thinking about choosing new classic car

Paul (MN)

The sunny weekend brought the classics out in force and it has got me thinking again about changing.

From previous threads I have the following list:

Triumph Stag
Triumph TR5
Ford Capri
BMW 2002
FIAT 124 Coupe
Rover P6
Merc W114/W115
Datsun 240Z


Would anybody like to list them in what they think is the correct order, if my requirements were:

- cheap to buy
- cheap to maintain
- reliable

Interested in any opinions on any model.

My heart is telling me to get a 240Z or a 2002.
My head is telling me to get a W114/W115 saloon (or coupe if possible).

I'm not looking for pristine examples, just sound bodywork and a good service history. Something that will probably cost a couple of hundred more to maintain per year, over an average 3 year old car.

mike65

It'll have you tearing your hair out but I'd go for the Fiat 124 coupe. Rover P6 prolly the sensible buy parts easy to come by and cheap enough. Capri hardly counts as a classic in my book!

Mike.

camarobill

240/260z hands down for fun,the engines are rock solid,but the body wont be ;spend as much as u can for a good one,whatever u buy,saves a lot off trouble,if its going to be a daily driver

Merrion

TR5.
If you absolutely can't get one, then maybe one of the others.
Except the Rover.
Or the Stag.
Or the Capri.
Maybe you should have another look to see if you can get a TR5.

(Other people's opinions may differ...)

Alfasudcrazy

1. BMW 2002 - cool - can be used as a everyday car - simple to work on.
2. Rover P6 - elegant british classic (the default classic for many) not so
cheap to run - but they seem to be cheap enough to buy.
3. TR5 - I own a TR6 and can vouch for them once maintained. Must go for a
UK original though - I would steer clear of ex USA converted jobs.
4. Fiat 124 coupe - looks good - don't know much about them otherwise
5. Merc w114 - dull as dishwater to drive IMO - not really a classic either
6. Stag - too American for my liking - a GT car rather than a sports car.
7. Datsun 240Z - never liked them when they were out - and they have not
grown on me since either - a Japanese capri.
8. Capri - worked in a Ford main dealer when they were out and it was the
one Ford that annoyed me. Not a sports car and not entertaining.

andyj22

Alfasudcrazy wrote:

1. BMW 2002 - cool - can be used as a everyday car - simple to work on.
2. Rover P6 - elegant british classic (the default classic for many) not so
cheap to run - but they seem to be cheap enough to buy.
3. TR5 - I own a TR6 and can vouch for them once maintained. Must go for a
UK original though - I would steer clear of ex USA converted jobs.
4. Fiat 124 coupe - looks good - don't know much about them otherwise
5. Merc w114 - dull as dishwater to drive IMO - not really a classic either
6. Stag - too American for my liking - a GT car rather than a sports car.
7. Datsun 240Z - never liked them when they were out - and they have not
grown on me since either - a Japanese capri.
8. Capri - worked in a Ford main dealer when they were out and it was the
one Ford that annoyed me. Not a sports car and not entertaining.

2002 FOR ME

Lovely Classic might even get one instead of the alpine sunbeam what is the best

Adam

corelon

Try a Yank Tank ,Big V8!!!! why dont u?????????????????????????:cool:

AsphaltRisin'

[/QUOTE]8. Capri - worked in a Ford main dealer when they were out and it was the
one Ford that annoyed me. Not a sports car and not entertaining. [/QUOTE]


Ha ha ha ha!!!!! Obviously you were never able to get one sideways then!
:cool:

The capri was never a shining light in the world of performance and handling but for what it was, it did the job, and you can't honestly say that a capri doesnt provide entertainment. Wet rounabout + Capri = FUN

The capri is ideal if you want something cheap, easy to fix and striaghtforward to live with, but i suppose there are the enthusiasts out there who, like yourself an mike65 showed want to run down anything that's not a 60s british roadster, a merc, italian or am american.
It's people being snobbish about whose classic is "more classic" than the other guy's that makes it unpleasant for anyone who chooses a classic than isn't "the norm".

Eric318

Id go for the TR5, but not for any of the reasons you mention

Try MGB, bullet proof, cheap parts, pulling power second to none (dont tell your wife..)

8~)

My crystal ball tells me the answer is: Merc W114/W115

Itsfixed

2002! 2002! I use my, a 2002 tii, everyday, very reliable, well built. find a good original or well restored one and you won't regret it. If you can afford a tii, even better.

I had two of them before this, one a LHD standard 02, the second an early auto, and then the Tii. Tii is best of the lot, by far, although a few well chosen mods can make a standard car very nice too.

Even a standard 02 will blow the doors off a lotus cortina.

Theres a group of 2002 owners, which includes myself, who meet up every month in Dublin for a bit of craic, info and advice and a couple of pints, so you won't be stuck if you ahve a problem.

Kevin_Herron

In my opinion the answer to your question;
- cheap to buy
- cheap to maintain
- reliable

is the Ford Capri, in my opinion they are the most practical car out of the list you supplied.

spidersonmars

I am on my second P6. It's a great car to own. I think you should pick what ever you like! Each of the cars have their merits. I chose a P6 at first because I could afford it! It was a 2200Sc the base model. I sold it after a year and bought a V8. I have to say that now I'm a bit of a p6 fan, however like all car you have to make sure you get a good one. Mine is far from standard. It is more a cafe racer with a blowout exhaust and a tuned engine, so It's a classic with a difference! The standard P6 is nice but I wanted something a little different. I think that there are too many old mercs and fords in Ireland. Mercs are very good but little boring and old fords, if I honest were as advanced as an old wheel barrow. I go for the Datsun, it I had to get a differnt first classic. It different without the headaches of most other choices.

Oshbosh

If you want a nice MGBGT i know of a good one going cheap !

3ps

the original message was posted in March 2005 guys.....