Classic as first car

KTRIC

Right lads and ladies, I want to learn to drive a car, well I know already sort of. I've been a biker for 12 years and I think its time I got 4 wheels under me.

I have no interest in new cars, they disgust me with their electronics and what not. I'm thinking pre 1980, not too big but big enough to fit my large 6ft 4in carcass in and that's not going to cost me an arm and leg on insurance.

Any suggestions ?

HiKite

I just bought a Porsche 924 (Non turbo), it's a cheap car to buy and run, relatively practical, and if you lower the seat, it should fit you fine!

Here's a buyers guide: http://porsche924.co.uk/buyers/

KTRIC wrote: »

Right lads and ladies, I want to learn to drive a car, well I know already sort of. I've been a biker for 12 years and I think its time I got 4 wheels under me.

I have no interest in new cars, they disgust me with their electronics and what not. I'm thinking pre 1980, not too big but big enough to fit my large 6ft 4in carcass in and that's not going to cost me an arm and leg on insurance.

Any suggestions ?

Bigus

You'll fit into any old Merc, and all the parts are still available for them

KTRIC

HiKite wrote: »

I just bought a Porsche 924 (Non turbo), it's a cheap car to buy and run, relatively practical, and if you lower the seat, it should fit you fine!

Here's a buyers guide: http://porsche924.co.uk/buyers/

I quite like them, any idea on where I can get cheap insurance for it. Bearing in mind I don't have any ncb to speak of.

CompleteCarGuy

An E30 BMW makes a great first car - perhaps a 320i or 325i from the 1980s?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-%28E21/201042199979215/advert?channel=CARS

_Conrad_

If you're into bikes then there's a good chance you're at least some bit mechanically minded, and at least somewhat enthusiastic about your chosen machines so a good candidate to actaully maintain something properly. There are lots of old motors that can do the job perfectly well once looked after, particularly the quality stuff like mercedes benz and BMW.
Stuff like cortinas (and most old fords) are really simple so not a whole lot to go wrong and dead easy to work on many parts are made brand new for them as well.
Old VWs can be done too if you're prepared to constantly look after them.
That's only a few, there's lots of stuff.
You've got to decide also how many luxuries you want such as power steering, fancy brakes etc.


You say you've ridden bikes for 12 years so even if you started on 125s at 16 you must be at least 28 so at least you're not starting out at 17, should make insurance a bit easier you've no NCB but you must have hit or be close to hitting 30 so that'll count for something. Is there any particular old 4 wheeler that has caught your eye so far?

KTRIC

Should have mentioned my age, I'm 32, male and from Dublin.

I'd love a shark nose 6 series but I think I'd be crucified on insurance. I had a couple of E30's with the ex before and we both loved them.

Ideally looking for something sporty, a bit of storage and cheap to run and insure.

bijapos

The only way you'll find out is to start ringing around various insurance companies. Just tell them you've a 1980 Merc 200, value €3000 and see what they say.

You've two problems. First is the NCB, were you ever a named driver on someone elses policy? This might help.

Second is that most companies who insure classics do so on the basis its a second car. You are on a learners permit by the sounds of things. I had a some bother a couple of years ago as I had no private car, just a company van. Ring around is all I can advise, or maybe try an insurance broker that you know. I found Axa to be helpful back then. See how it goes.

You could also consider a "youngtimer", a 1980's or early 90's car like a BMW E34 or a W124, very little electronics in them and they still look classy and a bit different.

_Conrad_

Just a little inspiration....




or maybe a 5 series of the same era, should be slightly cheaper insurance and running costs, though be warned, any of these old bmws will want a lot of fuel, and regular careful maintenance/servicing





Not the best thing to look at if you want cheap to run, in general old, sporty and cheap to run don't fit together

pappyodaniel

Go automatic, really simplifies the driving.

_Conrad_

pappyodaniel wrote: »

Go automatic, really simplifies the driving.

If he's managed to operate a motorcycle successfully for 12 years i'm sure he can manage a manual transmission in a car.
It's better to be able to use both manual and automatic gearboxes.

Stained Class

Ford Capri should be on the shortlist too.

Easy to find, work on & get parts for.

Overall, cheap to run. Engine sizes from 1.3 thru to 3 litre to suit any budget.

'80s Laser (1.6 & 2.0) easiest to find & most practical in real-world driving. Well equiped for the time too.

If you're feeling more adventuress try the 2.8i.

Some of these should be coming into the cheap tax about now.

You know it makes sense!:D

HiKite

KTRIC wrote: »

I quite like them, any idea on where I can get cheap insurance for it. Bearing in mind I don't have any ncb to speak of.

I have 6+ years NCB so there'll be no comparison I'm afraid; I just paid Aviva €220 for the year, up to 5K miles. If you have concerns about the price of your insurance, you DEFINITELY need a cheap tax motor, 30 years old at the youngest; to offset your insurance costs. I bought a '79 car for this very reason, and also because pre 1980 cars are NCT exempt

HiKite

bijapos wrote: »

You could also consider a "youngtimer", a 1980's or early 90's car like a BMW E34 or a W124, very little electronics in them and they still look classy and a bit different.

Can't wait for these cars to turn 30. I just sold an E34 2.5 TDS Touring as the tax on it was €935 a year. Would love a W123 Touring or even better, a W124 Touring! :cool:

HiKite

KTRIC wrote: »

I'm thinking pre 1980, not too big but big enough to fit my large 6ft 4in carcass in and that's not going to cost me an arm and leg on insurance. Any suggestions ?

This lad has a shed full of great looking motors, I bet you'd find something here: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/2184599

PaddyFagan

Saw this on the Bangernomics thread on the main motors board: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055468313&page=353

1994 525i €1295 - it looks sweet and really deserves to go to a good home - more details: http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?p=321493



Paddy

KTRIC

Stained Class wrote: »

Ford Capri should be on the shortlist too.

Easy to find, work on & get parts for.

Overall, cheap to run. Engine sizes from 1.3 thru to 3 litre to suit any budget.

'80s Laser (1.6 & 2.0) easiest to find & most practical in real-world driving. Well equiped for the time too.

If you're feeling more adventuress try the 2.8i.

Some of these should be coming into the cheap tax about now.

You know it makes sense!:D

I always had a thing for the Capri and it ticks all the boxes.

trek04

Any old merc will be good to go

mk1esc

your in around the right age for a good capri....you grew up on the mk3's like myslef and when i used to see them i was like "wow".....im a ford man myself....ave ya got a garage to store the car in? get in touch with the capri club of ireland and get to some shows if your serious about buying a classic...the biggest one is the terenure show...keep us posted on what you decide on but as previously stated a pre 1980 car would be best no nct, cheap car tax etc

Muckie

Capri or maybe even a Cortina, also a great car

to work on. Pick up a few magazines like Retro Ford or Classic Ford

plenty of nice machines in there from standard to show winners.

Easy cars to maintain and great to drive around in.



Love the MK 2s myself

Good luck OP.