Do you have a "fleet"? Can you justify it?
Discussion
Got 3 cars, could probably get by with just one as I don't need a car to get to work at the moment, so the family can have the Volvo and I can walk/run/cycle/bus to work.
However, I've had the Caterham for nearly 12 years now and we don't want to get rid of it. The Mustang has just had a load of work done to get it in great condition mechanically as well as cosmetically and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it next year. Its position in the fleet is the most tenuous though as we're likely to move house next year and the double garage might be sacrificed.
However, I've had the Caterham for nearly 12 years now and we don't want to get rid of it. The Mustang has just had a load of work done to get it in great condition mechanically as well as cosmetically and I'm looking forward to putting some miles on it next year. Its position in the fleet is the most tenuous though as we're likely to move house next year and the double garage might be sacrificed.
I don't know how my brother justifies his "fleet"
He's up to 11 now
Although, he only has 3 on the road at once & not all of them are working
3x VW Caddy pickups (1 works / 2 been re-built)
1x mk1 Golf (works)
2x mk2 Golfs (1 works, others engine is in bits)
1x mk3 Golf (works)
1x LT35 Camper van (works, but getting interior re-done & re-spray)
2x mk1 Fiesta (1 works / other been re-built)
1x Morris Marina (works, but due re-build)
Ever though he shares a large unit with our dad I've ended up with one of his car's at my house due to lack of space at the unit .. lol
He's up to 11 now
Although, he only has 3 on the road at once & not all of them are working
3x VW Caddy pickups (1 works / 2 been re-built)
1x mk1 Golf (works)
2x mk2 Golfs (1 works, others engine is in bits)
1x mk3 Golf (works)
1x LT35 Camper van (works, but getting interior re-done & re-spray)
2x mk1 Fiesta (1 works / other been re-built)
1x Morris Marina (works, but due re-build)
Ever though he shares a large unit with our dad I've ended up with one of his car's at my house due to lack of space at the unit .. lol
Edited by paulshears on Wednesday 7th December 11:15
I have 7 vehicles at the moment
Volvo V70R '98 :my daily driver
Nissan Micra '06 :SWMBO daily driver
Westfield : for fun
Renault Alpine V6 turbo '85 :family sports car that seats the 4 of us
Ford Rimor 678 '05 : just added to the fleet for camping duties
Volvo 740 turbo 16V '90 : project to become road rally / trackday car one day
Volvo 850 T5 '96 : parts car for the V70
As you can see ,all justifiable
cheers
Volvo V70R '98 :my daily driver
Nissan Micra '06 :SWMBO daily driver
Westfield : for fun
Renault Alpine V6 turbo '85 :family sports car that seats the 4 of us
Ford Rimor 678 '05 : just added to the fleet for camping duties
Volvo 740 turbo 16V '90 : project to become road rally / trackday car one day
Volvo 850 T5 '96 : parts car for the V70
As you can see ,all justifiable
cheers
2006 Touareg - Mrs K's every day car
2004 CLK500 - My every day car
1984 S3 Landy - Winter / dump run / messing about in car
All three get used all the time & more than justify their existance. I'm thinking about adding a soft top to the drive in the not too distant future for summer fun.
2004 CLK500 - My every day car
1984 S3 Landy - Winter / dump run / messing about in car
All three get used all the time & more than justify their existance. I'm thinking about adding a soft top to the drive in the not too distant future for summer fun.
Mondeo - justified - it's the only car we can get all five of us in and the kids' bikes.
Golf GTI - justified as my wife has the Mondeo on Wednesdays and I need alternative transport and the Golf is crappy enough for the dirty trips to Wickes. It also keeps the mileage off the Mondeo to some degree and the Mustang mint and dry but that role (the original reason for buying it) is dependent on justifying the Mustang. It is UNJUSTIFIED in that I could get a car that is less to tax and insure and more economical.
Mustang GT - probably no longer justifiable as it doesn't fit the family in, it very rarely gets used, it takes up the garage which we could do with converting for the space if I'm honest BUT it's mine, it's paid for, it's not worth selling for what I'd get back so I'm keeping it as it's the last bastion of my space since i got married and "lost" the house to the Mrs and kids.
