Economical Classic
Discussion
Hi all,
My girlfriend has recently passed her driving test and insuring her on my daily (T Sport Yaris) is over £800 and insuring her on my Z3 isn't a viable option. Hence, I've been looking at buying a classic for her to use - up to £2k. I used to have a Midget and this would have fitted the bill, insurance is about £300 for the year then.
I've looked at insurance quotes for a fair few classics: Morris Minor, Beetle, Mini etc all around £300
But out of the "cheap insurance" classics which is likely to be the easiest to live with? The car shouldn't need to be used for commuting, but should be adequate to be used as a daily driver.
Ollie
My girlfriend has recently passed her driving test and insuring her on my daily (T Sport Yaris) is over £800 and insuring her on my Z3 isn't a viable option. Hence, I've been looking at buying a classic for her to use - up to £2k. I used to have a Midget and this would have fitted the bill, insurance is about £300 for the year then.
I've looked at insurance quotes for a fair few classics: Morris Minor, Beetle, Mini etc all around £300
But out of the "cheap insurance" classics which is likely to be the easiest to live with? The car shouldn't need to be used for commuting, but should be adequate to be used as a daily driver.
Ollie
It pays not to have tunnel vision over classics. Although there are savings to be made other running costs may be greater.
Fuel consumption for instance. The Moggy won't have the economy of a Micra just to pick random examples.
Servicing intervals is another. No 10k or 12k intervals on a classic. The "zippiness" of a modern shopping trolly doesn't compare with
a Beatle either.
Just a thought.
Paul G
Fuel consumption for instance. The Moggy won't have the economy of a Micra just to pick random examples.
Servicing intervals is another. No 10k or 12k intervals on a classic. The "zippiness" of a modern shopping trolly doesn't compare with
a Beatle either.
Just a thought.
Paul G
Are the insurance policies you've looked at the typical "classic" policies ? If so, then there's usually a small print clause that says you've got to have another car, or at least be insured for one. You can get normal everyday policies for classics as your main car but the last time I looked they were priced very similar to those for modern cars, which is annoying when you realise just how far behind they are in performance.
The classics you've mentioned will do quite well as daily transport, but it's going to be a culture shock for someone who's been used to driving a modern car. No power steering, no ABS, servo brakes, etc. Even things like demisting on a wet day are, well, 30 or 40yrs out of date. That's not to say it's bad, just that it's different.
If it were me I think I'd look around group 1 modern cars, something with low tax, high economy and relatively cheap but with modern driving standards.
The classics you've mentioned will do quite well as daily transport, but it's going to be a culture shock for someone who's been used to driving a modern car. No power steering, no ABS, servo brakes, etc. Even things like demisting on a wet day are, well, 30 or 40yrs out of date. That's not to say it's bad, just that it's different.
If it were me I think I'd look around group 1 modern cars, something with low tax, high economy and relatively cheap but with modern driving standards.
It is a culture shock driving a classic - I had to adapt from a 3 cylinder turbo Fiesta with ABS, PAS etc to a Morris Minor with 0 safety, 0 driver aids and it is a lot more involving to drive. Everything has an industrial feeling to it - gearbox is a pain for 1st due to no synchro, everything else in it requires quite an adaption, the brakes are a non-assisted pedal and a 3 week stopping distance means you have to be on the ball. Demist is the heater on and window down, not that you can close the heater vents as they help cool the engine more making summer rather toasty at times. Wet driving can be interesting, skinny tyres and RWD causes it to want to break (I have had it snap at me a few times, although catching it is easy.) Parking is a pain, with it possible to get a Minor with no external mirrors and the manual steering gives you a workout every time.
Hills can be a challenge without a run up, it does require you to sometimes travel up them at a slower speed than desired, for the little power means changing up on hills will cause it to bog. Filling it up requires it to either have hardened valve seats or an additive or valve seat recession will occur. Rust is also something to constantly keep an eye on, not a problem mainly with a modern.
Above is just basics. It can be economical but not cheap...
Hills can be a challenge without a run up, it does require you to sometimes travel up them at a slower speed than desired, for the little power means changing up on hills will cause it to bog. Filling it up requires it to either have hardened valve seats or an additive or valve seat recession will occur. Rust is also something to constantly keep an eye on, not a problem mainly with a modern.
