Help buying first classic car!

cath28

I'm finally able to buy ny first classic but I need some help as I dont know much! I wanted a Merc 123, but havent found the right one. Now I'm looking at a BMW 2002, a VW Karmann Ghia, or a Damlier XJ. Anyone have any advice on these cars, for eg, how hard to get maintenance, parts etc.. realibility.. cost to maintain etc.. For the complete novice ( but after all I have to start somewhere!). I live in Dublin. ANY help would be so much appreciated. Thanks.

cath28

I forgot the lovely MG BGT on carzone.. green one. Its alot cheeper than the others thogh.. How much should I expect to pay for these cars? I'm really confused.. though I have been looking now for a year and am getting impatient! I've had three Mercs checked by a specialist mechanic, who told me each time to stay away.. thats why I'm considering other makes.. I can spend up to say 10k but am worried to spend that much on something I dont know about, so would prefer to spend less on first one in case I buy a complete money pit! I dont wat to drive every day, mainly weekends and the od trip down the country, so it would have to be reliable to drive to cork say...and i dont have a garrage but live in a safe enough part of tiown so should be ok to park outside my house.

alastair

That's a rather random set of options!

A Daimler or Jag will drink fuel and provide a nice sittingroom to move you expensively from a to b.

A Karmann Ghia is essentially a nicer dressed bug with less practicallity. It moves slowly and makes a lot of noise doing so.

A BMW 2002 is somewhere in between, and probably the most practical of the bunch. You shouldn't have given up on the merc so easily though - getting a good example of any classic is either time consuming or expensive, or sometimes both.

What are you actually looking for in the car? How often would you use it? Will it be garaged, a second or primary car, for fun or utility?

All older cars are (as a rule) more prone to faults of one sort or another, thirstier, less safe, and have the potential to be money pits. On the positive side, they also have a lot more character, and don't rely on a computer to fix when they do go wrong mechanically.

edit: posted before I saw the second post.

I'd suggest holding off until the summer shows and then talking to owners of the car's you're interested in - they'll probably be happy to point out the pros and cons of each model, and you can measure them up for your needs. If you extend your search to the UK you'll find a lot more options in whatever models.

Johnboy Mac

The 2002 would be my advise. Very good value provided you but one in good condition as they do rot, parts are all available both from BMW and the specialists like Jaymic in Norfolk, UK. Very straight forward to work on and are well built. But most important very enjoyable to drive.

Good luck

cath28

Thanks for the prompt replies.. and yes alastair.. its pretty random a selection. As you said theres alot of disadvantages to old cars.. but I still want one! As I said.. I've wanted one for years but for one reason or another I could never have one. I understand I need patience.. but right now, I also need a car! Ive held off on buying something sensible and new-ish for two years now, hoping to find what I want.. which is a car with character that looks great but not too showy, is reliable in that it will start when I need it and I wont have to spend every minute sorting it out. I dont drive every day as I live central, Of course I know if all I want is reliability I should buy a boring civic or something but am loath to do so. Previous advice suggested the Merc as the most reliable for a novice, but I havent found one so thats why I'm widening my search. I'm out of my depth and I know it, but I just feel I have to start somewhere!!

What summer shows are you talking about Alastair? The only thing is now I'm in a bit of a rush as I really need a car now as I have to visit a sick relative often and am spending a fortune on taxis and rentals.
Thanks for the advise on the Damlier and the Ghia's negative aspects.. and so the BMW 2002 sounds good. I wish I had saved the link on carzone but theres only about three on there right now and its the metalliic bkue '72 in Offlay I'm most into, if you get a chance to look.

Any comments on the MG BGT? Other posts here say theyre a good starter classic. Theres a nice green one on carzone too at the mo. Also, any recomendations of a Mechanic who specialises in these makes that i could et to look over them? Or anywhere else i could look for a Merc?
I know UK is cheeper an more selection etc.. but with my knowledge or lack of it I'm worried to go to all the effort to go there not knowing what to look for and getting shafted!

I really apreiate your help Alastair and Johnboy Mac!
Cath

KF:)

Buy the best you can afford, cheap cars are usually cheap for a reason.
If you decide on a 2002 then you could do worse than this one, owner is a classic enthusiast who runs his own classic car workshop and website.
http://www.classiccar.ie/Car.aspx?AdID=187

cath28

Cheers KF I had seen this car already and good to know its a reliable seller. I had prefered the look of the other one on Carzonehttp://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/2002/Cabriole/200916192507550/advert
As you siad buy the best I can aford.. problem is though I havent a clue of the typical prices! If you get a chance maybe have a look at the other BMW 2002 and let me know if theres any reson to choose one over the other.
Also.. thanks you so much all posters.. I was really feeling swamped and about to give up with this dream of mine.. Its so reasuring that poeple who know so much more than me are willing to take the time to help out and give advice. Ye're all stars! Thanks..

alastair

cath28 wrote: »

What summer shows are you talking about Alastair? The only thing is now I'm in a bit of a rush as I really need a car now as I have to visit a sick relative often and am spending a fortune on taxis and rentals.
Thanks for the advise on the Damlier and the Ghia's negative aspects.. and so the BMW 2002 sounds good. I wish I had saved the link on carzone but theres only about three on there right now and its the metalliic bkue '72 in Offlay I'm most into, if you get a chance to look.

