5k family classic?

[Dee James]

probably in an attempt to shut me up going on about old cars my lovely wife has suggested buying me a classic for my 50th in a few years (ok, 3 and a half . . .)

here`s the criteria, all opinions welcome

1) budget around 5k

2) must be family friendly - if i`m going to use it for weekends and going to a few shows i want to be able to take the wife and (by then) two kids

3) must be interesting/fun

 

[bpsorrel]

What a delightful wife you have!

How about one of these?

Mercedes 300CE 2 owners 90000 miles (Price Reduced Dec 11th) For Sale (1990) on Car And Classic UK [C529527]

If I only had the space.....(and a kind wife like you!)

 

[markjay]

Citroën 2CV?

Or, if it is too basic, then GS/GSA - the estate ones are quite roomy.

 

[Dee James]

What a delightful wife you have!

How about one of these?

Mercedes 300CE 2 owners 90000 miles (Price Reduced Dec 11th) For Sale (1990) on Car And Classic UK [C529527]

If I only had the space.....(and a kind wife like you!)

i am a lucky man, although my choice will have to meet her approval no doubt

i`ve always had a soft spot for Mercedes CE`s - the W114/5 is a car i have coveted for years now but way out of my price range and i fear the W123 is going the same way but the W124 is within budget and to my eyes aging really really well

 

[Dee James]

Citroën 2CV?

Or, if it is too basic, then GS/GSA - the estate ones are quite roomy.

really early GS`s are cool, not so keen on the later ones but i do like the CX, ideally in black

 

[markjay]

really early GS`s are cool, not so keen on the later ones but i do like the CX, ideally in black

This is another old favourite of mine, not sure how available they are though:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C467269

 

[Reggie-rock]

Volkswagen Corrado but maybe a little small, MB W124 or a Citroen DS (the old 60's model)

 

[Dee James]

Volkswagen Corrado but maybe a little small, MB W124 or a Citroen DS (the old 60's model)

W124CE would be on the shortlist my only issue being possibly too new same with the VW

i would love a DS but out of my price range now

 

[bpsorrel]

This is another old favourite of mine, not sure how available they are though:

Peugeot 505 4x4 Dangel turbo Diesel..RARE LHD SOLD (1988) on Car And Classic UK [C467269]

Wow! Never seen the 4x4 version before!

I spent a lot of time in the middle east in the 90s and saw loads of 504 and 505 estates (in various states and dressed up with curtains and all sorts!) but never one of these. Good find!

 

[bpsorrel]

You could always be totally radical and go for some classic US muscle...

1988 CHEVROLET CAMARO IRC-Z CONVERTIBLE For Sale on Car And Classic UK [C567675]

 

[Dee James]

You could always be totally radical and go for some classic US muscle...

1988 CHEVROLET CAMARO IRC-Z CONVERTIBLE For Sale on Car And Classic UK [C567675]

a bit Richard Hammond for me that one ;-)

 

[Giantvanman]

How about 17,000 miles, two owner, full service history
Saab 900 classic - 17,000 miles only! Unique opportunity! | eBay

 

[Charles Morgan]

CXs and GSs rust big time. They are 30-40 years old and unless you are very lucky or very careful at your price point you could be buying a money pit (diesels are also getting porous blocks now).

A good condition Mark 1 Golf GTi convertible would be within range and they are nice cars, parts straightforward. Rust.

BMW E28 also within range and great engines. Rust.

Morris Minor saloons - slow and rust, but still at a decent price point.

Classics are now well above your price point for the most part, I'd seriously look at 90s cars as future classics, they are still reasonable and have potential to rise.

Rust though!

 

[Dee James]

How about 17,000 miles, two owner, full service history
Saab 900 classic - 17,000 miles only! Unique opportunity! | eBay

that is lovely i`ve always liked those and there can`t be many around in that condition but a bit too new and would you be happy to put mileage on it?

 

[Reggie-rock]

In that case a Cortina Mk 1, Capri Mk 1 (facelift) or a Morris 1000. A friend at work has one of these, it has low miles, is unrestored and in lovely condition and only wants around £2,500.

 

[Giantvanman]

that is lovely i`ve always liked those and there can`t be many around in that condition but a bit too new and would you be happy to put mileage on it?

Fair enough.

How about a 99 then……….I like Saabs

 

[Dee James]

CXs and GSs rust big time. They are 30-40 years old and unless you are very lucky or very careful at your price point you could be buying a money pit (diesels are also getting porous blocks now).

A good condition Mark 1 Golf GTi convertible would be within range and they are nice cars, parts straightforward. Rust.

BMW E28 also within range and great engines. Rust.

Morris Minor saloons - slow and rust, but still at a decent price point.

Classics are now well above your price point for the most part, I'd seriously look at 90s cars as future classics, they are still reasonable and have potential to rise.

Rust though!

i had an E28 and loved it, would definitely consider another

90`s wise a W124 CE is a possibility, they have aged really well and surely must be future classics - the one in the earlier post is a lovely looking car

another option would be to find a bit more money and go for something like a Triumph 2000/2500. What i would love is a W114/5 or W123 CE but would be hard to justify that amount of extra expenditure on a high days and holidays car so maybe a saloon?

 

[Ted]

There you go.
Perfect.

Edit:
Or perhaps you need something a little more sensible.

 

[SL300-24]

I think 5k right now would get you a nice SL500 R129 which would be a great car and probably a sound investment...

 

[lordlee]

Theres only one car that has built-in child seats so it would have to be that...

Porsche 928 S 4.7 V8 Auto, Guards Red, Incredible History For Sale (1982) on Car And Classic UK [C324903]

Plus these are only going up in value at the moment so you could own it for 2-3years and sell it for a profit.