Classic Care available for hire, Nth Co Dub?

Emerald Lass

Hi Lads and Lassies,

I am looking into hiring a classic car for a wedding on 21st May (Thurs) - 7 weeks away. Preferably someone in Nth Co Dublin.

Don't mind people doing nixers.

Want a classic rolls or daimler or similar.

Have been told of a guy in Stamullen called Enda who does this, but have no phone number for him. Anyone know if he still does it and have a contact?

Alternatively if you know of someone in the area, please PM me.

Just to note, its a Thursday, and it's only needed from about 2.30 - 6.30 max. None of this 'oh you have to pay the full day rate as I can't take another job' nonsense. Its 7 weeks away, so chances of them getting another booking at this short notice are slim, and its a Thursday so again limits chances of being booked. I am happy to pay a fair price, but don't want to have it rubbed in just cos its a wedding - some companies are really laying it on thick. Someone who would be glad of the few hours extra work for a fair price would be great.

thanks in advance!

BeardyGit

Emerald Lass wrote: »

Hi Lads and Lassies,

I am looking into hiring a classic car for a wedding on 21st May (Thurs) - 7 weeks away. Preferably someone in Nth Co Dublin.

Don't mind people doing nixers.

Want a classic rolls or daimler or similar.

Have been told of a guy in Stamullen called Enda who does this, but have no phone number for him. Anyone know if he still does it and have a contact?

Alternatively if you know of someone in the area, please PM me.

Just to note, its a Thursday, and it's only needed from about 2.30 - 6.30 max. None of this 'oh you have to pay the full day rate as I can't take another job' nonsense. Its 7 weeks away, so chances of them getting another booking at this short notice are slim, and its a Thursday so again limits chances of being booked. I am happy to pay a fair price, but don't want to have it rubbed in just cos its a wedding - some companies are really laying it on thick. Someone who would be glad of the few hours extra work for a fair price would be great.

thanks in advance!

Loving the attitude there.... :rolleyes:

To be honest, you're expecting too much if you think someone will take time out of their working week, put mileage on their classic, give up their time and take the risk of being done for hiring their car and services without suitable licensing or insurance... And there are reports of classic/vintage vehicles being spot checked at weddings already in Ireland. Too great a risk to take IMHO.

Anyone who has the time, insurance, licensing etc will incur costs, and you'll have to pay them ultimately. You need to hire a car from someone with suitable licensing and insurance, not someone who'll do a little nixer in the middle of their working day. Anyone who'd do what you want is a cowboy...

How much were you quoted anyway, and for what car?

I'm not in the business either, just in case you get that impression. I just hate when your average punter thinks people with classics just LOVE to get out and about for any old reason, driving strangers around and all for a few pints and enough for a night out. :rolleyes:

Emerald Lass

well my "attitude" as you call it is in response to the fact that far too many people up the price once you mention wedding. They assume that every bride is one of the crazy brigade who takes out at €30k loan so money is no object.
My best friend hired a classic car (Bentley) for his girlfriends 30th birthday to drive her to the party, and have a little drive around before hand, bottle of bubbly etc - only wanted the car for 2 hours, on a Wednesday 5pm-7pm. Was charged by the hour no problem. When I rang the same company, they insisted on knowing what the event was. Once I said wedding they said they do not hire by the hour, which is a blatant lie because only 3 mths ago they did. So my reason for the "attitude" is in response to the "attitude" a lot of people have to overcharging once you mention wedding.

My point is, if anyone out there who does not have a booking would like a quick and easy half day job, please let me know. But I am not prepared to pay the same for 3-4 hrs as I would for a full day. If I were able to do that I would just pluck one out of the phonebook. The reason I posted here is because someone might be happy to take a couple of hours work (i.e they do not have to take a day out of their working week as you say, only about 3 hours).

Also I was hopeing someone might know of a contact for the guy in Stamullen, as if I do go ahead with it, I like to keep business local.

I am getting prices of €300-450 for the day, or 7 hours max. I honestly don't need the car for that many hours, as in that case it would be sitting outside my house for about 3 hours waiting for me, which seems silly. The only way to make benefit of it is to have it drive me to the hairdressers etc - which I would not be into. If i could hire by the hour, for the specified hours would be more practical.

So as mentioned in my OP, does anyone know of the guy in Stamullen? or failing that is there anyone prepared to work for about 3-4 hrs (def no more than 4 hours, I think 3 will be more than enough, but I just want to overestimate just in case)?

If anyone has any helpful advice rather than to criticise and nit pick that would be appreciated
thanks

BeardyGit

I'm hardly just criticising and nitpicking. You seem to think that a cost of €300-450 is excessive, and it really is not, especially for a wedding.... And don't get me wrong - I got married last year on a total budget of less than €10k for 70 guests all in, so I know a thing or two about cutting the costs without cutting the quality of the end result.

