Buy the best, but what is the best?
Discussion
I'm in a fortunate position that I could sell a couple of my classic cars (current market climate aside) and with what I've got saved up I could probably get something rather nice. But, here's my "dilemma"......with my budget I could get a mint example of something pretty ordinary, or an average example of something more exotic. To try to put it in context, I love British classics of the 60's and 70's, Triumph, Rovers etc and have never had any desire to own a Ferrari or Porsche, although I could be tempted with something like a Bentley Turbo R. At 51 and with a budget of say £30-£50k I am thinking I would probably get more enjoyment out of a very nice original unmolested Rover P5b coupe, Triumph 2.5pi MK2, Lotus Elan+2, than say a Jag MK2, Bristol, Porsche or something similar. The 'ordinary' cars in top condition should be cheaper and easier to maintain (I do most work myself) than the worry at the back of your mind of something slightly more exotic that could crap the bed and cost you an arm and a leg. There may be more investment potential in an upmarket brand, but I am not bothered about the investment aspect. Anyone else 'get' where I am coming from or been in this situation? If so, what did you do?
We are the same age.
I have a house, a wife, 2 young children and a 29 year old Saab Convertible. I go on at least 2 decent foreign holidays per year (COVID permitting) and owe nothing to anybody, mortgage aside. I earn decent money, as does my wife, and this allows us to be in the position we are.
I am nowhere near the financial position where I could consider spending that amount of money on a car, but if I was - and with the greatest respect - I wouldn't ask PH forums for advice. Not because folk on here aren't knowledgeable (they genuinely are), but because whatever views and opinions you get will be both contradictory and confusing. In short - you'll end up more confused than you might already be.
Take your time. Look for something that makes you go "wow" and be prepared for the fact that it might not be something you'd considered. The last time I was even close to your position was 20 years ago after I inherited a small amount from a relative. I was on the lookout for an E30 3-Series Convertible for a summer driving holiday through France with my girlfriend. All the ones I looked at were ratty, tired, automatic or all three. In desperation I widened my Autotrader search and found the Saab. Two days later I owned it and I still have it (and the girl
) all these years later.
I have a house, a wife, 2 young children and a 29 year old Saab Convertible. I go on at least 2 decent foreign holidays per year (COVID permitting) and owe nothing to anybody, mortgage aside. I earn decent money, as does my wife, and this allows us to be in the position we are.
I am nowhere near the financial position where I could consider spending that amount of money on a car, but if I was - and with the greatest respect - I wouldn't ask PH forums for advice. Not because folk on here aren't knowledgeable (they genuinely are), but because whatever views and opinions you get will be both contradictory and confusing. In short - you'll end up more confused than you might already be.
Take your time. Look for something that makes you go "wow" and be prepared for the fact that it might not be something you'd considered. The last time I was even close to your position was 20 years ago after I inherited a small amount from a relative. I was on the lookout for an E30 3-Series Convertible for a summer driving holiday through France with my girlfriend. All the ones I looked at were ratty, tired, automatic or all three. In desperation I widened my Autotrader search and found the Saab. Two days later I owned it and I still have it (and the girl
) all these years later.Never mind "or", with that budget you should be able to buy a very nice Rover P5B AND a Triumph 2.5! Not sure on Rover numbers but 2.5s top out around the £7k mark for all bar concours cars.
For me something like a Stag (£18k) is about as far as drivable cars go. Sure E-Types are nice but not sure I could bring myself to park £100k worth of car in the local supermarket car park, at which point if you can't/won't drive it what's the point in owning it?
Keeping the "'60s/'70s, British and not a 2-seater" theme of the P5B and 2.5PI how about a Reliant Scimitar, or at the top of your budget, Jensen Interceptor?
For me something like a Stag (£18k) is about as far as drivable cars go. Sure E-Types are nice but not sure I could bring myself to park £100k worth of car in the local supermarket car park, at which point if you can't/won't drive it what's the point in owning it?
