Does anyone else.....
Discussion
Get the feeling that the classic car world is out to make you a financial ruin?
Today I have been looking at XJ6's thanks to another thread on here. The itch has returned big time, and I can just about justify buying one. They are affordable to buy which is the temptation. But I know for a fact that they are not the cheapest of cars to run, and if it goes wrong then may god help you!
I have also been looking at Morris Minors, Austin A35s, Riley Elfs and finaly Alfa Montreals this last month.
Although these are all (with the exception of the Alfa) cheep to buy I know that it would probably ruin me financially trying to keep 2 classic cars on the road and in good condition at once.
But the temptation is so great with the Jag!
Anyone else been in this kind of situation and what did you do? Did you give in to temptation or not?
Today I have been looking at XJ6's thanks to another thread on here. The itch has returned big time, and I can just about justify buying one. They are affordable to buy which is the temptation. But I know for a fact that they are not the cheapest of cars to run, and if it goes wrong then may god help you!
I have also been looking at Morris Minors, Austin A35s, Riley Elfs and finaly Alfa Montreals this last month.
Although these are all (with the exception of the Alfa) cheep to buy I know that it would probably ruin me financially trying to keep 2 classic cars on the road and in good condition at once.
But the temptation is so great with the Jag!
Anyone else been in this kind of situation and what did you do? Did you give in to temptation or not?
Yes...me:
I was severely temped by a left hand drive, automatic, 2+2 E-type Jag about 16 years ago. It was the 'worst' spec to buy as it was the least desirable, but it was a dry state car that I figured I could have tidied up and converted to right hand drive, maybe even put a manual box in it too. It wasn't overly expensive either as I recall about £5K. It would have been a lot of work, but around the same time my parents offered me their 'summer use only' RS2000 for a token price, so I took up their offer, but everytime I see an E-Type I wonder 'what-if?'
I was severely temped by a left hand drive, automatic, 2+2 E-type Jag about 16 years ago. It was the 'worst' spec to buy as it was the least desirable, but it was a dry state car that I figured I could have tidied up and converted to right hand drive, maybe even put a manual box in it too. It wasn't overly expensive either as I recall about £5K. It would have been a lot of work, but around the same time my parents offered me their 'summer use only' RS2000 for a token price, so I took up their offer, but everytime I see an E-Type I wonder 'what-if?'
Yes, restoration costs are very high - panel patches (and even panels themselves where you can find them) for my A35 are bloody expensive, and new wings for the stepfront Alfa are £600 a piece! Plus taking into account the fact that even some pretty undesirable classics are spiralling in value, the answer is a resounding yes from me 
For the XJ6 I would obviously say go for it.
They have always been relatively cheap to buy as a used car and that's the core of the problem. Many have been run on shoestring and essential maintenance neglected.
Just make sure you really do your homework and buy the best car you can afford.
For running costs and experience I think you'll find both ends of the spectrum in the forums.
Unless you are very lucky a cheap car will probably turn into a nightmare, whereas if you find a really good one and look after it properly I think the running costs will be manageable.
I did a lot of miles in used S3's years ago and I don't recall having many problems. Certainly never had any engine or other main component issues and I've never had a breakdown. Mainly electrical gremlins as I recall.
I also ran a couple of V12's in the late 80's and I loved them.
They have always been relatively cheap to buy as a used car and that's the core of the problem. Many have been run on shoestring and essential maintenance neglected.
Just make sure you really do your homework and buy the best car you can afford.
For running costs and experience I think you'll find both ends of the spectrum in the forums.
Unless you are very lucky a cheap car will probably turn into a nightmare, whereas if you find a really good one and look after it properly I think the running costs will be manageable.
I did a lot of miles in used S3's years ago and I don't recall having many problems. Certainly never had any engine or other main component issues and I've never had a breakdown. Mainly electrical gremlins as I recall.
I also ran a couple of V12's in the late 80's and I loved them.
Yes and I've given into temptation every time, every classic car I've been to look at I have ended up buying. I think there has been a balance over the years between the money pits and the lucky buys but I'm sure I'm not the only person on this forum who goes with the intention of buying with their head knowing their heart will overrule it everytime.
But I don't regret any of the cars I've bought over the years, it's the ones that I convinced myself that the sensible thing was not to 'go and take a look' that I regret.
And what else would you do with the money at the moment, it won't earn anything in a bank and even if it did where's the fun in that?
But I don't regret any of the cars I've bought over the years, it's the ones that I convinced myself that the sensible thing was not to 'go and take a look' that I regret.
And what else would you do with the money at the moment, it won't earn anything in a bank and even if it did where's the fun in that?
Robin356A said:
And what else would you do with the money at the moment, it won't earn anything in a bank and even if it did where's the fun in that?
Well thats the thing, I have plenty of other things to spend that money on. Am doing up my flat at the moment, and the money should be getting spent on that, e.g. new carpets etc. But the classic cars just keep calling out to me. I must be strong and resist..... for now...
Alfachick said:
Well thats the thing, I have plenty of other things to spend that money on. Am doing up my flat at the moment, and the money should be getting spent on that, e.g. new carpets etc. But the classic cars just keep calling out to me.
I must be strong and resist..... for now...
Not resisting is probably why I live in a rented house. I must be strong and resist..... for now...
Although I did spend some money extending the garage.
Alfachick said:
Well thats the thing, I have plenty of other things to spend that money on. Am doing up my flat at the moment, and the money should be getting spent on that, e.g. new carpets etc. But the classic cars just keep calling out to me.
I must be strong and resist..... for now...
Buy a classic camper van - problem solved!I must be strong and resist..... for now...
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