is it possible to buy a classic car and use it for their everyday driving?

[Pique318]

Re: An everyday classic?

Yes, it's certainly possible - I did so for may years with a sucession of cars that were between 15 and 25 years old.

However, I wouldn't do it now:

- you will never know setting out if you're likely to get to your destination without breaking down: the reliability of even the premium makes is way, way lower than even the most basic of modern cars (the comment above on modern vs. classic BMWs is just not true: ask anyone involved in servicing them).
- you run the risk of being off the road for extended periods if you're trying to source some hard-to-find part
- safety is much lower than any modern car (yes, you don't buy a classic for safety features, but if you're using it every day, you've got to ask yourself if it makes sense in modern driving conditions to be driving something that'll probably kill you if anyone hits it with any sort of serious impact)
- it'll probaby be roasting in summer and freezing (and hard to see out of) in winter
- it'll be tedious to drive in traffic
- you'll have to find someone to look after it, and you'll spend a lot of maintenance (not so much regular items such as oil and filters which will be cheaper, but in replacing worn out items).
- if your windscreen is damaged you could be in for a long wait or great expense to get it replaced (depending on model)
- all these and more problems will lead you to end up disliking the thing

Far better to have a a 2nd car to use at week-ends and the like, when the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

I think your argument has some merit but you also seem to be looking on this idea in a purely logical way, something that classic car owners will freely admit to not having any impact on their decision to drive a classic. If it did, no-one would buy them.
It's an emotive thing, driving an old car.
- Not knowing if you'll make your destination when setting off is part of the excitement nad can make a boring 100 mile trip into an adventure.
- You'll automatically drive safer than if you had a new car. If you get into a car with no crumple zones, no ABS, no airbag, no ESP, no Traction Control and just a seatbelt between you and the unknown, you are NOT going to drive like Sebastian Loeb. (Controversial point here, but modern cars have made us soft in our attitude towards accidents because we can see the remnants of cars and are amazed that someone got out of that alive.)
- If it's roasting in the summer, open a window. If freezing in the winter, warm it up before you go anywhere (that's if it starts at all )
- Tedious to drive in traffic....what car isn't ???
- You will need to have a friendly mechanic and you'll get to know the car club guys and gals on a first name basis to find parts ets but doing it yourself is part of what makes owning a classic worthwhile.

Just had a think and was wondering what exactly qualifies a car to be called a 'classic'.

There are some cars out on the roads that are very rare and whose prices are on the rise, so these are already classics if you ask me, and will be even more in the future.

Thinking of the likes of the VW Corrado and Golf Mk1 GTi (both of which I'd love).

Few things found on the web ...Seems to answer your query with more queries




[SIZE=-1]I had a look at various "classics" club/forums...and the description vary a lot. Some conider classics as being pre 1948..[/SIZE]

Generally speaking, I suppose that an Escort will not be a 'classic' until it reaches 30 or more years old simply because of the numbers produced. However, a Corrado VR6 which was made up until 1995 could already be a classic. The BMW E30 M3 made from 1986-1990 is already definitely a classic. The thing that makes a difference here is the quality of the car obviously, but also the limited numbers of them produced.
Me, I want an E21 C2 2.3 Alpina. Just trying for find one for sale is depressing enough !

 

[nissanfigaro]

Re: An everyday classic?

so if i buy a car from you this year , you buy it back from me next year for €1000 more, correct?

absolutely correct in principal!

however there is the small matter of my profit - I am allowed to make a few quid aren't I?

 

[nissanfigaro]

Re: An everyday classic?

No yet a classic car IMO..
By definition, a classic car is to be at least 20 years old or 30 from a tax point of view.

New website started in Aug 2007 about classics. Still a bit bear, but eventually and hopefully will become busy.

a Figaro was always destined to be a classic by virtue of the fact only 20000 were made and for one year only.

tax and insurance is cheap enough on them without having to wait 20/3o0 years respectively

 

[ang1170]

Re: An everyday classic?

I think your argument has some merit but you also seem to be looking on this idea in a purely logical way, something that classic car owners will freely admit to not having any impact on their decision to drive a classic. If it did, no-one would buy them.
It's an emotive thing, driving an old car.

Absolutely! if it was a logical choice, I for one would never have bought any.

I still think for everyday use, logic just has to win out. There's only so many times you can break down in an overheating classic on a wet Friday evening in Pearse St.

Having it as a week-end or occasional plaything is great.

Still, I can understand someone with a different view (they clearly just have an even bigger dose of whatever bug it is I have!). But for someone new: do it with your eyes open, please!

 

[Pique318]

Re: An everyday classic?

True, buy a sub-10 year old car for going to work/shop and have the classic as the plaything.

I really want to get one but try to buy a house with a garage (and a pit ) to store the thing nowadays !!

 

[Dusty]

Re: An everyday classic?

New website started in Aug 2007 about classics. Still a bit bear, but eventually and hopefully will become busy.

Thanks for the link, I started the site because as I was starting to restore my '68 Elan I was finding it hard to gather information on speciaists and suppliers of Classic Car parts, restorers and clubs in Ireland.

There are lots of clubs and events here and also lots of knowledge, I'm trying to bring that together in one place.

These things are always slow to start, and its hard to find the time to put into it but I'll give it a go and see where it takes me.

Regards
Jon - www.ClassicCar.ie

 

[Dusty]

Re: An everyday classic?

Obviously i would need to do a bit more research into the car but the 3 that come to mind would be

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=802397

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=428983

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/inde... is shown below.&CFID=580760&CFTOKEN=97079135

The 'new classics' like the figaro and mitsuoka are and can be very nice i just think they can lokk kinda strange with a very up to date reg on them

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/inde... is shown below.&CFID=580760&CFTOKEN=97079135

Of those you have chosen the two american cars would be the least practical for everyday use. Mainly because of their petrol consumption (unless you live close to work or have a company fuel card)

The MGB is a great car (although quite common but don't let that put you off) The spares availablity is great and they are fun to drive and suprisingly practical - it is a hatch back after all.

I've just sold a 1974 MGB GT and in the couple of months I owned it did over 1000 miles with no hint of a problem. Now it was a particularly nice example with only 60K mile from new but they are around if you take your time looking.

Whatever you buy take your time and buy the best you can afford. A well cared for classic will put a smile on your face everytime you use it. A poor example could put you off for life!

Have fun searching and logon to www.classiccar.ie - shameless plug I'm sorry

 

[jhegarty]

Re: An everyday classic?

Just had a think and was wondering what exactly qualifies a car to be called a 'classic'.

Exemptions from NCT

For NCT purposes, a vehicle that is more than 30 years old is classed as 'vintage' and does not have to be tested. Classic cars are those cars aged 25 years or older and they must be tested until they are 30 years old.