Help me choose my next car

Adrian · Post by **Adrian** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 11:46 pm

My son William is now 10 and is getting a bit too big for the back of the CC, so Ive got to get a new car soon. The trouble is, I cant decide what to get. I donâ€™t like anything I can afford, in fact Im not sure I like anything I cant afford, and the 307cc looks horrid.
So new plan â€“ keep the cc and sell my beloved MGB V8, Ive had it for 17 years so its about time for a change. Its not often I have 3 or 4 people in the car, so I can probably run a classic saloon and keep within the 5k mileage limit for the insurance.
I want something that is reliable, obviously a classic needs some TLC, but I donâ€™t want to be under the bonnet every weekend. (The V8 just kept on going as long as it was serviced regularly), and there is no point getting something thats so rare that parts are impossible to come by.
I need some help to draw up a short list of cars to choose from, so I can research what to look out for when buying one.
My first thought is a MkII Jag, then I get stuck.

I know it sound odd asking this on a 206cc forum but the alternative is talking to the beardy weirdies at a classic car meet.
I donâ€™t expect help from erm â€“ its not his style, or Paul â€“ no neon.

Julia and Pauline, Ill have no sat nav so Ill still get lost will you rescue me again?

Derek do you do chrome hops for Jags?

So Im sitting here waiting for all the sarcastic comments, come on I can take it.

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 11:50 pm

why cant i help ya???

Adrian · Post by **Adrian** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 11:59 pm

Of course you can help, just didnt expect it. You can give me your ideas on the 26th.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:28 am

sorry, no chrome hoops for jags

paul_y3k · Post by **paul_y3k** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:29 am

love classic cars mate ...love anything motor related

used to have an ol tr-7 at one point followed by capri mark 1 and gasp lotus cortina

Adrian · Post by **Adrian** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:35 am

mmm Lotus Cortina now theres an idea or maybe a Mk1 Escort twin cam.
I could be Jim Clark or Roger Clark sideways.

:rolleyes:

paul_y3k · Post by **paul_y3k** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:44 am

mini cooper !!!!

rob · Post by **rob** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 4:53 am

Lotus Cortina, now you are talking. But you could always cross over to the 'dark side' and join me and Melanie in the Racing Puma Owners Club.

Have a look at this web site -

http://www.fordracingpuma.com

the Tickford section is interesting about how the cars were built, then look at the owners section and see how enthusiastic people are. Just like everyone one here.

The point being that they are very exclusive (only 500 ever made) and they are going up in value. 4 people fit in the car easily and the servicing costs etc are generally the same as a standard 1.7 Puma. (brake pads are one of the few bits that cost a bit more). Oh and insurance is less than a CC.

So what do you Reckon - a Racing Puma - what does William think ????

Come on William, you know it makes sense.

Duncan · Post by **Duncan** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 9:22 am

Add a Landrover to your list

Very practical
LBW will seat 12 goes anywhere

Alumininum body work won't rust

Lots of choice at lease 4 differrent wheel bases. 4 different series
half a dozen or more body styles. The variations are infinate.

Been going for years (1948 I think) so there classic (series 1) to modern (Diffender) Mechanically fairly simple parts readily available lots of mods/improvements

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:53 pm

OMG WOW I wish I was in your position, sooo much choice, yummie!

Does it have to be a saloon?

A squeeze would bring you the never ageing TVR Tasmin, cheap exotic motoring (I know its not big enough but I had to mention it).

A nice 2.8 or the 3.0L Capri comes to mind.

A MK II 2.8 Granada (always reliable).

Or the older Merc 350-500 SL yummie.

An old Audi Quattro would be included.

Or perhaps an older Audi cabriolet now theyre reasonably cheap.

A Triumph Stag would be on my list too though not as an everyday car.

But so too would be the Jag XJS so cheap now (3-4K) but oooh what class!
an even the convertibles arn't too expensive.

Or the later Jensen Interceptor, always lovely to look at but again not an everyday car.

As Duncan says, the old Landrover has to be considered. Or a Range Rover.

Saloon wise the XJ6 MK II has to be on the list, looovely.

Robbie.

Darth Bourj · Post by **Darth Bourj** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 10:51 pm

If you want a car thatâ€™s reliable and over ten years old then I reckon you need a German built car. Porsche 928. A grand tourer. A perring V8 engine. Incased in a futuristic alloy body way ahead of its time and just think a classic car where you donâ€™t have to chase rust. Oh and your lad will fit in the back. Expensive parts and big engine fuel consumption being a bit of a downer.

So why not stay French and get a Marta Mureana. Fiberglass body. 2.2 Peugeot mid mounted engine coupe with 3 seats all in one row. LHD only.

Push the boat out and get TVR Chimera if you really want British.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 11:13 pm

Yes, I can't believe I left out one of the most inovitive cars ever built, the great Porsche 928 off my all time great list, especially as you can buy an older pre 928 "S" for as low as 3K now. You have to be careful to check out everything works cos the maintenance for my old 1979 model was very expensive.

Robbie.

paul_y3k · Post by **paul_y3k** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 11:24 pm

did someone say Capri .?????? ohhh yes wot an ace motor. my secondary school english teacher had a 2.8i laser and she was gorg too ..... defo schoolboy crush on the car and the teacher !

Pauline · Post by **Pauline** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 8:16 am

How about aircooled? Classic Beetle, or even Variant - did fastback (coupe) and even "estate" version. Steve can bore you silly with the delights of cheap parts and maintenance at the next meet if you like. I'll get him to start his beard now

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 11:29 am

Triumph Dolomite Sprint? quick fun car, very comfortable, plenty of space. Reliable (ish) provided you get one without a warped head

Just a thought...