Recommend a pre 1978 car!

quenching

I fed up paying motor tax so I'm going to buy a 30 year old car thats exempt from paying, also have a minimal VRT charge so buying abroad is no big deal. I'll insure it on a classic policy as I have a second family car insured in my name.

So, can anyone recommend one that I can use on a daily basis to drive in and out of Dublin city centre, a 14 mile round trip, 30 minutes each way, mostly in light traffic. Automatic would be nice, fuel consumption not that important, Ideally one that won't depreciate any more, I'm not looking for an investment but I'd rather not lose a fortune either, so a max budget of about €5000. Has to have a but of style about it too.

Thinking hats on then!

vengeance52

personally id love a triumph spitfire or even an Jag XJ6. You might be best of in the classics forum, some very handy links there

Jag
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C57308

Spitfire
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C54299

Anan1

W116 Mercedes would be the first thing i'd think of.

peasant

moved from main motors

bazz26

1975 Ford Capri Ghia:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Car&carID=1183020&message=You%20searched%20for%3A%20Ford%20Capri%2C%20Year%3A%201975%2E%20Your%20search%20returned%20one%20vehicle%2C%20which%20is%20shown%20below%2E&CFID=3681480&CFTOKEN=48908951

Max_Damage

Rover SD1 3500

Failing that, a Ford Escort Mk2.

carchaeologist

Max_Damage wrote: »

Failing that, a Ford Escort Mk2.

Even ropey old four door MK2s are making silly money these days,any good two door is 4k and up!
An early Mk2 granada,they can be picked up cheaply enough,or an XJS OR XJ6 as has already been suggested,all depends on how much you want to spend on petrol i suppose:D

trevorbrady

if MPG isn't a major issue I'd be looking for a big old Merc or Audi. Built to last, parts still largely available, sofa-on-wheels comfort.

DaveCol

Rover P6 - you have your choice of 2000, 2200 and 3500, manual and automatic

amigos

quenching wrote: »

I fed up paying motor tax so I'm going to buy a 30 year old car thats exempt from paying, also have a minimal VRT charge so buying abroad is no big deal. I'll insure it on a classic policy as I have a second family car insured in my name.

So, can anyone recommend one that I can use on a daily basis to drive in and out of Dublin city centre, a 14 mile round trip, 30 minutes each way, mostly in light traffic. Automatic would be nice, fuel consumption not that important, Ideally one that won't depreciate any more, I'm not looking for an investment but I'd rather not lose a fortune either, so a max budget of about €5000. Has to have a but of style about it too.

Thinking hats on then!

MG roadsters! They're the biz I'm tellin ya

Capri

Go to Carzone.ie http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/classic/1988/ click on the 'year' ( that'll line them up by year ) and browse away. Saves you all the hassle of o/seas trips ( I prefer Mercedes - max status and long life )

Gary ITR

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=839043

Itsfixed

BMW 2002, which was made up to 1976. Simple, well built, parts easy to get.

Failing that, a Volvo Amazon.

A old merc W114 would be good too.

Dades

How about this - again only if your not worried about MPG!



Serious luxury!

Anan1

Onkle wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=839043

That's back on sale again! I saw the ad about a year ago, thought it looked lovely then. Notice the heel patch on the carpet never made it across from left to right!

hi5

Doesnt a gas guzzler counteract the benefits of low road tax and VRT as the price of petrol is mostly tax.

I'd go for a Ford,escort capri,cortina.plenty of cheap parts available,lots of interchangeability,easy upgrades available,1.6,2.0with a five speed box,auto swap from a granada/scorpio should be easy enough.

mike65

If the car is for modest milage then a 20 mpg barge is not such a burden. (and if it annoys Gormley so much the better!)

Mike.

rebel.ranter

hi5 wrote: »

Doesnt a gas guzzler counteract the benefits of low road tax and VRT as the price of petrol is mostly tax.

