Discussion
When I start earning average wage (I'm on 19.5k now, but it's a nice job so I don't mind) I want to treat myself to an old Rolls Royce. I'm likely to spend about £7,000 on the car, maybe a little more, and get an LPG conversion. Is this a good idea?
also, what kind of miles-per-pound can I expect with LPG? I know it's about 50% cheaper at the pump, but if it uses twice as much fuel I might a well not bother.
and no, I'm not hoping the drophead depreciates like a bastard and will fall into my price range in 12 months. Something like a silver spirit 2 perhaps.
also, what kind of miles-per-pound can I expect with LPG? I know it's about 50% cheaper at the pump, but if it uses twice as much fuel I might a well not bother.
and no, I'm not hoping the drophead depreciates like a bastard and will fall into my price range in 12 months. Something like a silver spirit 2 perhaps.
I'd advise against it in all fairness, and hang fire until you get a bonus or a wage increase.
All £7k will get you (Silver Spirit-wise anyway) is lots and lots of repair bills. The problem is that because they're so well engineered, they will drive as if nothing is wrong when in fact underneath mechanical carnage is going on. Blown head gasket? Budget >£4,500
£11k (private) or £14k (trade) gets a real good 'un.
All £7k will get you (Silver Spirit-wise anyway) is lots and lots of repair bills. The problem is that because they're so well engineered, they will drive as if nothing is wrong when in fact underneath mechanical carnage is going on. Blown head gasket? Budget >£4,500
£11k (private) or £14k (trade) gets a real good 'un.
The tricky thing is that the car you can get for the money can be damned inconsistent. For £7K you could get a really nice Shadow or Spirit, and you could also get a right pile of poop. It depends on who is selling, why they are selling, and who they want the car to go to. I know of club people who due to illnes or old age, need to move their car on, and would be almost prepared to give their car away if it goes into the right hands. Quite often with this sort of vehicle, it's not about market value, folks involved with the marque can have much higher values, and will let a nice car go for a low, but fair sum, to the right buyer.
The biggest thing is are you a competant DIY mechanic? if not, you will need to use specialists at £50-£100 an hour, and pay retail for parts. On that basis, the cars are not cheap to run, budget on a few thousand a year. If you can DIY, and get secondhand parts, the cars are a good proposition on an average income.
Finally, don't forget the Bentley MKVI, a terrific car for the money, and dead easy to work on.
The biggest thing is are you a competant DIY mechanic? if not, you will need to use specialists at £50-£100 an hour, and pay retail for parts. On that basis, the cars are not cheap to run, budget on a few thousand a year. If you can DIY, and get secondhand parts, the cars are a good proposition on an average income.
Finally, don't forget the Bentley MKVI, a terrific car for the money, and dead easy to work on.
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