Bottomed out modern classic
Discussion
Hi all.
I sought inspiration from this forum once before and received some excellent suggestions so thought I would try again for latest car search.
I'm looking for something nice to drive of a weekend that has pretty much hit the bottom of the depreciation curve and not been caught up in the crazy classic boom of price rises. It can be anything from a pure sports car to a classy cruiser. Practicality and economy are not concerns but I don't really want something that will write itself off due to monstrous repair bills if/when it goes wrong. I guess key criteria are;
- Prices aren't at their peak (e.g. some Lotus and TVRs imo), on their way down and still have a way to fall (e.g. some Ferraris/Porsches imo) or rapidly climbing and thus likely to dump a load of value when they peak.
- Be interesting enough to take to pub car meetings and not have to park round the back.
- Have a petrol engine!
In terms of budget, I'm pretty flexible but must be at a price point that I could relatively easily sell on privately so I guess that limits it to c.£20/30k. Happy to only spend £2k though. Plan is to keep it a year or two and then buy something like a TVR once the market has adjusted itself to something more sensible. I'm pretty open minded and have been considering cars such as R53 Cooper S (JCW would be nice), early 997 Carrera S with Hartech rebuild and R129 SL500.
I look forward to reading your suggestions.
Many thanks.
I sought inspiration from this forum once before and received some excellent suggestions so thought I would try again for latest car search.
I'm looking for something nice to drive of a weekend that has pretty much hit the bottom of the depreciation curve and not been caught up in the crazy classic boom of price rises. It can be anything from a pure sports car to a classy cruiser. Practicality and economy are not concerns but I don't really want something that will write itself off due to monstrous repair bills if/when it goes wrong. I guess key criteria are;
- Prices aren't at their peak (e.g. some Lotus and TVRs imo), on their way down and still have a way to fall (e.g. some Ferraris/Porsches imo) or rapidly climbing and thus likely to dump a load of value when they peak.
- Be interesting enough to take to pub car meetings and not have to park round the back.
- Have a petrol engine!
In terms of budget, I'm pretty flexible but must be at a price point that I could relatively easily sell on privately so I guess that limits it to c.£20/30k. Happy to only spend £2k though. Plan is to keep it a year or two and then buy something like a TVR once the market has adjusted itself to something more sensible. I'm pretty open minded and have been considering cars such as R53 Cooper S (JCW would be nice), early 997 Carrera S with Hartech rebuild and R129 SL500.
I look forward to reading your suggestions.
Many thanks.
So many excellent suggestions already, thanks everyone. To pick out a few;
Porsche 968 - had the Sport version and nearly doubled my money in a year! The only time I've sold for a profit after deducting maintenance costs.
Audi TT Mk1 - ticked that box as well and agree with comments. Sold that for a third more than bought but spent more than I made.
Aston Vantage - this makes so much sense and I've always desired one. Problem is I bought a DB9 Volante last spring and gave it back after three weeks due to a fault, which has at least temporarily put me off the brand.
Alpine. This has got me excited. Always had a soft spot for these and they seem to remain under the radar so would probably have to be a keeper. Think the '90s model would suit me and there is the one off the TV for sale complete with the presenters handbag, but I'd maybe prefer a turbo. Both the blue one and red one for sale in the below links are fairly local to me.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1095515
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1188911
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Not expecting or looking for an investment, just something that wont take all my car savings in depreciation.
My view on TVR values is based on the fact I considered a Tuscan two years ago and some of the same cars are still in the classifieds at the same asking price. That says to me that owners have not accepted they need to reduce asking prices to make a sale. Just viewed two precat 4.3 Griffith's'; one had a sales invoice in the file for half current asking price and the owner of the other wanted c.50% more than previous owner got for it only two years previously. I could well be wrong but happy with my stance as there are plenty of other makes/models out there to enjoy.
Please keep them coming!
Porsche 968 - had the Sport version and nearly doubled my money in a year! The only time I've sold for a profit after deducting maintenance costs.
Audi TT Mk1 - ticked that box as well and agree with comments. Sold that for a third more than bought but spent more than I made.
Aston Vantage - this makes so much sense and I've always desired one. Problem is I bought a DB9 Volante last spring and gave it back after three weeks due to a fault, which has at least temporarily put me off the brand.
Alpine. This has got me excited. Always had a soft spot for these and they seem to remain under the radar so would probably have to be a keeper. Think the '90s model would suit me and there is the one off the TV for sale complete with the presenters handbag, but I'd maybe prefer a turbo. Both the blue one and red one for sale in the below links are fairly local to me.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1095515
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1188911
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Not expecting or looking for an investment, just something that wont take all my car savings in depreciation.
My view on TVR values is based on the fact I considered a Tuscan two years ago and some of the same cars are still in the classifieds at the same asking price. That says to me that owners have not accepted they need to reduce asking prices to make a sale. Just viewed two precat 4.3 Griffith's'; one had a sales invoice in the file for half current asking price and the owner of the other wanted c.50% more than previous owner got for it only two years previously. I could well be wrong but happy with my stance as there are plenty of other makes/models out there to enjoy.
Please keep them coming!
Many thanks indeed for the continued input everyone.
Totally agree on Boxster but had one many years ago so would prefer something not previously owned. Sold that for a 350 and some cash in the bank. Both great cars.
I agree the Flavia looks great value and I also read that thread. Suspect the later cars lost some of the Lancia quality post Fiat takeover. Wouldn't bother with the one in the link though.
