Classic car newbie - advice please...

The One Doctor · 01-10-2021 3:13pm #1

Hi all,

Long time lurker. I love classic cars, but not the oldie stuff - 1995-2002 or so is my sweet spot.

I have max NCD and a modern car, but I have a hankering for a cheapie 20 year old (car, not woman).

Ok, 20 years is not really a 'classic' car, but I believe I can at least get classic insurance.

I have very little in the way of car DIY skills. I can change the oil, spark plugs, the usual small jobs, have a car tool kit etc.

Problem is, due to an... oversight, I can only drive autos.

Any suggestions for cars? BMW & Merc of course, MX5s, even MR2s. Don't really care about driving fast tbh, just comfort and coolness.

Budget: €very little. Maybe €2000 max, assuming classic insurance.

Ideas welcome!

unkel · 01-10-2021 3:19pm

BMW E39 520i auto. The entry level car with the quintessentially BMW straight six petrol engine. Also only 2l, so relatively cheap tax (€710)

Get a really nice one and it will appreciate significantly in value over the next 5-10 years

The One Doctor · 02-10-2021 9:44am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963680#Comment_117963680

Good idea. Excellent car, lovely looks, can have fantastic specs.

Am I right saying that a second car over 20 years old can be insured on a classic policy?

unkel · 02-10-2021 1:29pm

Yes that would usually be the case. Look up the classic car insurance thread on here and start making some phone calls. Expect to pay something like €100-€300 per year (provided you are over 25)

RobAMerc · 02-10-2021 1:44pm

a little bit biased but a MK1 MX5 ? (If you can find a good one ). MK2 Golf GTI. porsche Boxster, Benz W124 ( again biased )

The One Doctor · 02-10-2021 4:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117967151#Comment_117967151

MX5 works for me, always loved them. Boxster definitely, W124 another great car, happy to be seen in one!

Finding them in auto form might be a bit tougher though.

Wavey · 02-10-2021 7:43pm

I would aim for a 30 year old to avail of the classic road tax rate - €56/year. That is the biggest saving in running costs.

RobAMerc · 02-10-2021 11:01pm

all bar the golf available as an auto - I think the w124 is the only one it suits though. ( although I know nothing of the boxster auto )

elperello · 02-10-2021 11:07pm

Saab convertibles are classy and very comfortable.

footnote - if you don't have a garage forget buying a classic. The weather will kill it.

unkel · 03-10-2021 1:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117967151#Comment_117967151

A Boxster for €2k? You wouldn't even get just the engine for that 🤣

All great cars you mention, but probably very difficult to find in both auto and within budget...

RobAMerc · 03-10-2021 6:59am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117969519#Comment_117969519

totally missed the 2k budget. Sorry, I dont know of anything useable youd get for that money. Maybe a mk2 MX5 or Mr2 - but I think for 2k youd be buying trouble

[Deleted User] · 03-10-2021 7:44am

I find looking 2k isnt a lot these days online. But someone mentioned SAABs here they are nice in the 95 version and a lot of Autos around. So maybe one of those? Try avoid English registered cars due to the Nox charges and import tax. It will eat a lot of your 2k.

Good luck and enjoy it the search is as fun as the catch!

elperello · 03-10-2021 11:20am

Here's a 93 tested to next July available on budget.

Of course you are taking a chance but as with any car 20 years old so bring a mechanic and be prepared to walk away.

If it's a good one you'll have some fun next Summer.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2002-saab-93/29138361

unkel · 03-10-2021 11:40am

Saab is a great suggestion. Plenty of youngtimers within budget and with the brand now long gone they are a bit special. Was parked beside a new model 9-5 recently and really admired that car (although unfortunately most of them are diesels, so zero appeal to me)

Owned a very cheap original 9-5 myself for a few years during the recession and that car was very good to me. A very pleasant place to be in. Would highly recommend one as a classic car now.

[Deleted User] · 03-10-2021 1:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117970050#Comment_117970050

Lot of car for small money

The One Doctor · 03-10-2021 5:47pm

Great suggestion, I considered a 95 Aero years ago (bought a 156 instead - big mistake). Lots of car for the money, reasonably reliable and very cool. Plus a fair few autos around.

I'd love an MX-5 but they're thin on the ground.

May even consider getting my manual licence...

w124man · 03-10-2021 7:01pm

€2000 wont get you much of a W124/W201. Both models in good condition are becoming hard to get

ccmp · 03-10-2021 7:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117970050#Comment_117970050

That's a lot of car for the money alright. Like some poster already said, classic cars without indoor storage of some kind doesn't work well in Ireland.

The One Doctor · 03-10-2021 7:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117971813#Comment_117971813

Depends on the car and the age. A Saab would do fine under a tarp. A W124 would turn into a fine powder.

saabsaab · 03-10-2021 7:52pm

Saab for me a nice 900 or 93.

RobAMerc · 03-10-2021 9:16pm

I convinced my brother in law ( not a car guy ) to buy a 9-3 turbo convertible a while back. Great car but when things started going wrong mechanics started using the lack of dealerships as an excuse to bump the prices up. nicely made bit of kit though, and quick.

The One Doctor · 03-10-2021 9:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117972259#Comment_117972259

But it's a Vectra underneath. Parts galore!

ccmp · 17-10-2021 8:19pm

I bought this saab myself. Looks good enough. Collected and brought to my sons house. Haven't seen it yet. Back home next sunday myself to pick it up. it will go on my classic policy in January when its 20 years old. Plan is to tax it for the summer and see how it goes.

Thinkingaboutit · 29-11-2021 1:40am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117969321#Comment_117969321

Twenty years old will net plenty of cars built when galvanising was properly done. Galvanised vehicles with a hard life, or poorly made, will rust, even newer ones, but plenty of older cars of that age are largely rust free. A high quality cover is good enough.

Donie75 · 29-11-2021 1:07pm

I’m in a similar position myself but I’m thinking of a budget of around €5k and I’m looking for a convertible/roadster. I originally liked the MX5 but they are a bit too small for me. I’m now considering a BMW Z3. They seem to be good cars and don’t suffer too bad from rust. I’m thinking of a 1.9 4 cylinder or a 2.0 6 cylinder. Just need to find a good one…

saabsaab · 29-11-2021 2:17pm

Spoke to a classic car mechanic he said that the older stuff was best for lasting against rust i.e. 90's. said that metal quality has gone down in the last 15 years even Mercedes are rusting!

KevRossi · 29-11-2021 2:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239596#Comment_118239596

Merc's have always rusted, one of the most notorious cars for it when you consider the 'premium' aspect to them. I'm saying this from experience, I've owned about 10 from the 1975-95 era and have seen plenty of W210/211's and W220/221's end their life early because of rust. Stil lmy favourite car brand by a long shot though. (the older ones anyway).

w124man · 02-12-2021 8:42pm

If you are thinking Mercedes, anything after 1992 will have rust issues with the possible exception of the W140.

unkel · 02-12-2021 8:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118258763#Comment_118258763

And any Mercedes from 1992 or before will have even worse rust issues 😂

w124man · 03-12-2021 10:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118258792#Comment_118258792

But not as bad as BMW or anything from Japan

saabsaab · 03-12-2021 10:57pm

I heard that the old audi's of the 80's/90's were not prone to rust. Some say that the Peugeots were good too.

Classic car newbie - advice please...

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