to get something usable for £5k. However, other than a 1978 Mini Clubman, which was my first (rusty) car, and which I didn't really like, possibly because it was a 'bad example', I've not driven any of these.
I'd probably cover around 20,000 miles per year, in all weathers, and on all types of roads.
Do any of these cars stand out as being a wiser choice than the others, and are there any alternatives worth looking at?
I'm not really sure why! I've been driving Defenders for a good few years (probably getting on for 400k miles now), so I suspect I'm drawn to less-than-perfect cars! I don't really fancy a new car, but I suppose something a bit more modern (such as an MX-5) might make more sense, but I do fancy something a bit older unless it would be a complete pain to own.
If you are going to daily it in all weathers and keep it outside, I would urge you towards 90s Japanese.
Build quality and reliability will be pretty good, and you still have that retro charm, after all they are coming up 20/30 years old now, and there are some very cool and quirky cars around for not a lot of money at all, and you won't be constantly breaking down.
Nissan Pao? or a Figaro?
Build quality and reliability will be pretty good, and you still have that retro charm, after all they are coming up 20/30 years old now, and there are some very cool and quirky cars around for not a lot of money at all, and you won't be constantly breaking down.
Nissan Pao? or a Figaro?
A late 90's car as said would be a good match of comfort and quirkiness, wont be too many on the road so will feel a bit special but likely to start every morning and not leave you at the side of the road.
Did a 98mile round trip mon-fri in a 19 year old Alfa gtv and was fun most of the time, would still use it everyday if not for the rise in fuel costs.
Cheap parts for the bits that would wear out doing 20k a year.
Did a 98mile round trip mon-fri in a 19 year old Alfa gtv and was fun most of the time, would still use it everyday if not for the rise in fuel costs.
Cheap parts for the bits that would wear out doing 20k a year.
20,000 miles a year in any one of the cars you have proposed would be a challenge, but then you have chosen to drive old Landrovers, so you like the feeling. Are you looking at 'Historic' tax and MOT exempt, or would you consider driving something a tad more modern...and better! There are not many MOT exempt vehicles that you can buy for £5000 that I would consider driving 20,000 per year.
I've owned and liked all of the cars you mention, but to cover 20,000 miles per year, I would not be considering any of them. The 2CV was probably the most comfortable and definitely the most reliable. Mine was as as slow as a standard Minor 1000, but at least its brakes were able to stop the car quite effectively, unlike the Minor's.
If I were shopping for a quirky classic daily driver, I would be considering looking for something reliable and that is fast enough to keep up with modern traffic. I think I'd be looking at Mercs, Volvos and older BMWs. If you want to enjoy the drive, an old 3 or 5 series BMW might suit.
I'd look for one with a larger engine, but this might suit you:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowered-in-price-Excell...
I've owned and liked all of the cars you mention, but to cover 20,000 miles per year, I would not be considering any of them. The 2CV was probably the most comfortable and definitely the most reliable. Mine was as as slow as a standard Minor 1000, but at least its brakes were able to stop the car quite effectively, unlike the Minor's.
If I were shopping for a quirky classic daily driver, I would be considering looking for something reliable and that is fast enough to keep up with modern traffic. I think I'd be looking at Mercs, Volvos and older BMWs. If you want to enjoy the drive, an old 3 or 5 series BMW might suit.
I'd look for one with a larger engine, but this might suit you:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowered-in-price-Excell...
I ran an MGB convertible (1969) for a while as an only car...
perfectly doable, and very reliable - did probably 12-15k per year in it...
I am a bit older now, so prefer a little more comfort, but it wasn't really a hassle / uncomfortable - just not quite as luxurious as cars with air con / heated seats / etc.
perfectly doable, and very reliable - did probably 12-15k per year in it...
I am a bit older now, so prefer a little more comfort, but it wasn't really a hassle / uncomfortable - just not quite as luxurious as cars with air con / heated seats / etc.
Thanks for all the suggestions etc.
The 2cv is currently the most appealing out of the three, possibly because of its simplicity and suspension.
However, I also have an old (2001) Toyota Yaris which I quite like, so I'm open to an old Japanese car. Similarly, I've sometimes thought about a Merc 190. I test drove a 6 cylinder 190 when they were current (I was driving a Saab 900 then) and quite liked it, but I suppose a 190 would be a lot more expensive to run and maintain than a 2cv!
The 2cv is currently the most appealing out of the three, possibly because of its simplicity and suspension.
However, I also have an old (2001) Toyota Yaris which I quite like, so I'm open to an old Japanese car. Similarly, I've sometimes thought about a Merc 190. I test drove a 6 cylinder 190 when they were current (I was driving a Saab 900 then) and quite liked it, but I suppose a 190 would be a lot more expensive to run and maintain than a 2cv!
ph9 said:
Thanks for all the suggestions etc.
The 2cv is currently the most appealing out of the three, possibly because of its simplicity and suspension.
However, I also have an old (2001) Toyota Yaris which I quite like, so I'm open to an old Japanese car. Similarly, I've sometimes thought about a Merc 190. I test drove a 6 cylinder 190 when they were current (I was driving a Saab 900 then) and quite liked it, but I suppose a 190 would be a lot more expensive to run and maintain than a 2cv!
If you like your Yaris, you could look at a bB, i love mine! About as quirky as they come, but I appreciate not for everyone's taste.The 2cv is currently the most appealing out of the three, possibly because of its simplicity and suspension.
However, I also have an old (2001) Toyota Yaris which I quite like, so I'm open to an old Japanese car. Similarly, I've sometimes thought about a Merc 190. I test drove a 6 cylinder 190 when they were current (I was driving a Saab 900 then) and quite liked it, but I suppose a 190 would be a lot more expensive to run and maintain than a 2cv!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I would look at an MGB or the best option would be a Saab 900 turbo like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/saab-900-turbo-se-1984-...
I really liked my Saab 900 when I had it, but it wasn't cheap to run, and it eventually succumbed to door/sill rot etc. I saw one advertised locally recently, and that looked to have rusty holes in the doors. I'm not sure about spares either.
My parents had a Volvo 240 auto, and I remember it being quite comfy, but its handling was scary at times. I think it was also quite thirsty.
My parents had a Volvo 240 auto, and I remember it being quite comfy, but its handling was scary at times. I think it was also quite thirsty.
designforlife said:
If you like your Yaris, you could look at a bB, i love mine! About as quirky as they come, but I appreciate not for everyone's taste.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks for that. I've read your thread, and I must say a rust-free car like that does appeal. Do you have pictures of the dashboard and interior? I think I've seen the odd one or two of these on the road, but I can't recall their scale - the pictures make it look a lot bigger than a Yaris!https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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