Very old BMW 1988 316 coupe for everyday use, is it worth it?

w0rldsex

Hello.

I really like one very old BMW 1988 years 316 coupe and I want to buy it and go to work every day on it, but I do not really know the laws in Ireland. Im mechanic and to maintenance this car for me would be really cheap.
 
It turns out that it is possible to put a black numbers on it... but is there any bonus? I have heard that the road tax for back numbers is a very cheap but can I use car with this tax to drive every day?

Do I have to put black numbers on it? i

What will the insurance company say on that? whether it will be super expensive or super cheap insurance ...


Thank you!

Duke O Smiley

A 1988 1.6 litre car will cost you €514 (or whatever that standard 1.6 rate is) to tax. Only when its 30 years old will it qualify for classic tax @ €56

Black number plates are legal however on any pre-1991 car, you can have plain white ones if you want

You might struggle to get an insurance quote as a lot of companies do not insure old cars now. Though an 80s BMW would very easily qualify for a classic policy, but for one of these you will need a standard policy on another car and very often with a classic policy you will have a specific mileage limit

w0rldsex

thanks for answer.

slimjimmc

There's nothing law stopping you from driving around all day every so long as the car is taxed, NCT and insured. The problem could be getting insurance, many insurers may refuse to cover or may limit the annual mileage to such an extent to make it not viable for a daily commuter.

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

Black number plates are legal however on any pre-1991 car, you can have plain white ones if you want

You cannot legally fit the old-style number plates with white/silver font on a black background as they were replaced many years before his car was first registered. The original plates for a car of that era would be similar to the current plates without the blue EU badge and name of the county, you must either fit those or you may fit modern ones.
This old thread gives more details: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055815181

NCT Manual wrote:

NOTES Owners of vehicles first registered prior to 31 December 1990, have the option of converting their registration plates to the new format.
:
:
2. Vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 1987 For vehicles registered on or after 1 January 1987, letters and numbers must be black set against a white background of reflex reflective material and minimum dimensions should be as shown in the sketches on page 9.

Duke O Smiley

Don't mind me @OP regarding the plates as you're a year out

bazz26

OP, you might get more information by asking one of the mods her to move this thread to the Classic Cars forum.

Even though it's not 30 years old yet you may still be able to get classic car insurance on it but the policy may insist on an annual mileage limitation. As I said the guys over on the classic car forum will be able to tell you the ins and outs for sure.

Duke O Smiley

bazz26 wrote: »

OP, you might get more information by asking one of the mods her to move this thread to the Classic Cars forum.

Even though it's not 30 years old yet you may still be able to get classic car insurance on it but the policy may insist on an annual mileage limitation. As I said the guys over on the classic car forum will be able to tell you the ins and outs for sure.

A classic policy before 30 will be no problem but as said you will most likely have a mileage limit