Should I buy a classic car?
The question is simple; should you buy a classic car, or not? But the answer (unsurprisingly) is far more complex. What constitutes a classic car? What will you be using it for? What’s your budget? Why are you considering one? Will this be your sole means of transport? For some people a classic car makes huge sense – while for others it would be nothing but a liability. Here’s how to work out whether buying a classic is likely to lead to tears of joy or tears of despair… What is a classic car? The parameters have shifted massively over the last few years, with some cars considered classics before they’ve barely gone out of production. Obvious candidates include the Mazda MX-5, Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster and a whole raft of other sportscars with enthusiastic owners’ clubs. With a superb 1990s MX-5 or early Boxster, Audi TT or S2000 available for less money than a mint 1960s MGB, it’s no wonder interesting newer cars have such a following. They’re arguably more usable, more comfortable and better equipped – and generally safer too. To some they don’t have as much charisma, but if you want to enjoy the thrill of the open road they tick most (or even all) of the key boxes. Turn up at a classic car show in something interesting made within the last 20 years and you’ll probably fit in fine. But for guaranteed acceptance within the classic car fraternity, you need to buy something built at least 40 years ago, with lots of chrome and the strength of a shopping trolley. Only you can work out whether something so old would fit into your life, but whether it’s your sole transport or just a weekend toy will probably be the deciding factor.