That said, you can't compare driving someone around on their birthday for a couple of hours to the service you would rightly expect from a wedding car hire company. What's the difference? Well, what happens if the car breaks down on the way to the church? A professional will have an impeccably maintained car and will usually arrange for a backup plan with another car, just in case...he may even be 'tailed'. Usually they'll work with the other cars too, like bridesmaids etc., to make sure everything comes off without a hitch. He will arrive long before your planned departure from the house....the car will be immaculate....it will be wiped down and polished around the corner, after he drives to your locality....he will be well versed in the protocal of weddings....he will exude professionalism throughout. He'll have thought everything through, from cleaning the door jambs through to having an umbrella ready to go at the mere threat of rain. The photos won't be blemished by a dirty car or a little bit of scruffiness about the driver.... The list of considerations is long.

Half the experience in having such a driver and vehicle will be to help make you feel truly special. A guy dressed in his 'interview suit' and driving his hobby won't do those things....

That same pro may indeed offer hourly rental for people who won't be too worried by all the little details, depending on what the occasion is and what's at stake, but that's not typically a bride or her family on a wedding day. He won't take the chances, and why on earth would he? The church, the venue, the guests, the photographer....all could be impacted if he doesn't deliver on the day. Delays and disappointments could cause a world of upset and he'll know this. As a pro, he'll have taken care of these risks and covered all the bases, just in case.

But you know what, you can ignore those things if you wish. Personally, I think 300-450 a day for a classic Bentley, Daimler, Rolls or Jag with a professional driver is a great offer. Consider the couple of hours preparation beforehand, the 3-4 hours you want him for, then the time spent wrapping up and clearing away afterwards and it's not at all an excessive quote....

Just think about how much you're paying for your photographer, the album, the flowers, the dress. How about suit rentals from the groomsmen and groom. Then consider the fact that the whole 'package' could be let down by someone doing a nixer or who's prepared to take shortcuts on your day.

I wouldn't. And I'm a tight git.

That's all I'm saying.... Have a great day, and don't get caught out.

Gil

mustang68

Emerald Lass wrote: »

I am getting prices of €300-450 for the day, or 7 hours max.

Actually I read the first post and had a think about how much I'd do it for if it was a nixer (which I wouldn't), and the figure I came up with was 350 in my head.

You'd have to take a day off (clean the car that morning, inside and out), do a dry run before and organise to meet the couple. Make sure you have a good clean (!) and I'd need a haircut! In my car you'd be talking 40 euros of fuel for the driving alone.

Please be very careful, if you pay someone to do it as a nixer you'll be effectively hiring an illegal taxi, no insurance, no second car when something goes wrong, I don't think you're being ripped off by those quotes.

melbourne

I reckon you should have no bother finding someone to do a nixer, providing their not a product of the Celtic tiger you should be right, cash is king, once was the time people depended on nixers to survive, can you imagine a plumber who works for Mercury or Lynches(the two biggest mech and elec firms in the country) fitting a new toilet in your house at the weekend without his public liability insurance or C2 cert, and could you imagine him taking time out of his weekend to squeeze in a nixer? Too right you can, many weddings have also been cancelled as people who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut can no longer afford to blow 20 or 30 grand on a wedding, could be time to finally start getting some value for money. Have you no relative with a nice Merc or a Jag, spend a few bob getting it a full valet and throw your cousin or next door neighbours young lad a few bob to drive it. Your money is hard earned, so take care where you spend it.

Emerald Lass

Gil_Dub wrote: »

I'm hardly just criticising and nitpicking. You seem to think that a cost of €300-450 is excessive, and it really is not, especially for a wedding

so why is a wedding event expected to pay more for the same service? I refer in particular to the "especially for a wedding". I do not think its excessive for a DAY, but I only need to hire for 3 hours.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

That said, you can't compare driving someone around on their birthday for a couple of hours to the service you would rightly expect from a wedding car hire company. What's the difference?

exactly my point - the company ALSO do wedding hire. When my firend rang asking to hire a car for a set amount of hours they said no prob and would hire by the hour, but once you say its for a wedding they increase the price, say you MUST book for the whole day and make out like you are getting a better service. Does that imply that anyone hiring for another occasion gets a lesser quality service?

