Which classic to buy next?

[Combustion29]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping for some inspiration as to what car to get next. I've just sold a 190e which I really liked and now am looking for another modern classic but this time it needs to be 40 years old to beat Londons expanding ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) next year.

So we're talking no newer than 1981. I'm ideally after a saloon again and would like something reliable and definitely fuel injected petrol. Naturally aspirated straight six would be my preference but i appreciate I cant be too fussy. I'll be working on the car myself as well. I've come up with the following but scratching my head otherwise. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

1. W116 Mercedes
2. W123 Mercedes
3. Volvo 240
4. Jaguar xj series 3


Thanks in advance!

[Combustion29]

Hmm probably about 5k. Really trying to think of all the options first

[Combustion29]

I mean ULEZ. Driving around my area will be £12.50 a day after the expansion from October next year

[Combustion29]

Ooh good call, I'll add bmw e12 and e28 to the list. Keep them coming

[Combustion29]

I have a modern car that is compliant. I'm after a second classic that can have historical status to be except. My 190e for example would have fallen foul of the new rules.

[Combustion29]

Mr Tidy said:

Maybe a W201 190e 2.6?

Of if you went a bit newer I believe a BMW E46 or E9* 330i is also ULEZ compliant.

According to TFL even my Z4M coupe is - shame DVLA aren't quite so forgiving with it's tax band!

I just sold a 190e 2.6, it's not compliant. I'm surprised an e46 is; I'll take a look

[Combustion29]

broombroomcar said:

You could do it properly with a Daimler Double Six?

An x300? Does it meet euro4 emissions?

[Combustion29]

cedrichn said:

My Grandad had a Renault 9 with a red velours interior when I was few years old: i will remember it all my life !

Regarding the OP search, I think it depends a lot if you want a 6 cylinder German car, or you would also consider "boring" 4 pots FWD cars...

If I were you, if it has to be considered as a daily, I would take a car with a shell in really good condition. Then, I will take a car which has been used on a regular basis for the last years. To finish, availibility of parts might also be a topic to look at, if you drive it often: everything from British Leyland will be find really easy in UK, with a lot of forums and docs available. Regarding French / German / Japanse of that era, I don't know and would spend some time looking around at parts and info available before purchasing...

Good luck

[Combustion29]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone; definitely a few there to add to the list. I've also noticed there are actually a number of early 2000s cars that are surprisingly ULEZ exempt e.g. BMW E38, E39, Audi S8 and Jag X308. The only thing is that they all have sealed for life transmissions which seem to be a costly headache for owners even if they do get them flushed.

[Combustion29]

cedrichn said:

E38, are you sure ? I tried this one on the ULEZ website, and it says NOT-compliant : https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Surprisingly though, this one IS compliant: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
What a boat !

But, you will pay a lot on annual tax... Where you don't on a +40 years old... Have you check insurance and resident permit prices too ?

Yes that is weird. Maybe the one that was denied is actually 2000 year but incorrectly listed as 2001.

I'm not too bothered about road tax as it can be offset with classic car insurance which is available for these 2001 cars surprisingly. Also, I have a driveway so permit isn't an issue.

Edited by Combustion29 on Wednesday 19th February 17:23

[Combustion29]

irocfan said:

I think I'm right in saying that US imports are also able to be driven in the city without attracting ULEZ fines - in which case how's about a 1996 Chevy Impala (Corvette engine)

I did consider American muscle but everything I've seen is very expensive. I would like a Vauxhall/Holden monaro but again out of my price range.