I know where the OP is coming from though. You "wouldn't notice" the pain of paying tax in small amounts through petrol though.

Also there is the nice thing of having something unique or rare amongst modern cars on today's roads.
I think big old lumps of engines sound nice too. Go for it OP!

unkel

Dades wrote: »

How about this - again only if your not worried about MPG!



Serious luxury!

Looks superb! Wrong engine though. It needs the V8.

quenching

Thanks for the suggestions lads, I'm quite taken with the old Jag in vengeance52's post (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C57308), needs the original wheels though. Also saw an old Datsun 260Z on the same site, http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C50474 , might investigate this also.

Currently have a 92 Mercedes 190 2.0 auto petrol that does around 23mpg in and out of town, only do around 60 miles a week, so I can handle a drop in mpg without too much cost. Would sooner prefer "pay as you go" tax on petrol than having to a big bill unrelated to how much I use the car.

Any advice on the reliability of the Jag or Datsun, rust is an issue with the Datsun I know, but I have the patience to find a good one if needed, just wondering how likely either is to start on a wet January morning?

Dades

That Datsun looks the business. :cool:

Those are two quite diverse cars you've shortlisted btw!

MercMad

quenching wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions lads, I'm quite taken with the old Jag in vengeance52's post (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C57308), needs the original wheels though. Also saw an old Datsun 260Z on the same site, http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C50474 , might investigate this also.

Currently have a 92 Mercedes 190 2.0 auto petrol that does around 23mpg in and out of town, only do around 60 miles a week, so I can handle a drop in mpg without too much cost. Would sooner prefer "pay as you go" tax on petrol than having to a big bill unrelated to how much I use the car.

Any advice on the reliability of the Jag or Datsun, rust is an issue with the Datsun I know, but I have the patience to find a good one if needed, just wondering how likely either is to start on a wet January morning?

............rust will be an issue with both to be honest, Jag's were no better !

The Datsun will definitely start all the time, not that convinced the Jaguar would !

PaulK_CCI

Jaguars offer enormous presence, comfort and style, but reliability and rust are major issues. Also parts are not cheap and getting the cars fixed will require someone who knows his beans about what to do...

The Datsuns are quite reliable and an absolute belt to drive (owned a 240z for a while, so I am slightly biassed ), although you have to very careful with the 240/260's as they have a very complex doubleskinned body structure, which is notoriously difficult to restore if major bodywork is required. The original Hitachi carbs can be a a bit troublesome to tune correctly, but a lot of people replace them with a set of stromberg (or triple webers!!!).

Realistically, if I were to suggest a practical and reliable daily driver, I would suggest anything aircooled VW, anything Mercedes, BMW, but also do not discount the swedes: Volvo Amazon or 144/145/164 series, and Saab!

I have owned 900's and 99's and these cars are very reliable, with excellent parts backup, and also a hoot to drive! Pick up an early 99 Turbo and you'll be aching to get out of the door in the morning to get behind the wheel.

Hifive

How about this BMW?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270271804523

I have an 89 one, so mine is still in the high tax club:mad: but they are all fine cruisers and depending on the final price, this one should tick most of your boxes.
The auction is nearly over though.

quenching

Had BMW's in the past and not keen to have another to be honest, love the look of this Volvo though, http://www.classiccarsireland.eu/autos_detail.asp?ID=279 , don't think I can justify the price! This Amazon, http://www.classiccarsireland.eu/autos_detail.asp?ID=338 , might be heading in the right direction but I know nothing about them, apart from the fact that one holds the worlds highest mileage record. Is one likely to start every day? LHD is not an option so this particular one is no good

MercMad

Those Volvo's are superb cars, reliable and durable, and make an excellent daily classic.

carchaeologist

Iv never heard anything but good about these cars...

245

I've got an Amazon and a 245 - if I was to choose one as a daily driver it'd be the 245 - the Amazon is grand but the 200 series involves less compromises. Its also a lot more supermarket carpark-proof what with its huge bumpers etc. Better for longer journeys too.