Above is just basics. It can be economical but not cheap...
Minor every time. Nippy enough to be fine in normal traffic, feather light sharp steering, decent enough brakes for the performance available and just so much fun to drive. Red hot heater you can make toast with makes it a great car in the winter and the thin tyres work well in snow.
The Moggie does need proper maintenance though, especially the grease points and brake adjustments. A good Minor is a joy to drive, a ropey one far less so, best to get a nice one.
The Moggie does need proper maintenance though, especially the grease points and brake adjustments. A good Minor is a joy to drive, a ropey one far less so, best to get a nice one.
Finishing touch - we'd probably only be looking at up to 4000 miles a year so the fuel cost and maintenance don't trouble me too much. The other positive with a classic is I can be quite confident it won't depreciate in 2-3 years of ownership.
B2hbm - I've just looked on comparison websites so far for ball park figures. I already own a Yaris and Z3 so getting a classic policy should be no problem as I will be the main driver. And I had an MG Midget as my daily driver at. 19, so I'm well aware of the differences with modern cars.
Poisson96 - I've been through all of the motions with a Midget, I think it makes life interesting!
MoggieMinor - what should I be looking at specifically to identify a good one? I assume as with any British car of the era make sure the body is in good shape?
B2hbm - I've just looked on comparison websites so far for ball park figures. I already own a Yaris and Z3 so getting a classic policy should be no problem as I will be the main driver. And I had an MG Midget as my daily driver at. 19, so I'm well aware of the differences with modern cars.
Poisson96 - I've been through all of the motions with a Midget, I think it makes life interesting!
MoggieMinor - what should I be looking at specifically to identify a good one? I assume as with any British car of the era make sure the body is in good shape?
Rust rust and did I mention rust .
A moggie can be updated very easily to be avery practical daily driver .
As for those whinging on about heavy steering lack of brakes and poor heating ventilation etc . It just takes a bit more thought about what you are doing .
Many moggies in my area used as dailies most by very frail looking female pensioners and they cope with them very well.
A moggie can be updated very easily to be avery practical daily driver .
As for those whinging on about heavy steering lack of brakes and poor heating ventilation etc . It just takes a bit more thought about what you are doing .
Many moggies in my area used as dailies most by very frail looking female pensioners and they cope with them very well.
Yes, rust is the enemy of the Minor. They need very careful examination of the body. Sills, chassis legs, A-posts, rear spring mountings are favourite munching points for rot. Panels are cheap if you do buy one needing work. At least you will know its been done. A lot of Minors get made pretty on the top but are still rotten as an old pear underneath. Be very thorough when looking at one.
I'd also forget about the Traveller for a daily runner unless it will be garaged each night.
Find a good solid saloon, maintain it properly and enjoy!
I'd also forget about the Traveller for a daily runner unless it will be garaged each night.
Find a good solid saloon, maintain it properly and enjoy!
b2hbm said:
Are the insurance policies you've looked at the typical "classic" policies ? If so, then there's usually a small print clause that says you've got to have another car, or at least be insured for one.
Worth examining carefully, certainly. Years ago I got a classic insurance and they asked if I had another, main vehicle and yes I did..... My pedal cycle which I used for the majority of my miles (6k bike 3k car roughly)- they accepted this (and I have to add it was genuine, I'd not suggest using this as a 'dodge' unless it was genuine.) So it may be 'vehicle' rather than 'car'! http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
All potentially classics (or will be shortly). Brakes better, handling better, reliability better. I don't think they are quite old enough though?
Mike
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
All potentially classics (or will be shortly). Brakes better, handling better, reliability better. I don't think they are quite old enough though?
Mike
How's about a slightly more modern classic....
No rust, its all ally except suspension bits
Cheap to run ie as near to free as you'll ever get.