Golf GTI - justified as my wife has the Mondeo on Wednesdays and I need alternative transport and the Golf is crappy enough for the dirty trips to Wickes. It also keeps the mileage off the Mondeo to some degree and the Mustang mint and dry but that role (the original reason for buying it) is dependent on justifying the Mustang. It is UNJUSTIFIED in that I could get a car that is less to tax and insure and more economical.
Mustang GT - probably no longer justifiable as it doesn't fit the family in, it very rarely gets used, it takes up the garage which we could do with converting for the space if I'm honest BUT it's mine, it's paid for, it's not worth selling for what I'd get back so I'm keeping it as it's the last bastion of my space since i got married and "lost" the house to the Mrs and kids.
just the same 5 (355, R500, 911, Defender, X5) I've had for a while but I guess it's a fleet (well is for insurance purposes).
I only collect things ending in 'ars' - cars, guitars, cigars (and registration numbars)
justified? - def not. 2 of mine only do 1-1.5k miles per year too, but good fun when they do come out. why do you need to justify it? if it's your money, spend it on what you like
I only collect things ending in 'ars' - cars, guitars, cigars (and registration numbars)
justified? - def not. 2 of mine only do 1-1.5k miles per year too, but good fun when they do come out. why do you need to justify it? if it's your money, spend it on what you like
xPOW said:
just the same 5 (355, R500, 911, Defender, X5) I've had for a while but I guess it's a fleet (well is for insurance purposes).
I only collect things ending in 'ars' - cars, guitars, cigars (and registration numbars)
justified? - def not. 2 of mine only do 1-1.5k miles per year too, but good fun when they do come out. why do you need to justify it? if it's your money, spend it on what you like
Good attituide. I think people here mean: 'justify your fleet, when you could be overpaying on mortage' (could be wrong). Not justify spending a small amount of millions I only collect things ending in 'ars' - cars, guitars, cigars (and registration numbars)
justified? - def not. 2 of mine only do 1-1.5k miles per year too, but good fun when they do come out. why do you need to justify it? if it's your money, spend it on what you like
We have 4 between 2 of us:
Saab 9000 2.3T - bought as a cheap winter shed, I rather like it! Heated leather, climate, 200bhp, big boot - have used it almost exclusively since I bought it!
Saab 900 T16S - used to be a daily, then bought another car to take the weight off. Now garages after much money spent getting bodywork/rust sorted. Still some to do. Can't bear the thought of it being smacked in supermarket car parks or run into in the snow, so for weekends now once I have finished sorting it.
Mk.1 Eunos Roadster - bought for rwd top down fun and to take the weight off the 900. Great fun but hard riding, and currently sporting a rusty sill...
Puma - Mrs.N's pride and joy and daily!
Most people think I'm nuts but I don't care!
Saab 9000 2.3T - bought as a cheap winter shed, I rather like it! Heated leather, climate, 200bhp, big boot - have used it almost exclusively since I bought it!
Saab 900 T16S - used to be a daily, then bought another car to take the weight off. Now garages after much money spent getting bodywork/rust sorted. Still some to do. Can't bear the thought of it being smacked in supermarket car parks or run into in the snow, so for weekends now once I have finished sorting it.
Mk.1 Eunos Roadster - bought for rwd top down fun and to take the weight off the 900. Great fun but hard riding, and currently sporting a rusty sill...
Puma - Mrs.N's pride and joy and daily!
Most people think I'm nuts but I don't care!
xPOW said:
just the same 5 (355, R500, 911, Defender, X5) I've had for a while but I guess it's a fleet (well is for insurance purposes).
As a realistic/do-able "fleet" I think yours is perfect.I'd probably swap out the X5 for a quick saloon, but other than that I think you have the bases covered.
Oh, and I might add a thrashy hatchback as a "station" car - Panda 100hp or Clio Cup.
Yes I do. And no I can't.