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Well, what happens if the car breaks down on the way to the church? A professional will have an impeccably maintained car and will usually arrange for a backup plan with another car, just in case...he may even be 'tailed'.

have asked several friends if there was a 'tail' or a back up car for their wedding. All 6 said no. Actually in response to your post I rang a few companies - asked what would happen if breakdown occurred - they said they would send another car IF IT WERE AVAILABLE, but if I wanted the certainty of a second car it would cost extra. anyway, didn't you just say the car would be immpeccably maintained - so this being the case why would it break down? if someone is not sure of the ability of their car to meet the requirements then I would hope they would not offer it.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Usually they'll work with the other cars too, like bridesmaids etc., to make sure everything comes off without a hitch.

there will be no other cars - just me and my dad getting brought to the venue. No other fuss required.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

He will arrive long before your planned departure from the house....the car will be immaculate....it will be wiped down and polished around the corner, after he drives to your locality....he will be well versed in the protocal of weddings....he will exude professionalism throughout. He'll have thought everything through, from cleaning the door jambs through to having an umbrella ready to go at the mere threat of rain. The photos won't be blemished by a dirty car or a little bit of scruffiness about the driver.... The list of considerations is long.

so you imply that they don't do this for other bookings? isn't that part of the job? My sister drives a taxi - her car is always immaculate and spotlessly clean, and she is always immaculately turned out. Should she charge for the day, to cover the cost of her cleaning her car and getting dressed nicely, rather than the time she is hired for? And I have my own umberella - really don't think a clean car, and an umberella justifies the prices some people charge.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Half the experience in having such a driver and vehicle will be to help make you feel truly special. A guy dressed in his 'interview suit' and driving his hobby won't do those things....

are you sure about that? you imply that because it is not a full time job someone won't take the same pride as someone charging more and doing it full time. Also i don't need a driver to make me feel special, its my wedding day, I'll feel special anyway.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Delays and disappointments could cause a world of upset and he'll know this. As a pro, he'll have taken care of these risks and covered all the bases, just in case.

delays can happen regardless, and I don't see how a driver can prevent such things. If they are punctual and do what is required of them, then I don't see how they can be blamed for delays, and I wouldn't be someone who would blame them for things not in their control. As for traffic etc - there will be none, the venue is literally 15 mins from the pick up point, on a quiet road in the middle of a Thurs afternoon.

Gil_Dub wrote: »

But you know what, you can ignore those things if you wish. Personally, I think 300-450 a day for a classic Bentley, Daimler, Rolls or Jag with a professional driver is a great offer. Consider the couple of hours preparation beforehand, the 3-4 hours you want him for, then the time spent wrapping up and clearing away afterwards and it's not at all an excessive quote....

I don't need the car for a full day, that is the point. Secondly exactly what wrapping up and clearing away is required? other than the car getting cleaned again? It's not like there'll be a pack of rock stars in the back partying. What clearing up do you expect being required? Me and my dad will sit in car for 15mins to drive to venue. Driver waits outside for aprox 40 mins. Photos at venue, so has to hang around for maybe another 1 hr max. Then drive 2 people to hotel - another 15 mins. Car is required for a max 3 hours or so - 2 of those no one will even be in the car. total of 30mins of driving. What cleaning could possibly be required, other than the minimum?

Gil_Dub wrote: »

Just think about how much you're paying for your photographer, the album, the flowers, the dress. How about suit rentals from the groomsmen and groom. Then consider the fact that the whole 'package' could be let down by someone doing a nixer or who's prepared to take shortcuts on your day.

I am thinking of costs - photographer is costing less per hour than the car and he is excellent. No suit rentals, no bridesmaids, no groomsmen. So I think you can understand why paying for a full day of service when in reality only 3 hours is needed seems silly. It is exactly this type of thinking that has weddings costing mad money - well the couple are spending a fortune elsewhere so what's another expense? sorry but we are not in the position to be paying more than necessary.

Look I understand where you are coming from, but likewise I don't understand why there would be a problem with someone who has such a car charging an hourly rate? Personally I would like a classic car, but if its going to be such a problem and such an expense I can get a friend of my sister who has a taxi to do it for €150. He is quite happy with that - the way he sees it, at this stage he has no other certain bookings, and won't get one in the space of 6 weeks for a wedding. So for him a guaranteed €150 for 3 hours work is great. He has a 07 merc, fancy one, so it'll still look the part. And it will turn up clean and looking great. As it always would regardless of what the event is.

I am not asking anyone to offer their service for free or for less than what it is worth - all I am asking is if someone in this line of work/hobby would like a 3 hour booking, cash in hand if they want. I understand I am not getting a full day's service, and so do not expect all the frills and fuss that a full day gets. I just want someone who is dressed appropriately, with a well maintained car, to drive us the 15min drive to venue, wait for ceremony and photos to finish, then drive us another 15min back to hotel. I don't want champagne, or chocolates or any of that. I can supply the ribbons/decoration. It is a small wedding so there will be no hassle with bridesmaids, other family etc. I just want a simple service for a fair price, per hour. Is that really asking so much?
Everywhere else in my wedding there has been room for negotiation and making a deal. I stupidly thought this might be the same and someone local may be glad of a few hours work. Silly me.:rolleyes:

Emerald Lass

mustang68 wrote: »

Make sure you have a good clean (!) and I'd need a haircut!

surely you don't mean that the couple are responsible for your grooming? That would be like asking my boss to pay me for getting ready for work in the morning!!!!

mustang68 wrote: »

I don't think you're being ripped off by those quotes.

