Torn Between the two

[Ridin-High]

I'll outline my situation first.

Live @ home with family, don't have any debt, no children etc.

Now i've been wanting to get into something classic (car wise) for about 2yrs now. I've changed my mind plenty of times along the way about which type of cars i've wanted. Firstly started out with Toranas and centura's and currenty im diggin the old fairlanes and chev impala's.

I own my own toyota camry and i am keen to upgrade with-in the next year and if all goes to plan and i land this new job which is paying pretty healthy :D then i'll have the funds to do so.

1.) Now should i have the two cars? Camry (Daily) & Old skool (weekender and when ever else i wanna go out wif my mates). The down side to this is 2x Rego, 2x Insurance. Would it be a smart idea to consider dropping the camry to 3rd party insurance?

2.) One more modern car, but which touches on all bases? E.g I think its the WK Model Caprice (One with the fat ass). Lets me cruise around with all my mates in comfort with dvd's in the head rests etc.

3.) Buy a done up old car with all the modern creature comforts. Eg their was a mid 70's statesmen i saw for sale once it was a top 60 summernats entrant and look smick inside and out (Maybe someone on here's car).


My Budget is 25-35 grand depending on which option i take. Say if i went 2, i would sell the camry and lash out abit on something modern same as with 3.


Car would be daily driven (only about 15kms per day mon/fri).

Would the greater majority here agree that one car is the smarter option? Is it reasonable to suggest driving an old done up car (nothing crazy eg. worked off tits motor).


It seems older cars don't suffer deprieation as hard as modern ones, so make sure you factor in that as well. Basically im looking @ views at the moment.... all i have is time. I do have other goals, eg. buying property..... but my dad said to me live while your young as he denied himself of the luxarys when he was my age and regrets that now


I'll check repsonses when i get home later note

Cheers,

Ridin-High

[brentonsav]

i reckon new is best unless you can either restore one yourself as a project or keep one for appreciation purposes.

i choose option b and remember to allow $$ for the must have mods!

[VX_SS_II]

My opinion is decide what it is you really want. Cost needs to be a factor of course but it can't be the deciding factor as you won't be happy unless you get what you really want.

I have one car now (for the first time since i've had my license) and it suits my current situation perfectly.

Also remember that if you have an average daily driver (with 3rd party insurance etc.) and a classic for weekends the weekender doesnt always need full rego/insurance. Depending on the age of the weekender you could possibly get seasonal or historic rego (at least you can in SA...) which is heaps cheaper, and also limited use insurance policies...

I had a little 4cyl runabout and a V8 Torana street/show car for a few years. The rego and 3rd party on the runabout was next to nothing, and the Torana was on a Shannons extreme limited use policy (4000kms per year from memory) and I loved that set up.

Good luck with it mate, I'm sure you will get plenty of options from other forum members too.

Cheers.

[BOX1L]

i would go the 1st option you put down but i'm a sucker for old cars.

[Ando-S]

Go for a newer car with the creature comforts with an older car comes more work in terms of breakages as least you know a new car hasn't been flogged

[drg86]

Have you thought of an older car with an engine conversion, say a LS1 or LS2 etc. That would be cool, you get the old skool looks with modern day performance and reliability.

[Marco]

I'd go the newer car myself. Old cars are cool, but they are old cars - so you'll always be needing to work on something or other, and they won't be as nice to drive as a new one. Unless you've got the time/money/skills/inclination to keep an old car in top-notch condition, I'd go newer.

Personally, the set up I really want is a new car as a daily driver and an old one as a weekender.

[NefariousLS1]

Go the WK drop it and tt it perfect sleeper lol

[ben77]

I'm with VX SS II, I had the same set-up for the last 10 years until recently I was able to upgrade the daily driver to a new SS.... Best of both worlds ;-)
It helps to be handy with a spanner though... But you can always learn along the way if you're willing...

[Ridin-High]

Thanks for the reply's so far guys. I'll post my current thinking of what would be best.


Here is a quick comparison.


1.) Newish car (E.G 2002-03 Monaro or 04 Caprice)


Cost: $35,000
Insurance: quotes 2,800 for caprice, 3,800 for monaro (Full comp, Agreed value of 30k)

Rego/CTP: someone said it would be higher then the camry so say $1100

Depreciation: $5,000pa (Educated estimate)

First yr hip pocket hit: $8,900 (using the caprice insurance figure)

2.) Camry

Cost: $0 *already paid off*

Insurance: Switch to third party and theift cover $600pa

Rego/CTP: $950

Depriation: Not considered as value is below $8,000 now and would drive it until it dies.

