Toying with the idea of buying a classic - advice needed

caesar

Hi All,

I'm toying with the idea of buying a classic car. I live in London so dont really have the need for a car but I was thinking I'd like to get a classic for weekends etc.

Anyway, after a bit of googling I was thinking maybe a Porsche 944 but equally Im open to ideas as Im new to the world of classics.

My budget is about 3K sterling. I want something iconic, and not all that common, preferably a coupe. Im not really interested in getting VW Beetle or Minis or a saloon etc.

I was also thinking along the lines of a TVR or maybe a Triumph. I want to get something in good nick so dont really want to stretch the budget to just get a car that I have to put a load of money in to.

Look forward to your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!!

hi5

I did that, got the tube to work during the week and I had a '73 350sl for the weekends.
I also rented a lockup to store it, I think it was £30 a month to store it at the time mid/late '90s.
Convertibles are great around London, its always a bit warmer there, you'll seldom be going too fast and it wont get spat in when you leave it with the roof down.

moonlighting

Do you have a garage to store the classic. Classic cars need storage.

bbsrs

3k budget for a useable reliable classic Porsche , TVR , Triumph or similar that you won't have to pile money in to in the future. You may get one of the cars of your choice but it being a well looked after good condition example that has been well maintained and is ready to use is highly unlikely for 3k.

Cleveland Hot Pocket

Jag XJ?
Plenty of series 3 or xj40 around at that end of the market.

macplaxton

caesar wrote: »

My budget is about 3K sterling.

Well that's the insurance and storage bill for SW12 taken care of for the year. How much is left for the car again?

Own a car inside the M25? I wouldn't bother. I'd be toying with the idea of moving as far away as possible where I could enjoy my hobby.

alastair

You might consider another option - there's a classic car club timeshare place on Old Street - you pay something short of two grand a year iirc and you get access to their roster of classics on a points basis (more points used for the more exotic stuff). If it's a weekend toy you want it offers you lots of variety, and removes the maintenance and storage headaches, for a price. They've some lovely looking cars, from what I've seen while in the neighbourhood.

http://www.classiccarclub.co.uk/home.asp

Henry Ford III

944 is a decent choice. Loads available in the UK and most have been well looked after too. They are a good car to drive too. You'll need a garage/storage though.

Dades

I think with 3K you're priced out of a TVR, Merc SL or an XJS.

That's really rubber bumper MG money, though you'd probably pick up a 924/944 for that too. None of the other classics I can see in that price range would raise the pulse on the road unless you wear a flat cap.