What tax free everyday car?
Discussion
Buy a well maintained, rust-free car and regular use goes a long way to making them reliable. I think this is more important than the specific model and whatever unreliability they may have had when they were 0-10 years old. What's your budget?
I'd be looking at MGB GT, BMW 2002, Alfa Giulia GTV/saloon, Mk1 Escort, Cortina, Triumph 2000/2500, Rover P6 etc.
I'd be looking at MGB GT, BMW 2002, Alfa Giulia GTV/saloon, Mk1 Escort, Cortina, Triumph 2000/2500, Rover P6 etc.
How about a 60's/ early 70's Mercedes diesel? Granted they're not fast, but they go on forever. They also have the big advantage they will run on cooking oil which is much cheaper than diesel, so you're onto a double winner!
Diesel versions of the fintail (W110/111) or early examples of the later W114/5 will be exempt.
I run the more luxurious W108 with a later Merc diesel transplanted into it (it was never made with a diesel sadly). It has done 400 miles a week commuting for 2 years in all weathers with no breakdowns.
Diesel versions of the fintail (W110/111) or early examples of the later W114/5 will be exempt.
I run the more luxurious W108 with a later Merc diesel transplanted into it (it was never made with a diesel sadly). It has done 400 miles a week commuting for 2 years in all weathers with no breakdowns.
We had a '53 Morris Minor with a 1300 sprite engine and 5 spd Ford Sierra gearbox - A fantastic daily classis, cheap to run and insure, 50mpg and 4 doors.
TBH we only moved it on because of the impracticalities of it being our family car, at the time we had just had our new born 2nd daughter and her 18 month old sister. Although if my wife was more adventurous we'd have made it work
TBH we only moved it on because of the impracticalities of it being our family car, at the time we had just had our new born 2nd daughter and her 18 month old sister. Although if my wife was more adventurous we'd have made it work
any old car will be reliable if serviced correctly. it will probably take time to get it into a reliable state after purchase. but then regular use will keep it going. Most classics are not used very often which does them no good at all. I have a morris minor which is used when ever it is needed. it does not cover vast mileage but in the last 10000 miles it has needed a new indicator relay and 2 suspension bushes. it is serviced every 3000 miles or so. when I got it it had spent 10 years doing 200 miles a year. bringing it back into use caused all kinds of problems, brakes failed ingnition failed and various other bits, now it is very reliable. don't expect to be able to run an old car like a modern one, they will need lubrication every 1000 miles or so. old bits will fail becasue they are old, and pattern parts are of poor quality/fit. once you get it to a certain state it will be usable, as all old cars were used everyday when they were new.
ARH said:
any old car will be reliable if serviced correctly. it will probably take time to get it into a reliable state after purchase. but then regular use will keep it going. Most classics are not used very often which does them no good at all. I have a morris minor which is used when ever it is needed. it does not cover vast mileage but in the last 10000 miles it has needed a new indicator relay and 2 suspension bushes. it is serviced every 3000 miles or so. when I got it it had spent 10 years doing 200 miles a year. bringing it back into use caused all kinds of problems, brakes failed ingnition failed and various other bits, now it is very reliable. don't expect to be able to run an old car like a modern one, they will need lubrication every 1000 miles or so. old bits will fail becasue they are old, and pattern parts are of poor quality/fit. once you get it to a certain state it will be usable, as all old cars were used everyday when they were new.
Spot on. 
If using a classic as a daily driver means keeping it on the road and using it in winter then rust is potentially going to be your major enemy, at least if you intend on keeping the car for any period of time. With that in mind I'd think about looking for a car that's had some form of rust proofing carried out to a good standard.
As others have said mechanics etc are pretty straightforward when it comes to most classic's so your first priority should be looking for one that suffering from as little body corrosion as possible and is in good external condition.
You can find good cars at your price range but you might have to search for a while and you won't be able to keep it on the road forever without major expenditure at some point.
As others have said mechanics etc are pretty straightforward when it comes to most classic's so your first priority should be looking for one that suffering from as little body corrosion as possible and is in good external condition.
You can find good cars at your price range but you might have to search for a while and you won't be able to keep it on the road forever without major expenditure at some point.
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