+

Crusier car Lets take a 1971 ford galaxy 6.4L v8 for example

Cost: Would go for something in mint condition with work done. $18,000

Insurance: Limited use policy. 3rd Party + Theift Quoted $550 NRMA

Rego CTP: I'll use the same as the camry $950

Dep: Depending on model choosen not relavent, likely to increase in value

Hip pocket hit = $3450


Good thing about the second option, i get something i really want. Some mite say money shouldn't be an issue.... but im the type of person that gotta look @ all the angles b4 making a decesion. Also if one car needs repairs i can use the other. The reason i like the old cars is more of a character thing, its something u don't see everyday


Any comments on the above much apprieated.

[emg]

i'd get a nice BMW e30 M3

all time classic

[NewVLT]

I can understand your dilemma. I've got three registered cars at the moment and there are a few pitfalls, aside from the money.

First one is a VL turbo that does cars shows and fine Sunday afternoon drives. Second is my Calais wagon which does long distance work (need the space) and will soon be retired for a full restoration. Finally an old VH SL/E 6 that runs well but the body isn't the best. This does wet weather work and shopping centre carparks.

I guess that equals one poser, one I'll soon be working on and one I don't care too much about that I can leave in carparks.

Problem is I'm looking at a VE wagon in some form when they're released and I'm not sure I'll be parting with the VH for carpark work. :)

Downsides are trying to keep all the batteries alive, especially in winter, and strangely enough it can get to be a bit of a chore to take an hour out on a Sunday just to take one for a spin. Maintenance doesn't add up to too much once you're on top of things as two aren't driven much, though taking them for a spin at least once every two weeks my golden rule to keep them happy.

If you're getting in a classic though make sure it's old enough (25-30 years) to put on your states historic/club register which will limit your driving days but will drastically reduce your rego and insurance costs.

[markone2]

Thanks for the reply's so far guys. I'll post my current thinking of what would be best.


Here is a quick comparison.


1.) Newish car (E.G 2002-03 Monaro or 04 Caprice)


Cost: $35,000
Insurance: quotes 2,800 for caprice, 3,800 for monaro (Full comp, Agreed value of 30k)

.


Cost 04 Caprice 26K.......9K for suttle non intrusive mods..........11 second sleeper ...just my take :)

ps....price of Caprice is correct at time of pushing submit reply button

[Ridin-High]

Cost 04 Caprice 26K.......9K for suttle non intrusive mods..........11 second sleeper ...just my take :)

ps....price of Caprice is correct at time of pushing submit reply button

where are these 26k caprices that you speak of :D

[markone2]

where are these 26k caprices that you speak of :D




Schulz
Centrals
Cities..................take yer pick ...... ...:idea: pm me / Bring chequebook.....

:driving: away

[HSVREDSLED]

Cost 04 Caprice 26K.......9K for suttle non intrusive mods..........11 second sleeper ...just my take :)

ps....price of Caprice is correct at time of pushing submit reply button

:teach:
You got your answer right there.

[markone2]

:teach:
You got your answer right there.

Ummm nearly..........:) had Ridin-High been prudent enough too present his good person and cheque book this very morning in Brisbane city between the hours of 10.20 to 10.35am he would now be :driving: home with ...

1/ 2004 WK Gen111 Statesman in White over Silver 71,000Ks.....$22,200 all up...or

2/ 2004 WK Gen111 Statesman in Silver / Black leather / rear spoiler etc 68,000Ks ..$23,200.......all up

[Ridin-High]

Ummm nearly..........:) had Ridin-High been prudent enough too present his good person and cheque book this very morning in Brisbane city between the hours of 10.20 to 10.35am he would now be :driving: home with ...

1/ 2004 WK Gen111 Statesman in White over Silver 71,000Ks.....$22,200 all up...or

2/ 2004 WK Gen111 Statesman in Silver / Black leather / rear spoiler etc 68,000Ks ..$23,200.......all up

wats the catch their bro..... prices seem to low to be true

[michaels1v8]

wats the catch their bro..... prices seem to low to be true

I believe their cars being sold at auctions...

[nazar]

Started out with buying older cars, cost me a forturne in repairs, have a new car now - would never go back to older cars (like other people have said - a lot more comfort, and they cost less in fuel)

only do your research first - for me a few years ago, holden vt - toyota camry came second (but there front wheel drive, and they chew out front tires)

hope this helps

[markone2]

I believe their cars being sold at auctions...

Correct , Dealer Only Auctions where highest bidder on the day determines vehicles true monetary value.......