You can pick up a really good RHD 200 series Volvo in the UK for STG 600 plus. An Amazon will cost a good bit more for equivalent condition. If you're choosy, you'll get a one owner, obsessively maintained car that's practically rust free and capable of at least another ten years service with minimal but regular maintenance. I know - I did.

Run_to_da_hills

DaveCol wrote: »

Rover P6 - you have your choice of 2000, 2200 and 3500, manual and automatic

My maths teacher had the 3500 version. V8 Buick motor. nicest of the series. Unfortunately with high taxes and the cost of petrol 3500's were rare enough in Ireland. Most that came here originated from the UK.

carchaeologist

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

My maths teacher had the 3500 version. V8 Buick motor. nicest of the series. Unfortunately with high taxes and the cost of petrol 3500's were rare enough in Ireland. Most that came here originated from the UK.

Wonder what a years tax was on a new P6 3500 back in the day?

Esel

Try this http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&sortby=PriceAsc&maxrows=50&Year_Min=1970&Year_Max=1978&GroupID=738&AutomaticOnly=yes&ResultFormat=extended Some mad prices though - UK probably a much better bet!

hotchip24

Dont get a convertable - its a night mare in winter - you will freeze.
The Bmw 2002 is a decent bet, easy on fuel, strong engines, highly reliable, good heaters and compfortable to drive. There was an orange touring ( hatchback version ) with a UK reg parked up on a road off Palmerstown park with a for sale sign on it, been there months and probly still there. Looked good and useable - not a show stopper though. I dont have any number for it, sorry.

Id say get a beetle secondly, but one with head rests, as whip lash without head restraints is painful. I am the voice of experience!

Max_Damage

Quality!:

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Corolla/car/1176581/

carchaeologist

Max_Damage wrote: »

Quality!:

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Corolla/car/1176581/

Most of his stuff is in from australia,a friend bought a 120Y coupe,and another friend a K35 auto coupe,much the same as the car on carzone from that guy.Stuff seems a little pricey IMO.though the cars are rot free due to the good australian climate.
Im told he has a large shed of various classics,from a jag down to a MK2 escort,havnt seen it myself though,was away the weekend the lads went down for the cars:(.

Toplessfornow

I have a 1302 beetle convertable for four year and I have only spent 130 euro on repairs and 1 service!they couldnt be more basic!and a fantastic head turner and it is in electric blue!although I now need to replace the roof including frame (my own fault though) anyone know where I could get one for a reasonable price?

S.I.R

erm... a 1977 hillman hunter ?? 1600 twin cam....


Twin cam kicks in yo ! can be imported from iran even !

Blue850

S.I.R wrote: »

erm... a 1977 hillman hunter ?? 1600 twin cam....


Twin cam kicks in yo ! can be imported from iran even !

Aah S.I.R, let out for the day were you?
77 Hunter would be a Chrysler and a 1600 twincam? Yeah right ,they had an old 1725cc pushrod with 79bhp, Peykans had them too but ended production with a 1.6 with 64 bhp

alastair

quenching wrote: »

... love the look of this Volvo though, http://www.classiccarsireland.eu/autos_detail.asp?ID=279 , don't think I can justify the price! This Amazon, http://www.classiccarsireland.eu/autos_detail.asp?ID=338 , might be heading in the right direction but I know nothing about them, apart from the fact that one holds the worlds highest mileage record. Is one likely to start every day? LHD is not an option so this particular one is no good

It's actually an 1800S coupe that holds the world mileage record, not an amazon. Amazons (and 1800's /1800ES's) are rock solid, reliable motors, but prone to rust (if not looked after carefully) and heavy steering / thirsty. The fairly rare 122 SP's are the 'hot' version of the Amazon and performance is fairly respectable - certainly much better than the sportier looking 1800's.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/man-with-2-6-million-mile-volvo-p1800-aims-for-3-million/

