Make/Model advice for First Time Buyer

JohnnyBananas

Hi All,

After building up years of experience in driving worthless old bangers, I am considering buying a car for prestige or show purposes, which will also be used as a functional vehicle (eg for driving to the supermarket). I believe the problem with modern cars is that they are full of computer chips and possibly require an expensive mechanic to do minor things (eg change a spark plug). I have non computerised mechanical experience and I want to avoid these unnecessary costs/hassle hence I am looking to go down the classic car route.

I believe I will need a make/model that conforms to the following criteria:

1. Replacement parts will have to be easily available and affordable.
2. I have heard classic cars can be vandalised when parked in public, simply because they stand out as being different. The make/model I am looking for will have to be moderately prestigious but not stand out too much to be vandalised.
3. The make/model will have to be tuned to unleaded and reasonably fuel efficient.
4. A convertible would be nice but not essential.

I know nothing about classic cars. Does anyone think that such a make/model exists? If yes, please share details. Also, are there any other factors that should be taken into account when buying classic?

All help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all responses.

mike65

You don't mention your budget, but given your stated terms and conditions I'd suggest either a Rover P6 3500 or a Mercedes Benz w116 or w123 many will be unleaded at this stage, parts should be straightforward for the most part.

Dades

I assume you're looking at two seaters, OP, if you'd fancy a convertible? Or are you totally open as to what type of vehicle to get?

As Mike says - need budget!

TigerTim

You may also need to keep a modern daily driver on the road for insurance purposes to allow you to have a classic car policy.

T.

Mahatma coat

How about a BMW
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/vintagecars/2573311

there are a lot of nice 3 series out there, but if its prestige yer after there are some really nice 7 Series kickin about too, a lot of them are in reasonable nick

Blue850

E30 Convertible?

One of these could work as an only car, an 80's reg model would get you into most car shows. I think they look great and the likes of OTTO should be a source of parts. I've seen one with an optional hardtop making it a coupe for winter driving.

Pdfile

JohnnyBananas wrote: »

Hi All,

After building up years of experience in driving worthless old bangers, I am considering buying a car for prestige or show purposes, which will also be used as a functional vehicle (eg for driving to the supermarket). I believe the problem with modern cars is that they are full of computer chips and possibly require an expensive mechanic to do minor things (eg change a spark plug). I have non computerised mechanical experience and I want to avoid these unnecessary costs/hassle hence I am looking to go down the classic car route.

I believe I will need a make/model that conforms to the following criteria:

1. Replacement parts will have to be easily available and affordable.
2. I have heard classic cars can be vandalised when parked in public, simply because they stand out as being different. The make/model I am looking for will have to be moderately prestigious but not stand out too much to be vandalised.
3. The make/model will have to be tuned to unleaded and reasonably fuel efficient.
4. A convertible would be nice but not essential.

I know nothing about classic cars. Does anyone think that such a make/model exists? If yes, please share details. Also, are there any other factors that should be taken into account when buying classic?

All help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all responses.

theirs alot of japanese stuff you could buy... rx-7's for the brave, s13/300zx targa top and more just that mostly like it will be a an england job to get a halfway clean one..

stackerman

How's about a Stag ?

Great car, great engine, easy parts supply, plenty of space, and convertible.

Good luck with your search

carchaeologist

Moderatly prestigious

Now how do you define that?

alastair

carchaeologist wrote: »

Now how do you define that?

Bentley under RR - prestigious
Bentley under VW - moderately prestigious

bijapos

Fuel efficient and reliable?

E28 BMW 524td, almost as fast as a petrol model in real world driving and ahould get you 6-7l/100km (45mpg+) on long drives. They are just very rare in RHD, you might have to go to the UK.

Apart fromn that you should look at:
BMW E28
BMW E12
Merc W123
Merc W114/W115
Porsche 924
Porsche 944
BMW E30 324td touring

If you want a prestigous convertible try a pre 94 Saab 900, or a late model Golf Mk1 cabriolet.

All the above are reliable and there is still a huge market for spares etc. Consumption depends on the car and driving style but with older large petrol engines don't expect to get better than 30mpg too often.

JohnnyBananas

mike65 wrote: »

You don't mention your budget

I would say a budget of anything up to EUR 10,000.

Dades wrote: »

I assume you're looking at two seaters

No, it’s a daily use functional vehicle, so 4 seater.

carchaeologist wrote: »

JohnnyBananas wrote: »

moderately prestigious

Now how do you define that?

Flashy, but not too Flashy.

Again, thanks in advance for all responses.

JohnnyBananas

JohnnyBananas wrote: »

..........I believe the problem with modern cars is that they are full of computer chips and possibly require an expensive mechanic to do minor things (eg change a spark plug). ............

I wouldn't agree with that really, even the most recent of cars can be DIY serviced quite easily, admittedly when something major goes wrong specialist/main dealer assistance maybe required. Local garage would be able to cope with the vast majority of issues.

Certainly oil changes, spark plugs, brake pads etc are all much the same as they always were.

mk1esc

as this will be your second car (i take it) how about a good 2.8i ford granada, top of the range model, plenty of spares and specialists about...can be bought for cheap but can also be good on fuel....elec windows, seats etc...very good value for money plus plenty of change left over

there are also plenty of mercs or porsches etc about.....:)

id love a 1980's M5, shark nose type, plenty about

some very good bargins to be had as your budget is pretty good....
take your time on deciding what to go for cause if you dont like what you bought it should sell on handy enough
get talking to the car clubs and go on the different forums
buy the best you can afford of the model you desire
if you dont know much about cars take somebody who does know

just my few tips for you.....let us all know what you buy

Dades

What about a nice Mercedes 107 SLC?



They look and sound great and have 4 proper seats (the back of the SL version is only for midgets and shopping).

And plenty of tip top pre-1980 ones around for your budget.