Ideas for a simple, reliable 2k daily classic

[benjj]

So I've had 3 hours sleep after my daily road car (Range Rover) shat its turbo last night on the way home from a holiday in Suffolk. Its going to be off the road for a week or so while the turbo is replaced along with all the other problems it will have caused.

As I was waiting for the AA it made me think that with these modern turbo engines there really isn't much one can do if they go wrong. Left me feeling rather impotent as no amount of spannering and cups of tea would sort it out.

Perhaps the problem is that my daily commute is 3 miles and modern engines react badly to this kind of driving.

So, a what classic car for daily duties. Rough rules:

2k budget
Not bothered about prettiness but needs to be solid and no welding needed
Not a project, must be taxed and tested
Must be big enough for me (6'3'' fat knacker) and occasionally wife, 2 kids in car seats
Can live outside in the Yorkshire weather without leaking
Must be n/a petrol
Manual box

Original thoughs are an early BMW 7 series, Saab 96/99/early 900, Amazon.

Any ideas?

[TISPKJ]

Golf GTI mk1 / 2

[vixen1700]

Go for a nice Amazon.

As with VWs, a lot come up on the Volvo Entusiasts website rather than than on the classic sites.

[E31Shrew]

A mate of mine has just bought a 60k miles SAAB 9-3 Convertible for £1500. Uses it for work [ sales bod] Seems to me like a bit of a bargain

ETA Its a T plate

[benjj]

TISPKJ said:

Golf GTI mk1 / 2

Just sold my Mk2 snotter, bad timing! Bit small for this purchase though.

[benjj]

vixen1700 said:

Go for a nice Amazon.

As with VWs, a lot come up on the Volvo Entusiasts website rather than than on the classic sites.

I really quite fancy an Amazon now. Will I get a fast one for 2k!?

[benjj]

E31Shrew said:

A mate of mine has just bought a 60k miles SAAB 9-3 Convertible for £1500. Uses it for work [ sales bod] Seems to me like a bit of a bargain

ETA Its a T plate

Thanks for the suggestion but the 98 Saab 93 I had for a year was the very worst car I've ever owned!

[LordBretSinclair]

Mate of mine bought a Passat 3 years ago for £1800 "just to get him through the next few months" - blooming thing is still going strong - cheap as chips and totally reliable

[vixen1700]

benjj said:

I really quite fancy an Amazon now. Will I get a fast one for 2k!?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C306466

Not a 123GT, they're much more expensive and sought after, but a nice daily driver that'll keep up with modern traffic, yeah.

Edited by vixen1700 on Tuesday 10th July 10:36

[v8250]

£2000 Amazon http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C306466 07043 225903

[v8250]

pipped to the post...well done vixen

[benjj]

Hmm, that looks quite tasty, thanks to both of you! Just leaving for office (being driven by wife like a naughty schoolboy!), will have a good look at the ad then.

[vixen1700]

v8250 said:

pipped to the post...well done vixen

In fairness, I posted that ad up yesterday for another thread, so went straight back to it again.

[benjj]

Gong to have a cheeky look at this local 944. Doesn't meet all the criteria, is an auto and is a dodgy colour but it is cheap and close!

Really not sure about the ad. Could be totally legit, could be a mega scam, guess I'll find out soon.

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C312919

[FelixP]

If you're considering a 944, how about a tidy 924? The 2 litre n/a is a simple car and you could get a mint one for £2k.

[benjj]

Hmmm, might have a look at that too, thanks. That said the 944 above would be a hell of a lot less than 2k after haggling.

[Huntsman]

Morris Minor. Simple as a wheel barrow.

[Richie Howard]

What about an old W123? Actually, I am pretty tempted by this:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C304377

[vixen1700]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C235267

Another auto here, but this is in budget and might appeal.

[benjj]

I've decided to be rash and have made my decision already!

I'm going to go for a Porsche 944, maybe an 'S', under 2k, manual, non turbo.

The search is on, hoping to buy over next 48 hours and just get on with it. Ideally an 83 or earlier so I can classic rally it!