Currently got four cars, three of which are in (more or less) roadworthy condition and I aim to reduce that down to just one - probably the 924 - by the end of next year.
Tired of having to set money aside for cars all the time. It's got to the point where refusing to compromise on the upkeep means I have to limit the amount of time I can actually drive them, which is just plain silly.
If I ever win the Euro Millions I'd be back in with a fleet of dozens, though!
Currently got four cars, three of which are in (more or less) roadworthy condition and I aim to reduce that down to just one - probably the 924 - by the end of next year.
Tired of having to set money aside for cars all the time. It's got to the point where refusing to compromise on the upkeep means I have to limit the amount of time I can actually drive them, which is just plain silly.
If I ever win the Euro Millions I'd be back in with a fleet of dozens, though!
Been running a 'fleet' since my first student loan cheque back in '99 
currently
F430 Spider for when it's hot,
R8 Coupe for when it's not,
320d M Sport coupe for 1,000 miles a week and the 50mpg £90 tax help me justify the others to the missus (somehow),
Range Rover for when I need to carry more than two.
'98 C200 Merc, because it's never missed a beat, I can lend it to anyone and can't bear to get rid of it for good.
currently
F430 Spider for when it's hot,
R8 Coupe for when it's not,
320d M Sport coupe for 1,000 miles a week and the 50mpg £90 tax help me justify the others to the missus (somehow),
Range Rover for when I need to carry more than two.
'98 C200 Merc, because it's never missed a beat, I can lend it to anyone and can't bear to get rid of it for good.
I dont often feel the need to respond to threads, but this one caught my eye! I agree with the many others, stating that there's no need for justification! This is Piston Heads, after all! But, to add to the op not feeling alone, I currently have a fleet of 6 cars and 1 bike, as follows:
Range Rover: Used mainly at weekends for taking the dog out, transporting anything big, transporting friends and family, bit of green laning, towing the boat and towing trailers full of logs (ie essential bit of kit).
MX 5 Mk I: Used daily for 40 mile, traffic dodging, B road commute. Essential member of the fleet for a petrol head.
XJR: For holiday/ day out use in the summer months and for surprising those in, more commonly perceived, 'fast cars' due to its mild state of tune.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint: Used for classic car shows in the summer and classic car rallies (completed the Triumph Club Round Britain Reliability Run of 2000 miles in 48hrs in it twice, to date). Also handy for a summer hoon and surprising those driving modern cars.
Mini (old shape of course): For autotesting, practising my garage skills and a bit of hooning!
MGF: Wife's daily driver, she only needs 2 seats as the RR is available when required.
Vintage Motorbike: Ongoing project, for the winter months.
All vehicles relativley old so cheap to insure, simple to maintain, but all definitely essential!
Range Rover: Used mainly at weekends for taking the dog out, transporting anything big, transporting friends and family, bit of green laning, towing the boat and towing trailers full of logs (ie essential bit of kit).
MX 5 Mk I: Used daily for 40 mile, traffic dodging, B road commute. Essential member of the fleet for a petrol head.
XJR: For holiday/ day out use in the summer months and for surprising those in, more commonly perceived, 'fast cars' due to its mild state of tune.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint: Used for classic car shows in the summer and classic car rallies (completed the Triumph Club Round Britain Reliability Run of 2000 miles in 48hrs in it twice, to date). Also handy for a summer hoon and surprising those driving modern cars.
Mini (old shape of course): For autotesting, practising my garage skills and a bit of hooning!
MGF: Wife's daily driver, she only needs 2 seats as the RR is available when required.
Vintage Motorbike: Ongoing project, for the winter months.
All vehicles relativley old so cheap to insure, simple to maintain, but all definitely essential!
Yes
No I can't, not even using Man maths
MX5 Supercharged - my car - never selling it
VW T4 - family bus with quick release seats does everything the MX5 can't
RX7 - 350bhp for when the MX5 isn't fast enough
P100 - handy to have a pick up sometimes
P100 2.8 4x4 - handy to have a fast 4WD pick up sometimes
P100 2.8 - ongoing project will be faster and more fun than the 4x4
Isuzu 3.1 - handy to have a 4WD Crewcab pick up
Manta 16v - haven't used it for 10 yrs
MX5 V6 - haven't used it for a year
MX5 Turbo - track car - ongoing project
I've actually reduced my fleet this year but I've been eyeing up a Monaro and a classic Ferrari or a Maserati 4200
Have I mentioned I probably don't even cover 5k a year ?