Doubles up as a small van
Is actually quite fun to drive, drives like an Elise in some ways
Post 2001 ones get free tax
Appreciating in value
Reliable - Period
Rare (less than 200 in the UK) not seen another in a year of owning mine
Generates interest & conversations wherever it goes
Good support for tech stuff, upgrades & tweaks via some brilliant forums
Only issues can be batteries but they are now an easy/cheap'ish fix upgrade
Does about 75mpg all day long too, comically cheap to use
I love old or weird cars but hate rust so have one of these, amongst others, which I use far more often than I was ever expecting I'd almost say I use as my main car.
No rust, its all ally except suspension bits
Cheap to run ie as near to free as you'll ever get.
Doubles up as a small van
Is actually quite fun to drive, drives like an Elise in some ways
Post 2001 ones get free tax
Appreciating in value
Reliable - Period
Rare (less than 200 in the UK) not seen another in a year of owning mine
Generates interest & conversations wherever it goes
Good support for tech stuff, upgrades & tweaks via some brilliant forums
Only issues can be batteries but they are now an easy/cheap'ish fix upgrade
Does about 75mpg all day long too, comically cheap to use
I love old or weird cars but hate rust so have one of these, amongst others, which I use far more often than I was ever expecting I'd almost say I use as my main car.
Osmoliver said:
Hi all,
My girlfriend has recently passed her driving test and insuring her on my daily (T Sport Yaris) is over £800 and insuring her on my Z3 isn't a viable option. Hence, I've been looking at buying a classic for her to use - up to £2k. I used to have a Midget and this would have fitted the bill, insurance is about £300 for the year then.
I've looked at insurance quotes for a fair few classics: Morris Minor, Beetle, Mini etc all around £300
But out of the "cheap insurance" classics which is likely to be the easiest to live with? The car shouldn't need to be used for commuting, but should be adequate to be used as a daily driver.
Ollie
Does your woman know that you are considering purchasing a classic for her? Is she competent enough to drive a classic? Spend a bit more and buy a Series Landy?My girlfriend has recently passed her driving test and insuring her on my daily (T Sport Yaris) is over £800 and insuring her on my Z3 isn't a viable option. Hence, I've been looking at buying a classic for her to use - up to £2k. I used to have a Midget and this would have fitted the bill, insurance is about £300 for the year then.
I've looked at insurance quotes for a fair few classics: Morris Minor, Beetle, Mini etc all around £300
But out of the "cheap insurance" classics which is likely to be the easiest to live with? The car shouldn't need to be used for commuting, but should be adequate to be used as a daily driver.
Ollie
cptsideways said:
How's about a slightly more modern classic....
No rust, its all ally except suspension bits
Cheap to run ie as near to free as you'll ever get.
Doubles up as a small van
Is actually quite fun to drive, drives like an Elise in some ways
Post 2001 ones get free tax
Appreciating in value
Reliable - Period
Rare (less than 200 in the UK) not seen another in a year of owning mine
Generates interest & conversations wherever it goes
Good support for tech stuff, upgrades & tweaks via some brilliant forums
Only issues can be batteries but they are now an easy/cheap'ish fix upgrade
Does about 75mpg all day long too, comically cheap to use
I love old or weird cars but hate rust so have one of these, amongst others, which I use far more often than I was ever expecting I'd almost say I use as my main car.
What is it ? Is that a Honda badge ? Looks interesting, from the comment on batteries, is it an early electric one ?No rust, its all ally except suspension bits
Cheap to run ie as near to free as you'll ever get.
Doubles up as a small van
Is actually quite fun to drive, drives like an Elise in some ways
Post 2001 ones get free tax
Appreciating in value
Reliable - Period
Rare (less than 200 in the UK) not seen another in a year of owning mine
Generates interest & conversations wherever it goes
Good support for tech stuff, upgrades & tweaks via some brilliant forums
Only issues can be batteries but they are now an easy/cheap'ish fix upgrade
Does about 75mpg all day long too, comically cheap to use
I love old or weird cars but hate rust so have one of these, amongst others, which I use far more often than I was ever expecting I'd almost say I use as my main car.
mike9009 said:
b2hbm said:
What is it ? Is that a Honda badge ? Looks interesting, from the comment on batteries, is it an early electric one ?
Honda Insight mark 1. Very early hybrid.
It's a hoot to drive & I say that when the day job involves driving stuff with 10 times the power
The ride is its only let down but no worse than any modern car I suppose.Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff