A tiny budget

johnos1984

I've been hankering after another classic since the Rover went in the summer.

I have a little bit of money going spare, say €800, to purchase a classic for daily use. My preference is something British or a 924 unless anyone has any better suggestions.

Am I mental or should I just increase the budget and get something decent? Possibly somebody has something in that range?

Dades

I don't think you'll get a 924 reliable enough to be a daily driver for €800.

You'd get a runner alright, but probably not one on Irish plates with an NCT.

alpina

Hate to say it, but think you would be mad, hold off until you can put another bit together...You mention daily use, would be afraid of the car costing you a tonne! NB: Buy cheap buy twice, happy trawling

johnos1984

Apologies, by daily driver I just mean once or twice a week to work which is a ten minute drive!

I don't mind if the body is a bit crusty I'd be more concerned with how good everything underneath it is.

I don't want to get something good this time as it will be just getting left outside under a cover. The SD1 was very cheap when I got it but I fear I may of just gotten a one off bargain

jerryg

You might get something in the vw world here http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?showforum=17
Jerry

carchaeologist

You want older than 30 I take it?

johnos1984

carchaeologist wrote: »

You want older than 30 I take it?

If its got a big engine then yes

As for classic insurance I think anything around 20 years qualifies for classic insurance

The cheaper running costs over 30 years would be a major bonus and the budget is flexible, I just literally have that much money as I forgot about some which I had put aside

Dades

I think you've got to go over 30 years.

Even something with a small engine will cost you €500-600 to tax a year - and if you're purchase budget is only €800... :pac:

johnos1984

Dades wrote: »

I think you've got to go over 30 years.

Even something with a small engine will cost you €500-600 to tax a year - and if you're purchase budget is only €800... :pac:

Just edited the above as it was a bit misleading.

The running costs don't bother me to much, once you have it you have to pay for it and all that.

I spotted a Metro for €800 that appears to be in good condition so it got me thinking what else could be got for that sum of money if I decided to part with it. I'd rather not drive form Wicklow to kerry to check it out if there was something more interesting in between

gn3dr

johnos1984 wrote: »

Just edited the above as it was a bit misleading.

The running costs don't bother me to much, once you have it you have to pay for it and all that.

I spotted a Metro for €800 that appears to be in good condition so it got me thinking what else could be got for that sum of money if I decided to part with it. I'd rather not drive form Wicklow to kerry to check it out if there was something more interesting in between

A Metro!!! I'd say there's a lot more interesting between Kerry and Wicklow than one of those

How about an MGB? - they must be approaching that sort of money now - plenty of them for sale anyway but would need to watch for rust.

Alternatively how about a Land Rover

carchaeologist

gn3dr wrote: »

A Metro!!! I'd say there's a lot more interesting between Kerry and Wicklow than one of those

Yep! Definatly!

johnos1984

gn3dr wrote: »

How about an MGB? - they must be approaching that sort of money now - plenty of them for sale anyway but would need to watch for rust.

Alternatively how about a Land Rover

Both of those would be at the top of the list but finding an MGB which isn't dangerously full of tin worm at this price may not be easy. I had seen some going cheap a few months ago but nothing since.

A Series LR, or County would be perfect also but alas tin worm on the chassis would be a fear.

In fact either of the above would be great plus it would feed my British car interest

Agreed about the Metro. I do like it but it wouldn't have enough of an old car feel about it.

Would a running LR or MGB be possible at that price level or close to it which doesn't need 1000's spend to make it road worth. Bodywork can be done over time but once everything works ok I'd be happy

gn3dr

johnos1984 wrote: »

Both of those would be at the top of the list but finding an MGB which isn't dangerously full of tin worm at this price may not be easy. I had seen some going cheap a few months ago but nothing since.

A Series LR, or County would be perfect also but alas tin worm on the chassis would be a fear.

In fact either of the above would be great plus it would feed my British car interest

Agreed about the Metro. I do like it but it wouldn't have enough of an old car feel about it.

Would a running LR or MGB be possible at that price level or close to it which doesn't need 1000's spend to make it road worth. Bodywork can be done over time but once everything works ok I'd be happy

I'd say to be realistic you'd have to up the budget a bit - but not by too much. Possibly look at going to England as well - prices can still be a lot more realistic over there compared to some of the dreamers here.

johnos1984

The budget can be upped easily enough, not a huge amount but no point in saving 200 only to end up spending 500 on repairs.

I've my eye on a few in Britain but lets see what we can turn up here first

galwaytt

...only for the road tax, there's tons of 944's about........

johnos1984

galwaytt wrote: »

...only for the road tax, there's tons of 944's about........

know one in particular?

johnos1984

LIGHTNING wrote: »

What about a 2CV? Our resident 2CV expert should be able to give more info but I remember seeing a couple of half decent ones for about 1k.

Completely forgot about the 2CV.

There are two on Dungdeal that may suit. Anyone know what they are like to work on?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/1666920

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/1659900

mmarks

Bit of an 'out of the box' suggestion but I just did something similar and bought a really good MGF.
1.8 engine so not too bad on tax but economical, quick enough (especially the 160 model), 2 seater soft top with a mid engine.

There were known for head gasket problems but most have been sorted by now.

There is nothing cheaper that is as much fun. I even used mine the last week in the snow and ice - not ideal but got me to work no problems!

They can be bought for well under 1000 euro in really great condition.

Mine is a 2001 with 50k on the clock, 1 owner and full history. Leather interior, new roof and tiptronic 6 speed gearbox. What else gives so many smiles for a grand?

gn3dr

mmarks wrote: »

Bit of an 'out of the box' suggestion but I just did something similar and bought a really good MGF.
1.8 engine so not too bad on tax but economical, quick enough (especially the 160 model), 2 seater soft top with a mid engine.

There were known for head gasket problems but most have been sorted by now.

There is nothing cheaper that is as much fun. I even used mine the last week in the snow and ice - not ideal but got me to work no problems!

They can be bought for well under 1000 euro in really great condition.

Mine is a 2001 with 50k on the clock, 1 owner and full history. Leather interior, new roof and tiptronic 6 speed gearbox. What else gives so many smiles for a grand?

That sounds lika a good bargain (although the tiptronic box wouldn't be my choice)

Anyone know where I could get my hands on a 1.8 VVC engine from one of these? - for an MGB conversion :rolleyes:

V480

I was im a situation not too different from you about 6 months ago and was told by many to forget trying to find anything decent for about a grand, especially not anything approaching 'classic' status.

It took ALOT of searching and patience but eventually I got my hands on a lovely Toyota MR2, nearly 20 years old, perfect condition and NCT'd for just over 1000 euro. It is doable.

I considered an MGF also but was put off because I thought they would be trouble, mainly because of the badge! Pity I did not ask here first. But they are a lovely looking car and could well be an option.

There's alot out there and it's a buyers market, as I'm sure you have been told a thousand times already. Just having a quick scan around and found this: http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Volvo/V40/400-SERI/201046200227892/advert?channel=CARS
and this:http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1619272

Hardly to everyones taste I know but if I had a quid handy they are the kind of cars I would like, just to show that there are good cars to be had for that money. Best of luck, look forward to seeing what you buy

johnos1984

Thanks for the suggestions people.

I think I'm going to stick to an MGB or Series LR and try and find a good one of them.

Anything newer will just be pricey to run with Tax, nct and insurance.

So if anyone has one on the road or pushed into a shed which isn't too ropey don't be afraid to give me a PM or post some suggestions.

johnos1984

Something may of been found but it will be a while before I have more concrete information.

Its cheap and its TOPGEARS favourite* classic car

Dades

^^ And I bet it comes in hearing-aid beige!

unkel

Like this?

johnos1984

unkel wrote: »

Like this?

A bit newer.

A 1978 1.8l S in flame red

We have to see a few details have to be ironed out and it will be a few weeks before I know for sure

johnos1984

I've not bought the Marina in case anyone has a better offer sooner

shineon23

http://cars.buyandsell.ie/search/wanted/motors/kildare/-/porsche-944-3

there's a 944 i seen on buy and sell, €800 but needs work the ad says, if it's any good to you.

johnos1984

shineon23 wrote: »

http://cars.buyandsell.ie/search/wanted/motors/kildare/-/porsche-944-3

there's a 944 i seen on buy and sell, €800 but needs work the ad says, if it's any good to you.

Might be worth looking into alright.

What year is it I wonder?

I got put off a Merc that I viewed last night die to the cost of tax!

I think I'm going to keep it to over 30 years old for the tax