Keeping the "'60s/'70s, British and not a 2-seater" theme of the P5B and 2.5PI how about a Reliant Scimitar, or at the top of your budget, Jensen Interceptor?
I completely "get" where you are on this, and I would always advocate going for "decent car - excellent condition" over "excellent car - average condition" with the following thinking in mind:
- Even the best cars are awful if they've got worn engine, transmission, suspension, trim and other components.
- You don't get the true experience of the particular model in question if it's poorly set up and running on poor quality, pattern parts (your archetypal "average" car), which defeats the object of owning it in the first place.
- The cost of improving an average car to the standard of an excellent one is usually grossly out of proportion to their ultimate value.
- Cars in excellent condition can be used. Cars in average condition often need work on them before you can use them and quite frequently while you're using them.
So for me, a truly excellent P5B (as an example) would win out over a tired Bentley any day of the week. There are exceptions and if you're really handy as a car whisperer then you could make it work, but in general I think the above is about where it's at.
- Even the best cars are awful if they've got worn engine, transmission, suspension, trim and other components.
- You don't get the true experience of the particular model in question if it's poorly set up and running on poor quality, pattern parts (your archetypal "average" car), which defeats the object of owning it in the first place.
- The cost of improving an average car to the standard of an excellent one is usually grossly out of proportion to their ultimate value.
- Cars in excellent condition can be used. Cars in average condition often need work on them before you can use them and quite frequently while you're using them.
So for me, a truly excellent P5B (as an example) would win out over a tired Bentley any day of the week. There are exceptions and if you're really handy as a car whisperer then you could make it work, but in general I think the above is about where it's at.
9xxNick said:
I completely "get" where you are on this, and I would always advocate going for "decent car - excellent condition" over "excellent car - average condition" with the following thinking in mind:
- Even the best cars are awful if they've got worn engine, transmission, suspension, trim and other components.
- You don't get the true experience of the particular model in question if it's poorly set up and running on poor quality, pattern parts (your archetypal "average" car), which defeats the object of owning it in the first place.
- The cost of improving an average car to the standard of an excellent one is usually grossly out of proportion to their ultimate value.
- Cars in excellent condition can be used. Cars in average condition often need work on them before you can use them and quite frequently while you're using them.
So for me, a truly excellent P5B (as an example) would win out over a tired Bentley any day of the week. There are exceptions and if you're really handy as a car whisperer then you could make it work, but in general I think the above is about where it's at.
I'll add- Even the best cars are awful if they've got worn engine, transmission, suspension, trim and other components.
- You don't get the true experience of the particular model in question if it's poorly set up and running on poor quality, pattern parts (your archetypal "average" car), which defeats the object of owning it in the first place.
- The cost of improving an average car to the standard of an excellent one is usually grossly out of proportion to their ultimate value.
- Cars in excellent condition can be used. Cars in average condition often need work on them before you can use them and quite frequently while you're using them.
So for me, a truly excellent P5B (as an example) would win out over a tired Bentley any day of the week. There are exceptions and if you're really handy as a car whisperer then you could make it work, but in general I think the above is about where it's at.
-Cars in excellent condition often need work!
If it's an old car, there will ALWAYS be something.
I was in a fortunate position a few years ago to buy something nice. On my shortlist was an Esprit, V8 Vantage, NSX, alfa SZ. The NSX was the car I wanted most, (I'd have been happy with any of them) and I knew that's what would give me them most enjoyment.
Buy what you really want, nothing else matters. (Mine was a bit ropey but I've got skillz).
Buy what you really want, nothing else matters. (Mine was a bit ropey but I've got skillz).
you could look at this....my TR3a..... https://imageweaver.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-triump...
I might be tempted to sell at the 'upper end' of your budget.......
I might be tempted to sell at the 'upper end' of your budget.......
