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Jun 21, 2021 21:09:25 GMT
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That said, the whole concern does depend a bit on what kind of retro you're running. Something that's still plenty available, with parts not a problem? For example here in Germany a good daily-driver retro would be something like a Mk2 Golf or a Audi 80 or BMW E36. Parts are easily available and cost next to nothing and can be sourced very quickly, so it's not as much of a concern if the car breaks. However if you're feeling lucky and decide to go buy that Maserati Biturbo you've been dreaming about, or that '82 Isuzu Piazza you spotted in the local ads by pure chance... well, I for one would feel a lot safer with some kind of backup option available. This. I can think of loads of old cars I'd quite like, which are perfectly capable of everyday use, but I could never consider one as my only car due to concerns over parts supply. I am finding that parts backup and tech info for my Amazon is noticeably better than for the 20 year old Pug 106 I am currently using for commuting, and my prefered old Volvo parts supplier could usually get most things to me very quickly. On one occasion, phoning up late afternoon for a pair of recon Amazon brake calipers had them arrive by 11am the following morning. Not bad for something that isn't a Mini, or MG / Triumph sports car.
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Jun 21, 2021 23:04:13 GMT
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That said, the whole concern does depend a bit on what kind of retro you're running. Something that's still plenty available, with parts not a problem? For example here in Germany a good daily-driver retro would be something like a Mk2 Golf or a Audi 80 or BMW E36. Parts are easily available and cost next to nothing and can be sourced very quickly, so it's not as much of a concern if the car breaks. However if you're feeling lucky and decide to go buy that Maserati Biturbo you've been dreaming about, or that '82 Isuzu Piazza you spotted in the local ads by pure chance... well, I for one would feel a lot safer with some kind of backup option available. This. I can think of loads of old cars I'd quite like, which are perfectly capable of everyday use, but I could never consider one as my only car due to concerns over parts supply. I am finding that parts backup and tech info for my Amazon is noticeably better than for the 20 year old Pug 106 I am currently using for commuting, and my prefered old Volvo parts supplier could usually get most things to me very quickly. On one occasion, phoning up late afternoon for a pair of recon Amazon brake calipers had them arrive by 11am the following morning. Not bad for something that isn't a Mini, or MG / Triumph sports car. I've noticed that, and I think it's having a funny effect on values. Cars used to be cheaper due to parts supply being great. Now, with more folks in the scene, it seems to have aided their value. The parts supply is one reason why I've kept my E46 M3. Out of my three cars, it's ironically the best one for parts supply by quite a way. Both Fords have alot of NLA parts now. The ST especially has issues. For the wing, I had to make do with a secondhand item and amend it, as new is no longer available and pattern ones simply don't exist for ST models. The exhausts are surprisingly still available, but without going custom, cost more than what the cars are worth (around £2k each).
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Last Edit: Jun 21, 2021 23:16:42 GMT by ChasR
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melle
South West
It'll come out in the wash.
Posts: 1,983
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Jun 22, 2021 16:34:53 GMT
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cost more than what the cars are worth This is an argument I never understand. In my opinion the value of a car is completely irrelevant (it's been paid for already), what matters is what it costs to keep it going and if I'm willing/ able to spend that much on mobility (for the daily) or my hobby (for the other ones).
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www.saabv4.com'70 Saab 96 V4 "The Devil's Own V4" '77 Saab 95 V4 van conversion project '88 Saab 900i 8V
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Jun 22, 2021 17:13:32 GMT
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cost more than what the cars are worth This is an argument I never understand. In my opinion the value of a car is completely irrelevant (it's been paid for already), what matters is what it costs to keep it going and if I'm willing/ able to spend that much on mobility (for the daily) or my hobby (for the other ones). I agree with that statement to an extent. If I spent £4k on that ST220, I'd be wondering why I didn't buy a decent car for £4k. Sure, it may not be retro enough for this place, but I bet you'd get something half decent that a number of people here would like. It wouldn't leave a hole in your wallet, and it would be less hassle. While I do enjoy working on cars, I also enjoy driving them to places, as well as having the funds to do so. A friend of mine is sick of his current car. It's a familiar story. It now owes him £20k if not more, and he'll be lucky to see £12k back. In that time, he's driven it 1,000 miles, with it being off the road for most of that time. I'll not say who it is, but those in the J world may know which friend I am referring to. He's wishing he bought cheaper cars and put it towards a holiday or a better house than his. He loves his cars but they have never been the bottomless pit that car is, or giving him hassle through poor workmanship and being continuously let down by a number of people.
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Last Edit: Jun 22, 2021 17:14:01 GMT by ChasR
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melle
South West
It'll come out in the wash.
Posts: 1,983
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Jun 22, 2021 17:31:08 GMT
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A friend of mine is sick of his current car. It's a familiar story. It now owes him £20k if not more, and he'll be lucky to see £12k back. In that time, he's driven it 1,000 miles, with it being off the road for most of that time. Was it ever supposed to be a "retro car that can be driven every day"? If it's been off the road for any length of time I guess he either has another car, or he doesn't need a daily?
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www.saabv4.com'70 Saab 96 V4 "The Devil's Own V4" '77 Saab 95 V4 van conversion project '88 Saab 900i 8V
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Jun 22, 2021 17:38:17 GMT
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He has 4 and he uses them mostly as dailies. Surprising ones include Merc C107 450SLC BMW E39 540i BMW E36 323i Convertible. The Skyline was a daily at times until it lost compression. From then on, it’s simply gathered dust at different workshops. IMHO, unless you are quite literately sweating money out of your pores, expense will always be a part of it and that will dictate the Choice. You’d spend £10k on a £10k to repair it if you earned £40k a year with a family? I doubt many here would in all honesty. I have done the spending more than a car’s worth and have mixed emotions. Mainly as I could have better spent the cash elsewhere. My current Mondeo 2.5T owes me probably 2.2k over the 3 years I’ve owned it and it’s probably worth £1k on a good day. But that’s low by my standards. 944 S2 as a daily took £4.5k over the 9 months I had it and I sold it for £3.5k in 2009. Anyway, we are going off track. It’s time to show the chap’s Current daily for going off piste.
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Last Edit: Jun 22, 2021 21:45:29 GMT by ChasR
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60six
Posted a lot
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Posts: 1,658
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Jun 22, 2021 20:05:35 GMT
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Love the e36 convertible - Does not look 22 years old at all....
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Some 9000's, a 900, an RX8 & a beetle
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Jun 22, 2021 21:44:42 GMT
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This is a very clean car. A lot of service history, £1.5k spent at an M3 specialist to get the brakes right and get it fully serviced. It’s not perfect but it’s how retro cars should be. Right enough .
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