Tips for buying a classic car

ivk

Hi All,

just wondering if anyone can help. i am looking to buy a classic car, preferably one that qualifies for classic tax and insurance. I am not looking for anything that needs major work or costs alot to maintain. i have seen some 77/78 mercs in mint condition but i am unaware as to whether or not it would be cheap or hard to maintain.

Can anyone offer me any advice??

Eoin

I've moved your post to a new thread; please don't dig up 5 year old threads.

Dades

OP are you buying a classic because you like old cars, or because you think it will be cheap?

A well sorted merc shouldn't cost too much to maintain. Bear in mind you'll need to be NCT'ing classics in a year or two. Best advice is always spend the most you can up front.

unfit2006

Dades wrote: »

OP are you buying a classic because you like old cars, or because you think it will be cheap?

A well sorted merc shouldn't cost too much to maintain. Bear in mind you'll need to be NCT'ing classics in a year or two. Best advice is always spend the most you can up front.

dades,

how are figuring NCTs for "classics" in a year or two ? Will the pre 1980's that are referred to in the new regs for June 2010 be liable for NCT also?

unfit.

Dades

unfit2006 wrote: »

dades,

how are figuring NCTs for "classics" in a year or two ? Will the pre 1980's that are referred to in the new regs for June 2010 be liable for NCT also?

Sorry confused us both there! Pre-1980 are still NCT free...

What's your budget? Saloon or coupe etc?

shawnee

I suppose it is down to what you like and then your budget. As the owner of a 78 280ce , I am most pleased with it and find it most reliable and a pleasure to drive. :D

ivk

Whats the story men,

yeah i want to spend maybe 5 or 6 grand more maybe depending on what i get. Although in saying that there are some nice machines out there. i am stuck as to whether to buy a merc or bmw. It will be a car to have for weekends, as i have a car for travelling to work and is piling up the milage so i thought of buying something classic and something comfy and reliable.

Are parts easy to come by? And i seem to be having trouble getting insurance quotes who would you recommend for insurance?

Appreciate your help guys.

superfly35

5 or 6 grand you are going to buy a very nice one.

For the insurrance Irish Vintage Society will sort you out for €152 in fully comp. So not a bother.

I would say in classic, you can find very nice car if you give yourself time.

After keep some cash to service it, if you are spanner friendly. Classic car are reliable but as other car they need to be serviced.

Paparazzo

OP, I'm im in the same boat as you, best advice I can give is to see if there's an owners club for the car you're looking for. There is for almost everything. Most have websites and great info on what to look for if you're buying them.

Some have Irish owners clubs, well worth joining if you want to talk to a few people with the same cars as you. Even if you're not interested in talking to other car nerds ( ), it's still worth doing for contacts and good advice.

Tigger

if you aren't able to work on cars yourself it won't be cheap

The Aussie

ivk wrote: »

Can anyone offer me any advice??

What ever Make/Model you choose the best advice i can give is Buy the best example you can