Fancy a classic again ... for everyday
Discussion
Working from home I don't do many miles and due to work commitments the Mustang doesn't get used as much as I'd like - so I have my daily driver - a 2000 3.9V6 Dodge Dakota truck sitting outside doing nothing ... to be fair it's a great motor - don't regret buying it all all - I've had it about 5 years. It's done everything it's been required to do - from carrying kids about, who are older now and don't go in it that much, to trips to the tip for me and mates - fridges, sofas etc - they've all been on - even a huge rabbit hutch!
BUt I keep looking at classic sites and I don't know whether it's the weather at the moment (this week) etc, but I keep harking back to cars I admired when I was younger but just never got the chance to own ... something like this ...
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-pa...
Money's tied up in the Ford so nothing too expensive (or too immaculate), ie something I can leave in a multi-storey and drive in the rain etc.
Or an old Capri or something ... just to get me out there on a Sunday cleaning and fettling etc ...
Money pits?
Bear in mind this would need to live outside though and I wonder whether it'll start to look grotty after a winter or two, and I'll wish I had the truck, which has lived outside all its life and polishes up like a new pin, never goes wrong, comfortable etc.
Stick or twist?
BUt I keep looking at classic sites and I don't know whether it's the weather at the moment (this week) etc, but I keep harking back to cars I admired when I was younger but just never got the chance to own ... something like this ...
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-pa...
Money's tied up in the Ford so nothing too expensive (or too immaculate), ie something I can leave in a multi-storey and drive in the rain etc.
Or an old Capri or something ... just to get me out there on a Sunday cleaning and fettling etc ...
Money pits?
Bear in mind this would need to live outside though and I wonder whether it'll start to look grotty after a winter or two, and I'll wish I had the truck, which has lived outside all its life and polishes up like a new pin, never goes wrong, comfortable etc.
Stick or twist?
having used classics as dailies, including a 3500S, for 20 years
I'd say for classics in general:
. don't expect to keep it running well at no cost
. do expect more servicing more frequently than you remember or expect
. as soon as you can carry out a staged full 36k-mile service/check up
. they need using regularly to keep them in good condition
. no problem with them being outside as long as they don’t leak too much but the paintwork will be effected
. get the owners Handbook first Haynes second
. be wary of some new replacement parts
. always have a battery in good condition and all connections and leads clean, secure and protected especially engine earth leads and straps
. no matter how much tread is on them if the tyres are over 6 years and had little use change them ASAP to improve braking, handling, ride
. good quality electronic ignition will help as will a good quality electric cooling fan
for P6:
. all panels just unbolt including roof, doors don’t even need realign and you push them shut or let them close under there own weight you don’t need to slam them shut
. power steering is very good to have
. regular engine oil and filter and air filter changes are much appreciated especially on the RV8
. they can get a bit of drift from strong side winds
. they should be lovely to travel in especially the rear seats
. you have to keep using the ‘reserve’ fuel switch or it could seize up and it’s not a reserve so default to reserve setting
. rear brake being inboard can be neglected
. for it’s age it has a fair turn of speed so you’ll want the brakes, tyres and suspension in good condition
. there's a Rover (P5, P6) specialist that's a bit of a strange fella
I'd say for classics in general:
. don't expect to keep it running well at no cost
. do expect more servicing more frequently than you remember or expect
. as soon as you can carry out a staged full 36k-mile service/check up
. they need using regularly to keep them in good condition
. no problem with them being outside as long as they don’t leak too much but the paintwork will be effected
. get the owners Handbook first Haynes second
. be wary of some new replacement parts
. always have a battery in good condition and all connections and leads clean, secure and protected especially engine earth leads and straps
. no matter how much tread is on them if the tyres are over 6 years and had little use change them ASAP to improve braking, handling, ride
. good quality electronic ignition will help as will a good quality electric cooling fan
for P6:
. all panels just unbolt including roof, doors don’t even need realign and you push them shut or let them close under there own weight you don’t need to slam them shut
. power steering is very good to have
. regular engine oil and filter and air filter changes are much appreciated especially on the RV8
. they can get a bit of drift from strong side winds
. they should be lovely to travel in especially the rear seats
. you have to keep using the ‘reserve’ fuel switch or it could seize up and it’s not a reserve so default to reserve setting
. rear brake being inboard can be neglected
. for it’s age it has a fair turn of speed so you’ll want the brakes, tyres and suspension in good condition
. there's a Rover (P5, P6) specialist that's a bit of a strange fella
Looks a tidy Rover at a good price. You'd need to give it a good check over though as they rust well - everywhere. I've had 6 over the years - favourite being a 1970 series 1 V8 (same as advert but in white) which I had for 13 years. They drive like a modern, but with a bit more wind noise. Fuel consumption is 18-20mpg. I didn't like the power steering version - too light. The Series 1 V8 has the 10.5-1 compression ratio engine, so timing may need retarded a bit for modern fuels.