245

alastair wrote: »

It's actually an 1800S coupe that holds the world mileage record, not an amazon. Amazons (and 1800's /1800ES's) are rock solid, reliable motors, but prone to rust (if not looked after carefully) and heavy steering / thirsty. The fairly rare 122 SP's are the 'hot' version of the Amazon and performance is fairly respectable - certainly much better than the sportier looking 1800's.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/26/man-with-2-6-million-mile-volvo-p1800-aims-for-3-million/

The Amazon and P1800 were mechanically identical so there shouldn't be much difference there.

The P1800 is much more prone to rust, especially the Jensen built ones (the ones without the S). The Amazon was mostly galvanised from 1965. I've owned several and would regard them as a car less likely to rust than most. I've seen some that were badly neglected though and like anything else made of steel they'll rust eventually - especially UK ones with cheap resprays and bodged repairs.

As far as the 'hot' version is concerned did you mean the 123GT?

carchaeologist

Slightly off topic maybe,but theres a '66 viva HA in this months retro cars stuffed with a 1800 ford zetec with an eaton supercharger from a BMW mini in it,modern and old combined!!:P

shawnee

I suppose when one is used to power steering and comfort from the modern cars it is difficult to go back to cars without it for daily driving. Again I would suggest the merc 114 or similar. Not sure what the rovers are like for reliability but the mercs are very reliable and easy to get parts for.

tmulcahy365

How does the gov treat cars that have had major work done,

cos I want one of these...
http://www.redlinemag.com/page/redline?entry=600bhp_volvo_amazon

seriously though! Anyone know the ins and outs?

Esel

I would have thought 30+ is 30+. Full stop. Anyone know different? I mean, you could do it to an already imported classic, and, apart from your insurance, what else would change?

galwaytt

tmulcahy365 wrote: »

How does the gov treat cars that have had major work done,

cos I want one of these...
http://www.redlinemag.com/page/redline?entry=600bhp_volvo_amazon

seriously though! Anyone know the ins and outs?

All I see is a 1967 Amazon, part restored - I mean, they haven't even covered the transmission tunnel yet..........yeah, probably an abandoned project, yeah, yeah, that's what it is....

245

There's no issue with VRT - apart from a small song and dance about engine numbers if they even bother to have a look at the car (Navan didn't last time I was there). They're used to seeing exotica but they don't always know what a classic car should have as standard. Insurance could be a little tricky though.

Eric318

PaulK_CCI wrote: »

Jaguars offer enormous presence, comfort and style, but reliability and rust are major issues. Also parts are not cheap and getting the cars fixed will require someone who knows his beans about what to do... .

I would agree with not all this (I have been running Jags for 7 years).

Originally unreliable Jaguars got off the road long time ago. Among those that made it, many have been poorly maintained and lots have been nicely maintained. Those that are unreliable now have been fixed by dreamers or incompetents. Parts are not very expensive (eBay is a great source), but there are lots of them: if you get the work done by a third party, labor costs are high and so called specialists don't necessarily know what they are doing.

In other words, do not buy a cheap Jag that has not been maintained, you would be buying trouble. But when you get a good one, happiness is yours, really hard to beat! I am smiling

shaywest

mercedes 230 ce very classy not expensive not bad on juice, comfy ,safe,
drove lot of them over the years make sure its a four cylinder 230,not the troublesome 6cyl. 280

Endfloat

Ive a 1978 MGB GT for sale which I use every day. Its a great classic for winter. Its got great heaters, great lights, starts on the button, and although its not automatic, it has overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears which reduces the amouint of gear changing. The car has excellent visibility and is very easy to park. I'm only selling it cause Im moving abroad and I need the money. You can come and see it whenever. Give me a buzz on 087-2919350. I'm looking for offers around the €6,000 mark.

Ross