Edited by Vintage Racer on Wednesday 17th June 15:32
Edited by Vintage Racer on Wednesday 17th June 15:32
LarJammer said:
I was in a fortunate position a few years ago to buy something nice. On my shortlist was an Esprit, V8 Vantage, NSX, alfa SZ. The NSX was the car I wanted most, (I'd have been happy with any of them) and I knew that's what would give me them most enjoyment.
So...?Did you get a NSX? You can't just leave us hanging like that!
Nice looking P5B Coupe here for £16k, Mulberry is a lovely colour for the interior on these and not all Coupes had a contrasting roof when new....
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1236137
This one has been with the same owner for most of its life...
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1129569
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1236137
This one has been with the same owner for most of its life...
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1129569
Edited by P5BNij on Wednesday 17th June 11:38
OP, I totally get where you are at.
I'm 67, retired, recently sold a TVR Chimaera and a Merc SL500, paid off a wee debt, have the remainder to spend on the car I want, the problem is what do I want, I keep drifting/dithering.
E30M3, like I once owned are now way beyond budget
Having had 4 TVR I don't think I'd have another except I quite fancy a Taimar or earlier...(fixable at home)
I have always wanted a Lancia Integrale but never parted with the money and now the prices are beyond budget without a dip into pension funds.
I've tried Stags, not sure I enjoy one day to day but at least it's 4 seats.
I used to rally Imps, they're easy to repair, they're in my blood but the price now for a decent one is the same as a TVR Chimaera and I'm having difficulty equating the two.
Lotus Excel, had one, great drive, lack power, a possibility
Elan +2 as above
BMW 2002tii, sold my last for £800! They always say don't go back.....
In many respects I'd rather it was pre 1980 as it's then free VED so if parked up in the garage due to weather or whatever, I don't feel "guilty". This rules out the Integrale and the M3, including an E46 M3 which should also be on the list. Or a 2005 V8 Mustang or a Renault GTA or or....
And if there is a price drop due to this CV-19 would I be better waiting (the car money is currently tied up in a few shares waiting for the stock market to rally anyway).
And finally, I met my wife via a wrecked P6, can't imagine she'd be happy if I turned up with a Rover..
I'm 67, retired, recently sold a TVR Chimaera and a Merc SL500, paid off a wee debt, have the remainder to spend on the car I want, the problem is what do I want, I keep drifting/dithering.
E30M3, like I once owned are now way beyond budget
Having had 4 TVR I don't think I'd have another except I quite fancy a Taimar or earlier...(fixable at home)
I have always wanted a Lancia Integrale but never parted with the money and now the prices are beyond budget without a dip into pension funds.
I've tried Stags, not sure I enjoy one day to day but at least it's 4 seats.
I used to rally Imps, they're easy to repair, they're in my blood but the price now for a decent one is the same as a TVR Chimaera and I'm having difficulty equating the two.
Lotus Excel, had one, great drive, lack power, a possibility
Elan +2 as above
BMW 2002tii, sold my last for £800! They always say don't go back.....
In many respects I'd rather it was pre 1980 as it's then free VED so if parked up in the garage due to weather or whatever, I don't feel "guilty". This rules out the Integrale and the M3, including an E46 M3 which should also be on the list. Or a 2005 V8 Mustang or a Renault GTA or or....
And if there is a price drop due to this CV-19 would I be better waiting (the car money is currently tied up in a few shares waiting for the stock market to rally anyway).
And finally, I met my wife via a wrecked P6, can't imagine she'd be happy if I turned up with a Rover..
Edited by Skyedriver on Wednesday 17th June 18:20
Vintage Racer said:
you could look at this: https://imageweaver.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-triump...
I might be tempted to sell at the 'upper end' of your budget.......
Beautiful restoration.I might be tempted to sell at the 'upper end' of your budget.......
Turbobanana said:
We are the same age.
I have a house, a wife, 2 young children and a 29 year old Saab Convertible. I go on at least 2 decent foreign holidays per year (COVID permitting) and owe nothing to anybody, mortgage aside. I earn decent money, as does my wife, and this allows us to be in the position we are.