No I can't, not even using Man maths
MX5 Supercharged - my car - never selling it
VW T4 - family bus with quick release seats does everything the MX5 can't
RX7 - 350bhp for when the MX5 isn't fast enough
P100 - handy to have a pick up sometimes
P100 2.8 4x4 - handy to have a fast 4WD pick up sometimes
P100 2.8 - ongoing project will be faster and more fun than the 4x4
Isuzu 3.1 - handy to have a 4WD Crewcab pick up
Manta 16v - haven't used it for 10 yrs
MX5 V6 - haven't used it for a year
MX5 Turbo - track car - ongoing project
I've actually reduced my fleet this year but I've been eyeing up a Monaro and a classic Ferrari or a Maserati 4200
Have I mentioned I probably don't even cover 5k a year ?
Edited by redgriff500 on Wednesday 7th December 15:08
Personally 3 cars, 7 cars at home.
I have:
> SAAB 9-3 TID - comfy, safe, economical, vaguely amusing if pressed upon. Ideal for the OH to run around in. Bought for circa £7k in June 2010, when I was earning more. Not worth selling as represents far better value than it's running cost.
> Alfa 145 1800TSpark - cheap. thrashed. a hoot. My daily. Plan to run it over winter as daily, then easter-ish, make it more driver focussed. £500 of fun, bought 2 weeks ago, if skint or lose job, will push on. If not, shall thrash until it pops.
> Austin 1300 MK2. Purely a summer toy for me and the OH. Never used in anger, never used for dull chores. Winter stored for now. Worth every penny of the £2k it owes me. Not going anywhere this decade.
Father has (all at home):
> 1964 Mercedes 230SL Pagoda - rolling resto. Was too cheap not to buy. He loves it for occasions.
> 1984 Mercedes 280CE (coupe) - former DD, then 9month resto. Now "useable classic" used by everyone in family
> 1996 Jag XK8 - his DD. Does 10-15miles a day. And weekend jaunts.
Mother has:
> 2006 Shogun Sport. Hatefully slow, awful to drive, but bullet proof and endlessly reliable. Ticks all the boxes for her.
Each justified in their own way. But the only ones that wouldn't go if the right offer came in are:
> Saab
> 280ce
> Austin
rest, all have their price. But all are worth keeping for now.
I have:
> SAAB 9-3 TID - comfy, safe, economical, vaguely amusing if pressed upon. Ideal for the OH to run around in. Bought for circa £7k in June 2010, when I was earning more. Not worth selling as represents far better value than it's running cost.
> Alfa 145 1800TSpark - cheap. thrashed. a hoot. My daily. Plan to run it over winter as daily, then easter-ish, make it more driver focussed. £500 of fun, bought 2 weeks ago, if skint or lose job, will push on. If not, shall thrash until it pops.
> Austin 1300 MK2. Purely a summer toy for me and the OH. Never used in anger, never used for dull chores. Winter stored for now. Worth every penny of the £2k it owes me. Not going anywhere this decade.
Father has (all at home):
> 1964 Mercedes 230SL Pagoda - rolling resto. Was too cheap not to buy. He loves it for occasions.
> 1984 Mercedes 280CE (coupe) - former DD, then 9month resto. Now "useable classic" used by everyone in family
> 1996 Jag XK8 - his DD. Does 10-15miles a day. And weekend jaunts.
Mother has:
> 2006 Shogun Sport. Hatefully slow, awful to drive, but bullet proof and endlessly reliable. Ticks all the boxes for her.
Each justified in their own way. But the only ones that wouldn't go if the right offer came in are:
> Saab
> 280ce
> Austin
rest, all have their price. But all are worth keeping for now.
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