Any comments on the MG BGT? Other posts here say theyre a good starter classic. Theres a nice green one on carzone too at the mo. Also, any recomendations of a Mechanic who specialises in these makes that i could et to look over them? Or anywhere else i could look for a Merc?

Nothing wrong withn a Karmann Ghia btw - I love them personally, but they wouldn't be my first call for comfort or running up and down to Cork.

The summer shows I was referring to were the larger classic car shows that take place when the sun comes out - Mosney, Trim, Terenure, etc. List of many up here: http://www.ivvcc.ie/Events.htm

MG's are popular because they're affordable, 'sporty', have lots of spares available, and are easy to service. However they're also a little 'rough and ready' - and don't really live up to their sporty image. There's also a lot of them about, so they don't carry some of the exotic appeal of other models.

In general it's rust you need to be careful of. Most old cars are entirely suited to being serviced by any independent mechanic, but the expensive stuff really starts if there's bodywork needed. And lucas electrics (see MG BGT) are notorious for being unreliable.

KF:)

There is a 2002 owners club that meet up at the spawell every second Tuesday evening of the month, if you can attend there will be planty of experts there.
For a really good example you will probably spend €10k, best thing to do would be to call and look at some cars for sale and talk to the owners. There is a classic car show in Durrow on Sunday, should be some 2002's there

Also if the car is going to be left outdoors all year round it might be worth considering a fibreglass bodied car like lotus or tvr..

junkyard

Don't rule out a Mercedes 123, a simple car to maintain and run as a daily car, parts are still available, you can even get a diesel one too, saloon, coupe or even an estate!! If I was looking for a useable classic that still looks the part I'd have one, in fact I have four, no surprise there I suppose!!:D

gyppo

A Mercedes w123 is a good first classic, provided you find the right one. Rust is the main issue with them. However, there are good ones to be found still, but you have to kiss a lot of frogs first.

2cv had a peachy w123 for sale here a few weeks ago - needless to say he sold it fairly quickly.

I have two of them, an 85 in very good condition (passed its NCT three weeks ago with flying colours), and an 83 in not so good condition (some rot, but not terminal). The 85 one is a 230e auto, has been utterly reliable so far, and returns about 27/28 mpg. Very comfortable on a journey.

My only complaint is the cost of the road tax @ 800+ euros

245

junkyard wrote: »

Don't rule out a Mercedes 123, a simple car to maintain and run as a daily car, parts are still available, you can even get a diesel one too, saloon, coupe or even an estate!! If I was looking for a useable classic that still looks the part I'd have one, in fact I have four, no surprise there I suppose!!:D

I completely agree - the key word here is useable. Try driving a '70's British classic in heavy rain or mist from surface water, especially in the dark and you'll get a rude awakening (with the possible exception of Ford which you haven't mentioned).

For the record, a Beetle will cruise at near enough 70 mph all day (mine did, from memory from Limerick to Dublin on one memorable journey) so the Karmann Ghia should be similar - acceleration isn't great but they're a good classic.

To own a classic you'll REALLY need to be willing to learn and get your hands dirty... Its all logic and there are plenty of on-line resources so don't be afraid, just be positive and all will be well. Don't kid yourself that its just a cheaper and cooler option.

If you're going to drive one any distance then get something that'll cruise. Overdrive is one option. A fifth gear is similar but better. There are some exceptions such as the Beetle (I think, but its a while) but do some research on gearing (mph per 1000 revs and the like).

Eric318

Well, with 10K you are the king of the castle! Just stay away from rust. For that money you can get yourself a beauty. I just received the Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine and I am amazed at what recession + weak £ brings under €10K: several pages of top spec XJS and XK8 even convertibles!! Jaw dropping

It really is a matter of keeping your head cool, asking lots and lots of advice, get your possible purchases inspected and most importantly define more or less what you want... or don't want e.g. a MGB is quite ..."agricultural", a Daimler XJ is way more refined, but the style statements are also very different, so are possible maintenance costs.

You should really join a club of the marque and model you set your sights on BEFORE buying and learn about the car.

You will probably do like most of us did, ignore all this and just buy your car on a whim Have fun.

unkel

Eric318 wrote: »

You will probably do like most of us did, ignore all this and just buy your car on a whim