I never said I was being ripped off, I just want an hourly rate/half day rate. don't think its fair that I sould be paying the same as someone who makes use of the car for the full day. And the €300-450 were the ok quotes, and they were in the minority and I had to haggle as it was to get that. I have been quoted anything from €300 (after haggling and just for a merc, not a classic) up to €1100 for a Daimler! :eek: Even if I had the money to spend a grand on a car, I wouldn't anyway, i couldn't justify it for 3 hours work. That is what I meant when I said some people were rubbing it in.

Wishbone Ash

Enerald Lass - you posted your original query on the Dublin North County Forum. It was a casual query and I helpfully suggested that you post here as some of the lads may be able to assist.

I'm now sorry and embarrassed that I did so. You have a serious attitude problem especially considering that you are the one who is looking for assistance!

It's time to stop digging!

Gary ITR

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Enerald Lass - you posted your original query on the Dublin North County Forum. It was a casual query and I helpfully suggested that you post here as some of the lads may be able to assist.

I'm now sorry and embarrassed that I did so. You have a serious attitude problem especially considering that you are the one who is looking for assistance!

It's time to stop digging!

Some people just don't get how this little corner of boards works WA

This must be the friendliest and best forum on boards, so there's no need to cut an attitude or argue with anybody her Emerald Lass. I'd imagine the reason for charging more for weddings is due to a number of facts, on your wedding day you don't get a driver, you get a 'Chauffeur' also weddings get delayed all of the time whereas if it was a birthday party etc your driver would dump you out on the side of the road no bother.

Camarague

Am I the only one who thinks Emerald Lass is getting an unnecessarily harsh time on this thread?

For somebody who isn't aware of what is involved in classic car hire, I can see how E500 might initially seem excessive.

Surely there is a way of explaining things in a friendly way, without attacking her 'attitude'?

Emerald Lass, all I can advise is to shop around a bit more. Maybe a long shot, but possibly there are car companies in the North who might be in a position to legally provide a service for the Republic for a reasonable price?

Emerald Lass

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

You have a serious attitude problem especially considering that you are the one who is looking for assistance!

It's time to stop digging!

Well the defensive attitude of some posters on here from the first reply only strengthens my belief that once you mention the word wedding, immediately people try their best to convince you that you should pay more for a service. for example the implication that the price of the drivers haircut should be borne by the person hiring the car????:eek:

I asked for assistance in getting a contact for a particular car owner, and not one poster responded with that assistance. instead I was criticised for not wanting to pay over the odds. As i said €450 is a fair enough price for a days work, but for me, who only wants 3 hours work, and does NOT want a 'chauffeur' but a driver, then surely it is not unfair to ask if anyone can provide a 'by the hour' service, rather than me paying for 7 hours when only 3 is needed. I find €150 per hour excessive, and so would many others.

Also FYI chauffeur means driver in French, so a driver is exactly what you get.

Other than being harrassed for not wanting to pay for 4 hours of service I don't need, I got no assistance at all on board, only criticism. In that case I feel I am entitled to defend myself. However, I am glad to see that attitude was not held by all members, as some of the PM's I got wer very helpful, so thanks to those people.

Camarague wrote: »

Am I the only one who thinks Emerald Lass is getting an unnecessarily harsh time on this thread?

For somebody who isn't aware of what is involved in classic car hire, I can see how E500 might initially seem excessive.

Surely there is a way of explaining things in a friendly way, without attacking her 'attitude'?

Emerald Lass, all I can advise is to shop around a bit more. Maybe a long shot, but possibly there are car companies in the North who might be in a position to legally provide a service for the Republic for a reasonable price?

thanks Camarague.

And again, to clarify, I don't think €300-450 is excessive for a day, as I said MANY times, my point all along was that I don't need a car for a day, only for a few hours, and wanted someone who would be glad of the work and prepared to charge a fair price for 3 hours work. The fact that asking for a fair price annoyed so many people says more about them than me IMO. Celtic tiger is over, or have some people not realised? Good to see so many of you have such thriving businesses that you do not have to lower prices or negotiate - lucky you, you must be one of the few in the country.

To those who PM'd me with offers thank you - your offers are welcome and I will be in touch with those of you who are happy to book by the hour. Your car's look lovely, so I will def be in touch with you next week to discuss further.

peasant

I guess we're done here.

Just as a final word: OP, if you DO go ahead and hire a car on a "nixer", please be aware of the possible legal implications if things go wrong.