Looking for a cheap classic automatic...

JayBee66

A weekend car, not for work. I don't want to spend a lot but also I don't want a clunker that's going to drain me for repairs or not last.

What sort of car am I looking for? Any pitfalls? Are classic automatics different to automatics from the 90s onwards?

This would be a second car. Any problems with insurance?

I am not looking for a saloon car. Compact or SUV is fine. A small van would do. It just has to be automatic and free of NCT.

Esel

To be "free of NCT", it would have to be at least 40 years old.

JayBee66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120581589#Comment_120581589

... which is rather why I want a classic car.

_ptashek_

Volvo 740/760 estate or Mercedes W124 estate might fit the bill.

You may need to deal with NCT every other year if it's 30-40 years old, but well kept these pass no problem. You'd be hard pressed to find a more reliable car than a W124 though.

At this age they will all need a level of care and attention, even the low mileage garage queens costing top dollar.

JP 1800

Realistically there is no such thing as a "cheap" classic. A classic car will cost you either time, money or both to get right or keep right.

w124man

@JayBee66 you're new to the classic thing aren't you?

JayBee66

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120593366#Comment_120593366

I have a 30 year old car so I'm getting closer!

hoodie6029

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058295966/looking-for-a-cheap-classic-automatic

What’s the budget?

Once you have a main car you can get a classic policy from the likes of First Ireland handy enough.

Biggest pitfall will be rust and previous poor repairs.

At the 40 year old mark you will be mostly looking at Merc/Volvo/Jaguar/Rover etc for automatics. The odd Mini comes up with an auto box now and again.