Buying modern classics (ish)
Discussion
It'd be a switch around for me.
Usually I buy a good car up to around 5 years old and run it for 3. In the past I've been able to get stuff for 10k or less and they've mostly been trouble free (except my E92). The problem now is that even the 5 year old cars I'm looking at are sooooo much more money. And I'm not really feeling too inspired by them anyway. I've gotten bogged down with the thought of needing an upgrade to the Fiesta which in all honesty has been brilliant. I could just keep it but I do actually like a lot of these older cars and would like to try them.
I'm under no illusions that I can buy a cheap 20 year old car and run it without any issues. It's a risk obviously. But I have a healthy slush fund if I get caught out. I'm also not really expecting any of them to be better than the Fiesta. Just a change really and maybe nice to own something a bit interesting.
I've had older cars in the past and enjoyed them a lot.
Celica T sport
MR2 roadster
Puma 1.7
All of them were great and didn't cost me much. It was a while ago though, before I became a dad and I think trying to be more responsible has held me back a bit with cars. Our lad is 7 now so he'd most likely love an old mini or similar. Although obviously he still prefers trains to cars!
The Civic type r is an interesting one. I always loved the EP3 and almost bought one. Ended up with the Celica instead which was cheaper and I loved the looks. I have driven an FN2 and would consider it. But I did have a 1.8EX in that generation and never gelled with it so hmmmm. The EP3 is pricey though but I can't see prices falling. For 10k it may be hard to pick one over a Megane but then they made the Meg until 2016 so it seems there's no real rush.
I wouldn't buy a 10k GT86, not yet anyway. I feel they have some way to fall and again they've been on sale until very recently so aren't going anywhere.
At the moment it's the Mini and the bread van which are the most appealing. In a kind of now or never way I guess. And as they're so much older I'd be less likely to compare them with the Fiesta.
Usually I buy a good car up to around 5 years old and run it for 3. In the past I've been able to get stuff for 10k or less and they've mostly been trouble free (except my E92). The problem now is that even the 5 year old cars I'm looking at are sooooo much more money. And I'm not really feeling too inspired by them anyway. I've gotten bogged down with the thought of needing an upgrade to the Fiesta which in all honesty has been brilliant. I could just keep it but I do actually like a lot of these older cars and would like to try them.
I'm under no illusions that I can buy a cheap 20 year old car and run it without any issues. It's a risk obviously. But I have a healthy slush fund if I get caught out. I'm also not really expecting any of them to be better than the Fiesta. Just a change really and maybe nice to own something a bit interesting.
I've had older cars in the past and enjoyed them a lot.
Celica T sport
MR2 roadster
Puma 1.7
All of them were great and didn't cost me much. It was a while ago though, before I became a dad and I think trying to be more responsible has held me back a bit with cars. Our lad is 7 now so he'd most likely love an old mini or similar. Although obviously he still prefers trains to cars!
The Civic type r is an interesting one. I always loved the EP3 and almost bought one. Ended up with the Celica instead which was cheaper and I loved the looks. I have driven an FN2 and would consider it. But I did have a 1.8EX in that generation and never gelled with it so hmmmm. The EP3 is pricey though but I can't see prices falling. For 10k it may be hard to pick one over a Megane but then they made the Meg until 2016 so it seems there's no real rush.
I wouldn't buy a 10k GT86, not yet anyway. I feel they have some way to fall and again they've been on sale until very recently so aren't going anywhere.
At the moment it's the Mini and the bread van which are the most appealing. In a kind of now or never way I guess. And as they're so much older I'd be less likely to compare them with the Fiesta.
I currently own a few cars in this category:
MK5 GTI
MK1 TT
B6 A4 Cabriolet
I have all 3 insured for about £200 on a classic policy which covers 5k miles per year between them. I rotate them depending on mood / weather during the warmer months then have a more modern car for winter.
I always buy on bodywork condition and provided the mechanicals OK I'll buy the car and tinker with it during my spare time & when it's not in service. I find replacing brakes or a sensor or whatever easier than body repairs.
They're at the sort of age that classic car enthusiasts will turn their nose up and say they're basically brand new cars, and yet others will consider them too old and risky. You end up getting the chance at some really good cheap cars though.
MK5 GTI
MK1 TT
B6 A4 Cabriolet
I have all 3 insured for about £200 on a classic policy which covers 5k miles per year between them. I rotate them depending on mood / weather during the warmer months then have a more modern car for winter.
I always buy on bodywork condition and provided the mechanicals OK I'll buy the car and tinker with it during my spare time & when it's not in service. I find replacing brakes or a sensor or whatever easier than body repairs.
They're at the sort of age that classic car enthusiasts will turn their nose up and say they're basically brand new cars, and yet others will consider them too old and risky. You end up getting the chance at some really good cheap cars though.
stevemcs said:
s m said:
stevemcs said:
Don't expect a Mini to not cost you anything regardless of how well maintained it is.
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