Pete
Pete
Thanks for the advice - I know this *running a classic as a daily* has been done to death on here - but just putting my thoughts down on paper so to speak ...
These old Rovers just appeal .. there are others as well, a Scimitar maybe - even an MGB GTV8 ... something with some grunt. I'm running a 3.9 V6 anyway so fuel costs aren't a problem.
Other could include - 60s Humber Hawk/Snipe, 70s Jag XJ6, something barge-like ...
Lot of car for the money although I don't actually consider this a classic! (yet)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-JAGUAR-XJ6-SPORT-AU...
These old Rovers just appeal .. there are others as well, a Scimitar maybe - even an MGB GTV8 ... something with some grunt. I'm running a 3.9 V6 anyway so fuel costs aren't a problem.
Other could include - 60s Humber Hawk/Snipe, 70s Jag XJ6, something barge-like ...
Lot of car for the money although I don't actually consider this a classic! (yet)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1996-JAGUAR-XJ6-SPORT-AU...
Edited by uk66fastback on Friday 25th May 09:33
one thing of note with P6s is how narrow they are which is useful for getting through gaps in everyday traffic or going down country lanes but it also means they're a 4 not 5 seater
in my 3500S I used to get 17 mpg round town and 26-28 mpg on a steady run
a reasonable and bigger sized boot that puts things out of sight and window heat plus a pearky engine than a (standard) BGTV8 (I also ran a BGT as a daily)
lovely touring car and type of car that gets pleasant attention, fabulous timeless look about them - yeap I hope I might have a chance to get another one
in my 3500S I used to get 17 mpg round town and 26-28 mpg on a steady run
a reasonable and bigger sized boot that puts things out of sight and window heat plus a pearky engine than a (standard) BGTV8 (I also ran a BGT as a daily)
lovely touring car and type of car that gets pleasant attention, fabulous timeless look about them - yeap I hope I might have a chance to get another one
The Rover wasn't a bad old thing but the Triumph 2000 and 2500 were better imo - about the only decent car Triumph built. The straight six was a lovely engine but the 2000 is a little gutless and needs to be a manual. They had a lovely ride and a great interior with astonishingly good vision. The usual rubbish BL build quality applies but anything that's made it this far should be okay.
na said:
all true but 2 cylinders short and not a V
the RV8 is just such a lovely sound
It is, yes. Whilst the seventies P6's weren't as well made as the pre BL era ones, they're still a nice thing. Tbh I'd even suffer a Rover 2000TC or a 2200TC, a pleasant old bus.the RV8 is just such a lovely sound
Although they were shocking rubbish, an early V8 SD1 has an appeal. Not sure about daily use though!
Another vote for the P6. I used to run one as a daily hack and it never, ever let me down. A good P6 should ride and handle like a Jaguar and will be a joy to drive. Be aware, though, shiny outer panels on a P6 can hide utter horror underneath. Check inner sills, floors, under the back seats and the rear suspension mounting points, as well as the rear suspension arms themselves.
uk66fastback said:
Other could include - 60s Humber Hawk/Snipe, 70s Jag XJ6, something barge-like ...
Early XJ6's are lovely, £4k+ for a decent one though. That P6 does look nice, I see the jacking point covers still in place as a good sign, panel gaps for the doors also look good. The advert says the door and wing need attention, but they look fine in the pictures?
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C211728
Yeah, early XJ6s have gone up a fair bit with starting prices for something decent £4k+.
How about £10k for a 2.8 base model with 19k on the clock?
LesKellet said:
Classic Saab 900 Turbo ?
Not into Saabs - this has got to be British I think ...Great bargain here ...
