Daily classic or daily beater?

[geeman237]

Let me throw this one out to you US based, classic car sympathetic types. I may soon have to give up my 2000 Jeep Cherokee. I am a dyed in the wool British classic car fan. I live in South Carolina, so hot and humid throughout the summer. I am torn between being a masochist and buying a classic British or maybe German daily driver for my 25 mile each way, highway road communte to work, complete with stonechips galore etc or buying a cheap Honda Civic to drive into oblivion. On the one hand I love the challenge of the classic, and being in something different, but I hate the thought of it being put to such abuse. Well it is still just a car. On the other hand I am thinking get the Honda (or similar) and you have AC etc, reliability, cheaper insurance, and I can save some money towards the classics I already have in the garage.

Budget would be around 6,000 dollars. You can buy some nice old Merc saloons for that money if you're careful. I am particlarly fond of Triumph 2000's (but I would have to import one). I simply have no particular desire to own anything American (Jeep was the wife's idea).

So, right now I am just thinking of options, but would like to hear from some of you who may have an interest in this er 'experiment'.

[Whatty]

Personally I wouldn't go the British car route for a daily.

A lack of A/C in your neck of the woods would be brutal come summertime wouldn't it?

On the other hand thirty seconds on Craigslist, albeit in New Jersey, found me this:

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2167952470.htm...

Another - http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2132441409.htm...



Nice to smoke around in and plenty of charachter plus mechanically bulletproof if you buy the right one.

[GavinPearson]

You should look at something that has readily available spares, try looking at a Jag of some sort. They are comfy, great to drive and well within your budget.

[jeff m]

Your location says you need a pick up

As much as you want a classic for your daily commute, you know it doesn't make sense. (for the majority of classics)
You need a car that'll do 15,000 a year with hopefully just servicing.

It doesn't need to be boring, but it does mean it isn't going to be a classic brit car. Mustang maybe, Caddilac, Supra even Pontiac.

As mentioned before, a good AC is essential in at least one car you own.

There is nothing to prevent you taking one of your classics to work when you feel the urge (check your insurance, regarding usage though)

Note. Some of those D Mercs have slow pick up, can be tricky joining a fast moving highway from a slip road. IMVHO. Luv em though, esp the even older ones.

[unrepentant]

$6k you say?


http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1986...


Or $5k



http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1990...



LOoads of XJS's out there for sensible money, great little smokers.

[Matt Harper]

unrepentant said:

$6k you say?


http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1986...


Or $5k



http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/1990...



LOoads of XJS's out there for sensible money, great little smokers.

Both something of a hike from SC though - I'd be worried about them becoming great literal smokers on the drive home.

[Whatty]

Jags?

I was trying to sell my business partner's 1998 XK8 last year - two owners 90K miles FSH etc and got one (tire kicking) inquiry in 3 months based on $6K asking price.





Edited to add pic of said beast.

Edited by Whatty on Friday 4th February 16:12

[jeff m]

Whatty said:

Jags?

I was trying to sell my business partner's 1998 XK8 last year - two owners 90K miles FSH etc and got one (tire kicking) inquiry in 3 months based on $6K asking price.





Edited to add pic of said beast.

Edited by Whatty on Friday 4th February 16:12

I think we need a "Cars in the USA" section in the classifieds.

[Whatty]

jeff m said:

I think we need a "Cars in the USA" section in the classifieds.

Nooooo - I waste too much time trawling my local C/L as it is....