Will definitely be making enquiries on the Alpine; my concerns are lack of spares supply and difficulty selling it on.
Historics and Brightwells have some interesting lots in their early March auctions. I'm liking the big block 'Vette, 323i, Fulvia, XJCs, Interceptor (over sensible budget) and Fiat Dino (way over it!). Never bought at auction and a bit scared to; always assumed anything at auction must have issues but maybe if the price is right.
Totally agree on Boxster but had one many years ago so would prefer something not previously owned. Sold that for a 350 and some cash in the bank. Both great cars.
I agree the Flavia looks great value and I also read that thread. Suspect the later cars lost some of the Lancia quality post Fiat takeover. Wouldn't bother with the one in the link though.
Will definitely be making enquiries on the Alpine; my concerns are lack of spares supply and difficulty selling it on.
Historics and Brightwells have some interesting lots in their early March auctions. I'm liking the big block 'Vette, 323i, Fulvia, XJCs, Interceptor (over sensible budget) and Fiat Dino (way over it!). Never bought at auction and a bit scared to; always assumed anything at auction must have issues but maybe if the price is right.
Edited by SFTWend on Friday 21st February 21:31
Jag_NE said:
I understand your points, I just don’t understand why if the OP reallys want the TVR he don’t just buy it versus waiting for some sort of speculative market correction to happen that may result in it being a few k more or less than they presently are.
You make a very valid point and having had quite a serious health scare recently I agree there is no point waiting for what you want. Yes I'd like a TVR but not enough to pay current asking prices. If I've got it wrong and they keep going up so be it. I'm a petrolhead who tends to change their car fairly regularly and there are plenty of other desirable makes/models that stack up better financially for me.This post has been brilliant for giving me the inspiration I sought. Sometimes my brain gets stuck in a rut. For example, Renault GTA has been mentioned a couple of times and I'm following up on that.
Scootersp said:
I think he's just looking for inspiration and advice on entertaining low depreciation cars with a wide range of budget?
Sort of doesn't know exactly what he fancies?
I had a Mk1 MR2 and loved it as others said, a Mk3 I think is as depreciation proof as they come.
Just means he can enjoy it for the year or so and flip to the next, may be get through 4-5 cars for £4-5k depreciation? So variety on a budget?
Yes. There are a lot of cars I fancy!Sort of doesn't know exactly what he fancies?
I had a Mk1 MR2 and loved it as others said, a Mk3 I think is as depreciation proof as they come.
Just means he can enjoy it for the year or so and flip to the next, may be get through 4-5 cars for £4-5k depreciation? So variety on a budget?
Had a 650 auto coupe; massively underrated cars imo.
Mr Tidy said:
I'll probably be at the Historics auction at Ascot as my mate has a few cars entered - but none of the ones you've mentioned!
Auctions for classic cars might include some with issues, but I've seen a few cars sold because as the owners get older they can't get in or out of them - and then sadly there are quite a few entered by the estate after the owner has passed away.
If you do fancy buying at auction, make sure you see the history file and view the car carefully - then if you bid don't forget that on top of the hammer price you'll have to pay buyer's commission. It seems to be 10% + VAT at Historics.
Maybe see you there.
Thank you. Yes you are right about the commission.Auctions for classic cars might include some with issues, but I've seen a few cars sold because as the owners get older they can't get in or out of them - and then sadly there are quite a few entered by the estate after the owner has passed away.
If you do fancy buying at auction, make sure you see the history file and view the car carefully - then if you bid don't forget that on top of the hammer price you'll have to pay buyer's commission. It seems to be 10% + VAT at Historics.
Maybe see you there.
I've been going to Historics for a few years as I enjoy the day out even if I'm not usually intending to buy anything. Interesting to see the cars and the bidding activity. Until last year I'd seen cars owned by dealers being sold for more at the auction than the dealer had been advertising them for in the classifieds. That changed last year and many if not most cars were changing hands for below the lower estimate.
You will recognise me at Ascot. I'll be the one tentatively raising my paddle with sweat running down my back!!
LayZ said:
Obviously I'm biased because I have one but Maserati GranSports are criminal cheap at the moment, prices being forced down by the GranTourismos (which they made loads of).
I think these are nailed on future classic. Rare, Ferrari-derived V8, fast, look great, 4-seat practical. You can have your pick with £20k.
In the recent past I really wanted a 3200 manual but all the worries over "end float" etc. put me off. So I turned my sights on a GranSport when prices had been increasing c.£2kp.a. and a nice one was over 30k. Trouble with these for me is I'd want it is Sport mode and that makes the suspension too firm for the Sussex roads where I live. That said, when prices started dropping last summer I had an offer of £22k refused by a private seller and that car is still for sale, now at £19k!I think these are nailed on future classic. Rare, Ferrari-derived V8, fast, look great, 4-seat practical. You can have your pick with £20k.
Edited by LayZ on Wednesday 11th March 21:40
MiseryStreak said:
Early Evoras are looking good value too, only 10 years old and usually low mileage. Very easy to supercharge the NA engine, as they did with the later models. Get 410 performance for a third of the price of a new one.
Evoras keep cropping up in various posts so I viewed an early "S" last Sunday and, having thought it was indeed great, put forward an offer subject to a clean PPI.Edited by SFTWend on Thursday 12th March 17:12
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