There’s something eminently cool about driving a classic car. It means you stand out from the crowd and it’s a great conversation starter.
Yes, you may need to take more care of your vehicle and there might be some immediate repairs that have to be carried out at your local
garage, but there are a lot of different options out there which make owning a classic possible for practically everyone.
Whether you’d love to drive a classy MG or have set your heart on a more gentle Morris Minor or even something older, you can often find vintage vehicles for sale online at very reasonable prices. These have often been well looked after and hardly need any work doing them at all.
Here we look at 5 great reasons why you might want to go down this route rather than buy a brand new vehicle.
1. The Cost
If you want to buy a new car nowadays, it can certainly cost a lot and put pressure on your finances. The most popular option is to take out a loan. You pay a sizeable deposit first (anywhere between £500 and £1,000 depending on the car) and then a monthly amount for several years until everything is paid off.
The average cost of a new car is between £12,000 and £17,000 so it’s a big investment if you’re buying your first vehicle and have limited finances. What’s more, new cars tend to lower in value over time and more quickly than most of us think.
In contrast, you’ll probably pay much less if you are buying a classic car. A lot, of course, depends on the car that you are choosing. If it requires a good deal of restoration work, you are going to have to fork out for those garage bills. But many classics are in excellent condition and available for sale online. You just need to do your homework and due diligence before you part with your cash and there are some great deals out there.
2. Classic Cars Can Increase in Value
Like most antiques, the value of your classic car is likely to increase with age as long as you look after it properly. It’s also worth considering older models (perhaps made 10 to 15 years ago) that are likely to fall into the classic category at some point in time.
There are several things to consider if you want to own a car that is going to appreciate over time.
For example, you should make sure that it has most of the original fittings and parts as possible. Check the mileage too – the lower this is the more value you are likely to find it increasing by over the years. Certain brands appreciate more than others but they cost more – if you’re looking for a good investment, however, it's worth checking out makes such as Jaguar, Mercedes and MGs.
3. You Get a Better Drive
Okay, this might be a personal opinion but there’s nothing better than getting in a classic car and hitting the road. Of course, you won’t have the techy ABS and state of the art air conditioning but you have all the style and panache that you need.
Let’s face it, driving a modern car can be pretty boring – you have no such problem with a classic. They’re certainly more challenging and rewarding to drive. And you’ll certainly get noticed.
4. You Get to Learn About How the Engine Works
Owning a classic car is more than just about the look and feel of a particular vehicle. Owners are generally engine fanatics and take great pride in learning how everything works.
Classic car engines are certainly less complex than modern vehicles but you can spend hours tinkering away to your heart’s content. If you like getting your hands dirty and learning new things, a classic is a great choice.
5. You Don’t Need an MOT
This might sound counter-intuitive for an older car but, if it was built more than 40 years ago you don’t need an annual MOT. This applies as long as the vehicle has not been substantially changed during its lifetime.
You do have a responsibility, however, to ensure that your car is properly serviced and is roadworthy – you could be still stopped and fined if there is found to be a fault that is considered dangerous. But you don’t have to fork out for that MOT every year.
Of course, owning a classic car takes some level of commitment on your part. A lot will depend on how often you want to drive it and the age of the vehicle you choose. If you are looking for a cheaper buy than a new, modern car, however, there are plenty of options out there. Our advice is to do your research and make sure you get the vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic before you buy.
At White’s Bodyworks, we’ve got decades of experience of dealing with classic cars of all makes and ages. If you are planning to buy a vintage vehicle, contact our expert team for some friendly advice.
