Reliable modern car or temperamental classic?
Discussion
Hello,
It seems that as a petrolhead, I am having to choose between modern cars with amenities, such as perfectly working A/C and heat, reliability in hot and cold weathers, good fuel economy, safety, etc., and older cars with class, soul, a smile on your face, beauty, etc., but which would make life a living hell as a daily. If you had to pick one car, which would you pick for your daily duties? I like to remind myself that there's only one turn at life and instead of wasting it in a Civic (current daily), it would be so much more interesting in a classic car, such as my not-yet-running W123 coupe or a W108 sedan, or an Alfa GTV from the 60s, or some other ludicrous choice. And why not? Because it would cost more and provide less in the way of comforts and the other amenities we've come to expect?
But I can't say I've definitively picked one camp over the other. What do you guys think?
It seems that as a petrolhead, I am having to choose between modern cars with amenities, such as perfectly working A/C and heat, reliability in hot and cold weathers, good fuel economy, safety, etc., and older cars with class, soul, a smile on your face, beauty, etc., but which would make life a living hell as a daily. If you had to pick one car, which would you pick for your daily duties? I like to remind myself that there's only one turn at life and instead of wasting it in a Civic (current daily), it would be so much more interesting in a classic car, such as my not-yet-running W123 coupe or a W108 sedan, or an Alfa GTV from the 60s, or some other ludicrous choice. And why not? Because it would cost more and provide less in the way of comforts and the other amenities we've come to expect?
But I can't say I've definitively picked one camp over the other. What do you guys think?
I've got both modern and classic cars. I find myself driving the classics more and more. For me the advantages are those you have already mentioned - especially driving with a big smile on my face! They also seem to attract less negative attention - and more positive - people let you out at junctions etc.
The lack of modern safety features, and relatively low power compared with modern cars means that there is a bit less chance of speeding tickets etc.
So long as you can find parts, they don't cost the earth either.
The lack of modern safety features, and relatively low power compared with modern cars means that there is a bit less chance of speeding tickets etc.
So long as you can find parts, they don't cost the earth either.
I have run my classic as a daily for the last 15 months (nearly 25000 miles), and whilst it can be challenging in the rain (it leaks a bit) it has been pretty reliable. I do have to spend a bit of time scrabbling underneath with a grease gun etc, But its cheap to insure, pretty good on gas, is holding its value well, and has the added benefot of generally being let out of junctions etc.
I do now have a forester for wet days, which whilst I am enjoying the climate control, and being able to hear the radio whilst moving, is considerably more expensive to insure and more expensive at the pumps.It is not as much fun (I havent been off piste in it yet though!)
I do now have a forester for wet days, which whilst I am enjoying the climate control, and being able to hear the radio whilst moving, is considerably more expensive to insure and more expensive at the pumps.It is not as much fun (I havent been off piste in it yet though!)
I compromise with a temperamental modern car. 
I used to run an MGB as my daily driver though, and really enjoyed it. Yes it can be a bit of a pain in the arse at times, but in many ways much more rewarding than running a boring modern car.
I used to run an MGB as my daily driver though, and really enjoyed it. Yes it can be a bit of a pain in the arse at times, but in many ways much more rewarding than running a boring modern car.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 4th January 10:13
I need a modern car for work purposes, but if the company policy was a little more relaxed I'd be sorely tempted to run a W124 as the daily hack.
I've done about 1,000 miles over the last couple of weeks in the old 300E (while the GF has been using the little Fiat) and it hasn't missed a beat. Incredibly comfortable, everything works, and its a lovely motorway cruiser.
Sadly, it'll have to go in the next few weeks - I can't justify a three car fleet - but it will be truly missed.
I've done about 1,000 miles over the last couple of weeks in the old 300E (while the GF has been using the little Fiat) and it hasn't missed a beat. Incredibly comfortable, everything works, and its a lovely motorway cruiser.
Sadly, it'll have to go in the next few weeks - I can't justify a three car fleet - but it will be truly missed.
I need a modern car for work purposes, but if the company policy was a little more relaxed I'd be sorely tempted to run a W124 as the daily hack.
I've done about 1,000 miles over the last couple of weeks in the old 300E (while the GF has been using the little Fiat) and it hasn't missed a beat. Incredibly comfortable, everything works, and its a lovely motorway cruiser.
Sadly, it'll have to go in the next few weeks - I can't justify a three car fleet - but it will be truly missed.
I've done about 1,000 miles over the last couple of weeks in the old 300E (while the GF has been using the little Fiat) and it hasn't missed a beat. Incredibly comfortable, everything works, and its a lovely motorway cruiser.
Sadly, it'll have to go in the next few weeks - I can't justify a three car fleet - but it will be truly missed.
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