pondering a classic

davidclayton

i'm thinking of changing car at the end of the summer and i'm gonna start doing some research now. i really like the mk2 honda crx [boxy 1991 version] and i recently met a boards member who owns 2 of them to get some advice and get a spin in one. i was very impressed and decided to get some insurance quotes. unfortunately the insurance companies were not impressed :rolleyes: and quivered when i mentioned the one word that strikes fear into their hearts: VTEC. needless to say the quote was unreasonable. so while looking about i found a different type of insurance cover from 123.ie, you can see more info here: http://123.ie/motor/quote_xs.htm

this got me thinking in a differnt direction. big engine. the 123 jobbie allows up to a 3 litre CC engine. but the problem with a large engine is that you end up paying more money on tax than insurance. so how do you get around this? if the car is over 30 years old it is classed as a classic and gets very low tax [correct me if i'm wrong].

i do not use my car to get to work, it is really only used for a bit of fun. i'll hopefully be buying a house in 12 - 18 months, so i will probably need to drive to work after that. i'd be interested in hearing people's opinions on a few cars with the following criteria:

• reliable
• easy to maintain
• reasonable MPG [above 25]
• parts easily available
• ability to resell [when buying house]

i could go down 2 routes me thinks.
1. medium sized engine on modern car
cars i like:

• honda mk2 crx
• golf gti mk1
• mazda mk5
• mini [bmw new one]

2. classic car
cars i like:

• citroen DS
• bmw 2002tii
• reliant scimitar
• mini
• opel gt
• ford escort mk2
• toyota celica [baby mustang]
• datsun 240z
• renault alpine

my budget would be about €9,000 max, but ideally wouldn't spend a good bit of that so i'd have some money in reserve just in case i have to fix anything on the car. all advice appreciated or suggestions on other cars.

dave

Squirrel

Would you be able to afford the €4K excess on the 123 quotes?

davidclayton

yeah, that's an issue i'd have to be prepared for. there's 2 worse case senarios in a bad crash...
1. write off the car - don't bother claiming unless the car is worth more than 4k. but probably don't claim at all as i'll loose my no claims bonus.
2. cause damage to another car/person - pretty much have to claim and pay 4k excess.

because i do little milage, if i got a classic car i could get probably classic insurance which would suit better.

davidclayton

here's the CRX mk2 in case you're not sure of what it looks like

mike65

Go for a Escort mk1 or 2 RS 1600/2000 they are sought after and will gain value for sure. The mk1 looks the best my a mile to me.

Mike.

junkyard

I'd go for a Golf GTI mk.2, great car you'll buy for very small money. I know they're not vintage yet for tax and cheap insurance but they will only go up in value as far as I'm concerned and parts are cheap and they're ultra reliable, unlike the modern ones. I've got seven so far but none for sale I'm afraid.:D

davidclayton

mike65 wrote:

Go for a Escort mk1 or 2 RS 1600/2000 they are sought after and will gain value for sure. The mk1 looks the best my a mile to me.

Mike.

hows about a mk1 with a 3.9 v8?
here's one for sale!

davidclayton

don't take offence, but just voicing my opinion...
i prefer the looks of the mk1 golf over the mk2,
and ditto to the mk2 escort over the mk1

davidclayton

can't believe i forgot one of the other modern cars i like, the vw corrado...
....mmmm........

corktina

mike65 wrote:

Go for a Escort mk1 or 2 RS 1600/2000 they are sought after and will gain value for sure. The mk1 looks the best my a mile to me.

Mike.

yep but you might not get one for €9000.....

davidclayton

just thought of another: toyota mr2 mk2 turbo.
but the 2 litre would be €689 per year

Traumadoc

davidclayton wrote:

can't believe i forgot one of the other modern cars i like, the vw corrado...
....mmmm........

I had a corrado (when I was single:mad:) Great little car .....mmmmm......

240Z

You'll struggle to find an A1 Datsun 240z for 9k. You'd need to plan on additional restoration costs.

davidclayton

yeah, i've heard they can cost a bit for a decent one...

has anyone driven the new mini [one or cooper] ?

shagman

You should get a mint scimitar for HALF that kinda money.Tell me which model you're looking for and I can give you a few for sale from the new issue of the club mag "Slice". My list of possibles was very similar to yours eg...

reliant scimitar
opel gt 1800
toyota celica [baby mustang]
datsun 240z
renault alpine
volvo P1800 /P1800ES

......and I decided on a scimitar SE5a as a daily driver. Really enjoying it at the moment, I had to drive my dads 85 BMW 7 series during the week and was so glad to get back in the scimmie!!
Anyway that was me not you so, my advice is to bide your time ,do a tonne of research go to a few classic shows over the summer maybe talk to some owners and try to get feel for what suits your needs.When you settle on what you want join the relevant club and buy through the club.If it's pre 76 buying from the UK will usually prove far cheaper.