Need car help, I have been thinking about getting a car, I haven't got a lot of money...

Question

I wouldn't spend more than £4000- £7000, but really don't like the look of more modern cars

I really like the old VW Beetle (also old mini and 2cv )

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C47330

But not really sure how much a car like that should cost (I don't want to get ripped off) would it be expensive to keep running as it is old, are older cars harder to drive than modern ones etc?

Thanks xxxxxx :-)

Answer 1

look at a "new" Mini Cooper

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/defaul...

you can have the classic look and the benefit of modern technology.

air bags & ABS brakes

avoid the 02 & 07's.

or drive a mazda miata

new VW beetles are very unreliable and old VW's have become collector cars and the prices have gone ballistic.

the biggest thing you'll notice about driving old cars is the steering and the brakes they require a lot more effort than today cars.

Answer 2

In excellent restored condition that VW bug is probably worth every penny of the asking price. That said I still wouldn't bother simply because the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car! Older cars (especially VW bugs) are easy to maintain &, as long as they are treated correctly, are probably going to be as reliable as more modern cars. Cars built before 1973 are also exempt from car tax so you'll be saving a wee bit of money there anyways! It won't be the same as driving a modern car, you won't have things like power steering, ABS, or even disc brakes. Safety features will also be non-existant. That said if you can find one with the steering wheel in the right place & in good nick (I would take a knowledgable person with you) it's probably going to be worth every penny!

Answer 3

Hi, Ist, if thinking of a 2nd hand car, 3rd take someone that knows the Mechincs, Do not bye at night,wet weather, check HP CHECK  Check if the car has been in a bad bump, check the internal seams where the bonnet meets the inner wing, also the internal of the boot under the Mats, Check the service book that is very important, check if the Cam belt has been changed if the car is coming up to 50.000 & you decide to bye get them to change the belt before byeing & make sure it has been done, ( there are ways to do this??) Lastly, there are a lot of cars out there barter for everything you can get if they dont budge on the PRICE walk away.  

Answer 4

Your taste in cars will not get you a decent one. The old Beetle is old tecnology and not cheap to repair. The old mini is charming but again you wll be repairing regularly as they had many inherent faults. The 2 CV is unsafe on today's roads. All older cars are harder to drive than modern ones. They are also much less safe as they have little or no safety aids, such as power assisted disc brakes, air bags, power steering, seat belts etc etc.

Test drive a Honda Jazz. Super to drive, top reliability in surveys, and above all, very safe. It ain't no good being in a 2CV when some clown mows into you, even at 30 mph.  

Answer 5

cheap car and dont get a old car because they will break down quickly.

and you think your going to get a boyfriend with that car? lol  

Answer 6

There will be Beetle & 2CV Classic car clubs. Try to find one of the larger ones. They should have forums to help you and, I think, a good place to buy a car.

They will be harder to drive. No ABS/Airbags etc.

not sure about the running costs. prob depends on your annual mileage  

Answer 7

go to this website they have a tons of cars ur looking for. www.cockworld.com

Answer 8

Do NOT get and old Beetle, an old Mini or a Citroen 2Cv !!!

The old Beetle - and remember they went out of production over 20 years ago (apart from Mexican made ones which are still made) is, by todays standards, grossly under powered, not very economical, very crude and basic inside, no air bags of course. Even in their heyday they were old fashioned having been designed in the late 30's.

An old Mini?  It will be so riddled with rust in places you cannot see that it would just fold up in a crash!  It was a far different beast than the NEW mini's !!!

The Citroen 2CV - tell me you are joking!  By todays standards that is not a car it is a bad joke! The seats are like deck chairs.  The body is flimsy. The engine is more suited to a Lawn Mower.

Nostalgia is fine - but not for daily use on the roads in the 21st century!