[Ridin-High]

Correct , Dealer Only Auctions where highest bidder on the day determines vehicles true monetary value.......

Dealer only meaning i can't attend?

[michaels1v8]

Dealer only meaning i can't attend?

Markone2 could :)

[brentonvxss]

Keep your run around car and buy a tuff weekend car:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[German Statesman]

Have you thought of an older car with an engine conversion, say a LS1 or LS2 etc. That would be cool, you get the old skool looks with modern day performance and reliability.


This is the go - Castlemaine Auto Electrics do harnesses/etc for LS1s into HK/T/G Holdens, and that would be a great lowbuck start. Maybe even a HQ or a Q/J/X/Z Statesman with LS1 power.

I see the yanks are on a retro kick at the moment, and Ive just seen a '61 El Camino...no such thing you say, and youre right - made out of a '61 Impala station wagon, and it looks the goods. There's even a nice little 348 and a 'glide underneath and its deliberately understated in white with Ralleys so you look at it, turn away, and then say "WTF??" and look again!!

My 2c worth - up until recently Ive had daily driver sluggers and weekend cruisers all my life, and it allows you to put up with the commute - every now & then I'd commute to work in my '61 Coupe De Ville, and it started the day of nicely :)


Cost 04 Caprice 26K.......9K for suttle non intrusive mods..........11 second sleeper ...just my take :)

ps....price of Caprice is correct at time of pushing submit reply button


Holy crap that's cheap - I remember thinking a year ago that 36k for a 40km Caprice at the govt auctions was a giveaway :eek::rolleyes::drool:

Thats sensational car for dollars ratio - roll on the high fuel prices!!

[markone2]

Dealer only meaning i can't attend?

The negotiating qualities of a carton of QLDs finest xxxx should never go underestimated ….it opens many doors :beer:

[German Statesman]

The negotiating qualities of a carton of QLDs finest xxxx should never go underestimated ….it opens many doors :beer:

Amen to that - its currency amongst some of your bretheren :rofl:

[V6Sucka]

If your only doing 15ks each day to/from work. Wouldn't a pushy be an even better option ?

[zorro]

'Good as Gold' perhaps??? :rofl:

Mate you are on the right track with keeping the corolla for a daily driver and keeping your 'other' purchase as a weekend car. Rego and insurance aside (these two are a given on any vehicle & if you are restoring a vehicle are not needed to begin with) 15k upwards will see a decent roller to start a project on.

Look outside the square on this one, currently a mate is pricing up fully imported fibreglass hotrod shells (rolling chassis). These come at a very good price and all you need to add is upholstery, paint, glass drivetrain & electrics etc. Also my old man was telling me the car auctions at wintersun were selling decent vehicles for good prices, also another avenue.

Older europeans are good, very well engineered for their age BUT (this is from experience) do cost a bit to maintain, parts etc. Try stay with aussie or something from the US, easy to work on, heaps of parts available.

BTW can you have a V8????

[Ridin-High]

'Good as Gold' perhaps??? :rofl:

Mate you are on the right track with keeping the corolla for a daily driver and keeping your 'other' purchase as a weekend car. Rego and insurance aside (these two are a given on any vehicle & if you are restoring a vehicle are not needed to begin with) 15k upwards will see a decent roller to start a project on.

Look outside the square on this one, currently a mate is pricing up fully imported fibreglass hotrod shells (rolling chassis). These come at a very good price and all you need to add is upholstery, paint, glass drivetrain & electrics etc. Also my old man was telling me the car auctions at wintersun were selling decent vehicles for good prices, also another avenue.

Older europeans are good, very well engineered for their age BUT (this is from experience) do cost a bit to maintain, parts etc. Try stay with aussie or something from the US, easy to work on, heaps of parts available.

BTW can you have a V8????

Thanks for the info their Zorak, definatly something to kick around.
I can drive a v8 in about 6 months (get off my plates).

Guys i've had a thought just want some feedback on it.


I'm considering building the Ford marquis (1978 ZH) Fairlane to a daily driver level with a mildly worked 351 Clevo, Small hi-stall converter, street friendly diff ratio, revamped interior and creature comforts (Aircon) and i've planned a budget of $30,000 including car purchase would this seem reasonable. I wouldn't have it registered during the build process, when its ready give the camry the flick and have my baby as a daily.


Cheers,


Ridin-High

[SS_Fury]

after all that a ford?!! lol, just kidding...just be prepared to spend $$ for the build....and time...personaly i would go the carton for markone2 for a good deal !!