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Where to buy a Classic ?

  • 19-05-2005 11:13am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,699 ✭✭✭


    2 part question really :

    1. Are there any dealers out there that just sell classics (looking for a Jag mk 2 340 or a nice old merc) ?

    2. What's the VRT implications on bringing in a classic car ? I've looked at their website but it only lists current models for all the makes and helpfully they don't seem to answer their phonelines.

    Thanks


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,309 ✭✭✭✭alastair


    1. You could try Paul Kanters at http://welcome.to/classiccarsireland
    He sources a lot of his cars on the continent, so there's a LHD bias, but that might not bother you? He does lots of Mercs.

    The UK is probably the best source for RHD classics. They tend to be better looked after than here. Practical Classics Mag, Owners club websites, ebay etc.

    2. Thirty year old cars (and older) pay a flat 50 euro VRT fee. Younger cars - you'd need to check the VRT calculator online, or keep trying the phone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    The only person I would recommend for an old Jag would be Robert Hughes http://www.roberthughes.co.uk/press1.html he regularly trades stuff over here - I bought a car from him a fwe years ago and would highly recommend the cars he stocks.

    Keep after the VRT people once you have a particular model in mind, they do eventually answer - don't ring with a general question or you will end up frustrated.

    'c


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,765 ✭✭✭ds20prefecture


    1. Are there any dealers out there that just sell classics (looking for a Jag mk 2 340 or a nice old merc) ?

    I would not recommend buying a classic from a dealer. You are much safer buying from an established member of a club that specialises in the marque, or a private seller recommended by the club. Aside from the potential cost savings, you will have much greater choice, and the person selling will have a lot more to lose if they are dishonest - i.e. their good name in the club. Dealers tend not to give a damn about their name.

    I almost got badly burned when buying my first classic. I went through a dealer as I knew nothing and thought it would protect me. Instead I ended up with an unsafe rust bucket needing extensive work, despite having asked for, paid for, and been promised the exact opposite. After extensive wrangling, threats, inspections,etc, I got the purchase price of the car returned, but lost his markup and the shipping - I guess I got "singed" instead of burnt. "The cheque is in the post" for the remainder, for 2 years now apparently. :(

    My advice would be
    1. Pick your ideal classic.
    2. Learn as much about that car as possible. Buy a book, join newsgroups on the web, join the local clubs for that marque/model and get to know experts on that car. Spend at least 3 months learning as much as you possibly can about the car, while keeping your eyes and ears open for good ones coming on the market.
    3. Set your budget, and bear in mind that any money you "save" in buying will probably be spent threefold in repairs/restoration. For a good Mk II you should expect to pay over €15000
    4. Take your time. Don't buy the first car you see/are offered.
    5. For your first car, buy from a club member - they have their identity in that community to lose if they sell you a dud, unlike a dealer or agent.
    6. Have someone you trust and that is an expert on that model inspect the car throroughly before you part with any money to the seller.

    Importing a car is simplicity itself. Just go and pay the VRT, get your plates made up and that's it.
    2. What's the VRT implications on bringing in a classic car ?
    As already mentioned - there's a flat fee of €50 on anything older than 30 years.

    Good luck - if you get a good one, you'll never regret it.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    Get yourself this months copy of "Classic & Car Mart" from Easons.

    It's part mag, part buy & sell for classics and is packed with ads.
    Not as "glossy" as some of the classic mags, but exactly what you need.

    Whether or not you should have someone source you the car is up to your commitment & enthusiasm, time constraints, and budget.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 400 ✭✭ClonmelMan


    Get yourself this months copy of "Classic & Car Mart" from Easons.

    Is that an Irish mag or just all UK stuff?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,309 ✭✭✭✭alastair


    Just taking a moment to look at Paul Kanter's stock from the site above. This Fiat Dino is quite the business. Yum! My pick of the bunch.
    FiatDino2400_red_almere_2.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 827 ✭✭✭PaulK_CCI


    alastair wrote:
    Just taking a moment to look at Paul Kanter's stock from the site above. This Fiat Dino is quite the business. Yum! My pick of the bunch.
    Thanks Alastair. That Dino is a lovely car indeed, one of those rare cars that are prettier in the flesh. A beautifully understated elegance.
    It's currently making the Kerry roads "unsafe" because that's where the new owner is living. He collected it last weekend.

    Keep an eye out on the site, because I haven't had a chance to update it for a while and there are loads of new and interesting cars that will appear on it shortly: How about a 67 Ford Mustang "Bullit" Replica with a correct 390 big block engine and manual box, a cracker of a Mercedes 240D for someone looking for a daily driver, a nice and tidy Porsche 912 (if you like yellow, that is ;)), a mint! Volvo P1800 and what about that 18,500km from new 75 VW Camper, I found in France! I don't find them like that very often.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,501 ✭✭✭Alfasudcrazy


    I would agree with everything ds20prefecture has said and also recommend to avoid dealers at all costs - their prices are just crazy :rolleyes:


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    ClonmelMan wrote:
    Is that an Irish mag or just all UK stuff?
    Sorry UK mag only - but will give you a great idea what's over there.
    Don't think there's anything specific for the Irish Market (not big enough).

    In Dublin, Easons or the bigger newsagent in Stillorgan stock it (don't know about Clonmel ;))

    G'luck

    ps mmmmmm Fiat Dino


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 400 ✭✭ClonmelMan


    Ok cheers man for all your help....oh do you know what date it comes out every month or is it a weekly?


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  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    ClonmelMan wrote:
    Ok cheers man for all your help....oh do you know what date it comes out every month or is it a weekly?
    Monthly boss!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,038 ✭✭✭stratos


    I gotta agree with a lot of the above buy the car ypurself up the north even is a lot less hassle than uk. try to buy from a club or at least an enthusiast. you can often tell more about the car by looking at the person and their house than looking at the car. honestly i know people laugh at this but it,s true. Untidy person uncared for car.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    stratos wrote:
    you can often tell more about the car by looking at the person and their house than looking at the car. honestly i know people laugh at this but it,s true. Untidy person uncared for car.
    LOL

    I think this is so true. Talking to the person you should be able to tell whether they are on the level or not.

    Don't judge people - unless you're buying their car... :D


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