I am nowhere near the financial position where I could consider spending that amount of money on a car, but if I was - and with the greatest respect - I wouldn't ask PH forums for advice. Not because folk on here aren't knowledgeable (they genuinely are), but because whatever views and opinions you get will be both contradictory and confusing. In short - you'll end up more confused than you might already be.
Take your time. Look for something that makes you go "wow" and be prepared for the fact that it might not be something you'd considered. The last time I was even close to your position was 20 years ago after I inherited a small amount from a relative. I was on the lookout for an E30 3-Series Convertible for a summer driving holiday through France with my girlfriend. All the ones I looked at were ratty, tired, automatic or all three. In desperation I widened my Autotrader search and found the Saab. Two days later I owned it and I still have it (and the girl) all these years later.
That's a nice story I have a house, a wife, 2 young children and a 29 year old Saab Convertible. I go on at least 2 decent foreign holidays per year (COVID permitting) and owe nothing to anybody, mortgage aside. I earn decent money, as does my wife, and this allows us to be in the position we are.
I am nowhere near the financial position where I could consider spending that amount of money on a car, but if I was - and with the greatest respect - I wouldn't ask PH forums for advice. Not because folk on here aren't knowledgeable (they genuinely are), but because whatever views and opinions you get will be both contradictory and confusing. In short - you'll end up more confused than you might already be.
Take your time. Look for something that makes you go "wow" and be prepared for the fact that it might not be something you'd considered. The last time I was even close to your position was 20 years ago after I inherited a small amount from a relative. I was on the lookout for an E30 3-Series Convertible for a summer driving holiday through France with my girlfriend. All the ones I looked at were ratty, tired, automatic or all three. In desperation I widened my Autotrader search and found the Saab. Two days later I owned it and I still have it (and the girl
) all these years later.geeman237 said:
I'm in a fortunate position that I could sell a couple of my classic cars (current market climate aside) and with what I've got saved up I could probably get something rather nice. But, here's my "dilemma"......with my budget I could get a mint example of something pretty ordinary, or an average example of something more exotic. To try to put it in context, I love British classics of the 60's and 70's, Triumph, Rovers etc and have never had any desire to own a Ferrari or Porsche, although I could be tempted with something like a Bentley Turbo R. At 51 and with a budget of say £30-£50k I am thinking I would probably get more enjoyment out of a very nice original unmolested Rover P5b coupe, Triumph 2.5pi MK2, Lotus Elan+2, than say a Jag MK2, Bristol, Porsche or something similar. The 'ordinary' cars in top condition should be cheaper and easier to maintain (I do most work myself) than the worry at the back of your mind of something slightly more exotic that could crap the bed and cost you an arm and a leg. There may be more investment potential in an upmarket brand, but I am not bothered about the investment aspect. Anyone else 'get' where I am coming from or been in this situation? If so, what did you do?
Totally get that.I'd always err on the side of the best example, although from an ex-neighbours experience I wouldn't touch a Bentley Turbo R, unless you have a really deep wallet. His bills were eye watering on his Corniche and he was a pretty good home mechanic who had restored his previous Stag mostly himself, but the Corniche was beyond looking after himself and the bills from a specialist was - phew!
He and his wife didn't have kids or a big mortage, but after 5 years, he sold it, as it was not as financially viable as he thought! Broke his heart though selling it.
A mint P5b is a lovely lovely thing to waft around in, and I have fond memories of 'fast' runs in Triumph 2.5Pi's and Rover P6 3500's back in the 70's so would happily have either as well.
I don't dislike Mk2 Jags though, although, I'd be more tempted by a mint Daimler 250 just for that lovely Turner designed hemi V8, and nice original well looked after examples can be more easily found.
However, for your budget, as someone has already mentioned, your budget is putting you on the bottom edge of a reasonable Jensen Interceptor, and I'm not sure I could walk past that possibility over any of your stated options
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