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C305883
na said:
having used classics as dailies, including a 3500S, for 20 years
I'd say for classics in general:
. don't expect to keep it running well at no cost
. do expect more servicing more frequently than you remember or expect
. as soon as you can carry out a staged full 36k-mile service/check up
. they need using regularly to keep them in good condition
. no problem with them being outside as long as they don’t leak too much but the paintwork will be effected
. get the owners Handbook first Haynes second
. be wary of some new replacement parts
. always have a battery in good condition and all connections and leads clean, secure and protected especially engine earth leads and straps
. no matter how much tread is on them if the tyres are over 6 years and had little use change them ASAP to improve braking, handling, ride
. good quality electronic ignition will help as will a good quality electric cooling fan
for P6:
. all panels just unbolt including roof, doors don’t even need realign and you push them shut or let them close under there own weight you don’t need to slam them shut
. power steering is very good to have
. regular engine oil and filter and air filter changes are much appreciated especially on the RV8
. they can get a bit of drift from strong side winds
. they should be lovely to travel in especially the rear seats
. you have to keep using the ‘reserve’ fuel switch or it could seize up and it’s not a reserve so default to reserve setting
. rear brake being inboard can be neglected
. for it’s age it has a fair turn of speed so you’ll want the brakes, tyres and suspension in good condition
. there's a Rover (P5, P6) specialist that's a bit of a strange fella
Excellent advice I'd say for classics in general:
. don't expect to keep it running well at no cost
. do expect more servicing more frequently than you remember or expect
. as soon as you can carry out a staged full 36k-mile service/check up
. they need using regularly to keep them in good condition
. no problem with them being outside as long as they don’t leak too much but the paintwork will be effected
. get the owners Handbook first Haynes second
. be wary of some new replacement parts
. always have a battery in good condition and all connections and leads clean, secure and protected especially engine earth leads and straps
. no matter how much tread is on them if the tyres are over 6 years and had little use change them ASAP to improve braking, handling, ride
. good quality electronic ignition will help as will a good quality electric cooling fan
for P6:
. all panels just unbolt including roof, doors don’t even need realign and you push them shut or let them close under there own weight you don’t need to slam them shut
. power steering is very good to have
. regular engine oil and filter and air filter changes are much appreciated especially on the RV8
. they can get a bit of drift from strong side winds
. they should be lovely to travel in especially the rear seats
. you have to keep using the ‘reserve’ fuel switch or it could seize up and it’s not a reserve so default to reserve setting
. rear brake being inboard can be neglected
. for it’s age it has a fair turn of speed so you’ll want the brakes, tyres and suspension in good condition
. there's a Rover (P5, P6) specialist that's a bit of a strange fella
I loved my P6 and wouldn't hesitate to have another.
some good advice there. The last few years has been the only time in my life when I havent run a classic as a daily. I know ***most*** of the pitfalls. Go on, ask me how I know...
Getting a good battery is a great idea. I would also swap all the leads, dizzy, rotor arm as well. But a good, modern battery will do the car the world of good. I have bought a car before which didnt start well. Was only the battery..
Remember that they were everyday cars once but that was a long time ago. SO if you buy a car which now has low annual mileage, will the engine rubber seals like having really hot liquids running through them now? A "high days and holidasy" is not a car to buy for everyday motoring. So buy one which is currently being used, rather then polished. Be reppared to accept the odd ding and .
You might also need to be prepared to spend the odd saturday every month repairing and replacing parts- people forgot this is what you had to do when cars were new. If you are not prepared for some preventative maintenance then think about some cars from the 80s or latter- no grease nipples, probably fuel injection, possibly rust prevention but a nice combination of not-too-complex electronics which means you can work on them still.
My current favourite "modern classic" is the XK8/R. A lot of power , style and fresh air for not a lot of money. But then today is saturday. Tommorow the V12 German sports cars might find favour!
Getting a good battery is a great idea. I would also swap all the leads, dizzy, rotor arm as well. But a good, modern battery will do the car the world of good. I have bought a car before which didnt start well. Was only the battery..
Remember that they were everyday cars once but that was a long time ago. SO if you buy a car which now has low annual mileage, will the engine rubber seals like having really hot liquids running through them now? A "high days and holidasy" is not a car to buy for everyday motoring. So buy one which is currently being used, rather then polished. Be reppared to accept the odd ding and .
You might also need to be prepared to spend the odd saturday every month repairing and replacing parts- people forgot this is what you had to do when cars were new. If you are not prepared for some preventative maintenance then think about some cars from the 80s or latter- no grease nipples, probably fuel injection, possibly rust prevention but a nice combination of not-too-complex electronics which means you can work on them still.
My current favourite "modern classic" is the XK8/R. A lot of power , style and fresh air for not a lot of money. But then today is saturday. Tommorow the V12 German sports cars might find favour!
williamp has added a good few things I used to put but my list got a bit overlong and some objected to the work I suggested as preventative prefereing the macho roadside repairs that I try to avoid
a regularly used car is usually quicker and easier to get very reliable and in good condition than a little used car
a regularly used car is usually quicker and easier to get very reliable and in good condition than a little used car
Edited by nta16 on Friday 19th July 21:33
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