Which classic to buy next?

[Combustion29]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping for some inspiration as to what car to get next. I've just sold a 190e which I really liked and now am looking for another modern classic but this time it needs to be 40 years old to beat Londons expanding ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) next year.

So we're talking no newer than 1981. I'm ideally after a saloon again and would like something reliable and definitely fuel injected petrol. Naturally aspirated straight six would be my preference but i appreciate I cant be too fussy. I'll be working on the car myself as well. I've come up with the following but scratching my head otherwise. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

1. W116 Mercedes
2. W123 Mercedes
3. Volvo 240
4. Jaguar xj series 3


Thanks in advance!

[Digby]

What's the budget? My friend is selling a W116 280se.

[Combustion29]

Hmm probably about 5k. Really trying to think of all the options first

[markyb_lcy]

When you say ulez, do you actually mean C Charge zone?

My MR2 is ulez compliant, but attracts a charge if used in the C Charge zone during the hours of operation (Mon-Fri 9-6 iirc). The ulez zone is currently the same as the C charge zone geographically, but is in operation 24/7. It’s expanding to the north and south circular in October 2021.

[Combustion29]

I mean ULEZ. Driving around my area will be £12.50 a day after the expansion from October next year

[Kolbenkopp]

Hm. Can you still get transaxle Porsches in budget? Really 2 seaters though. Very early E28?

[Combustion29]

Ooh good call, I'll add bmw e12 and e28 to the list. Keep them coming

[markyb_lcy]

Combustion29 said:

I mean ULEZ. Driving around my area will be £12.50 a day

Sure, but you then need a ulez compliant vehicle (petrol euro 4 or diesel euro 6) to avoid the charge, right? Not necessarily a 40yr old classic which is exempt rather than compliant.

Though I do take the point not made that a 40yr old classic will also avoid the C Charge.

[Mr Tidy]

Maybe a W201 190e 2.6?

Of if you went a bit newer I believe a BMW E46 or E9* 330i is also ULEZ compliant.

According to TFL even my Z4M coupe is - shame DVLA aren't quite so forgiving with it's tax band!

[Combustion29]

I have a modern car that is compliant. I'm after a second classic that can have historical status to be except. My 190e for example would have fallen foul of the new rules.

[markyb_lcy]

Combustion29 said:

I have a modern car that is compliant. I'm after a second classic that can have historical status to be except. My 190e for example would have fallen foul of the new rules.

Ok forgive me, I misunderstood.

You specifically want to buy a classic rather than specifically want to buy an exempt vehicle. I geddit.

[Combustion29]

Mr Tidy said:

Maybe a W201 190e 2.6?

Of if you went a bit newer I believe a BMW E46 or E9* 330i is also ULEZ compliant.

According to TFL even my Z4M coupe is - shame DVLA aren't quite so forgiving with it's tax band!

I just sold a 190e 2.6, it's not compliant. I'm surprised an e46 is; I'll take a look

[Stick Legs]

E24 6 series BMW's.

Currently still affordable for a good one.

Stunningly pretty, Paul Bracq designed (Pagoda SL) BMW. Usefully quick, keeps up with modern traffic, DIY-able.

Nothing not to like.

Where I would put my money right now. £50k in 10 years time.

[anonymous-user]

You could do it properly with a Daimler Double Six?

[Combustion29]

broombroomcar said:

You could do it properly with a Daimler Double Six?

An x300? Does it meet euro4 emissions?

[cedrichn]

I guess people got confused....
To meet ULEZ exemption, you need either a car +40 years old, or one which meets at least Euro 4.
A car which is +40 years old still pay Congestion Charge, but is TAX exempt and MOT exempt.

I don't think it will be possible to find a car which is pre-2000 and meet Euro4 condition, as car manufacturer are usually not inclined to make their car pollute less for "no reason": they just follow the norms, and don't really anticipate them...

Nice topic OP, and good choice to go +40 years old: I hope more people will do the same and the cars on the road will get more interesting

I have no suggestion, except a rust free one Also, i would not avoid carbs: some carbs are reliable and don't need fine tuning every morning. If needed, you can find a lot of people to adjust them for £60

Edited by cedrichn on Tuesday 18th February 10:14

Edited by cedrichn on Tuesday 18th February 10:14

[Digby]

Combustion29 said:

Hmm probably about 5k. Really trying to think of all the options first

He has it up for about that. He's near Medway Kent if interested.

[aeropilot]

Combustion29 said:

Ooh good call, I'll add bmw e12 and e28 to the list.

E28 came out in 1981, so I think you'll struggle to find a historic VED status one for a few more years yet.

Good luck even finding an E12 in your budget.


I think I'd be looking at the Volvo 240/260, but these are getting hard to find now, and decent ones will be pushing your budget.

[Xcore]

Tvr wedge

[aeropilot]

Xcore said:

Tvr wedge

Err......OP stated they wanted a saloon......