My 17-year-old son wants to buy his first car, with the usual requirements of being cheap to buy, insure and run, but he doesn't want a modern box, instead he is keen to get a car (or van) with character – possibly a 'recent classic'.
Budget £1500 - £2500. Any suggestions?
Hi John,
Apparently Ralph Lauren had the same attitude to his first car. I hope your son has much luck with the ladies and lucre.
You need to raid specialist classified magazines like ‘Classic Cars For Sale’ and the banger section of Auto Trader.
Look for Triumph TR7s, 1970 MGBs (it will have to be the one with the massive bumpers) or if you can find one, a Fiat Xi/9.
In a few years he can consider 1980s BMW 3-Series or Toyota MR2s and Celicas. But the engine size will clobber him on insurance at the moment.
I have also seen a Singer Gazelle in dove grey for just £1,795. But as you may remember, it’s the Sierra of its day and I doubt its what he has in mind.
Be ware there are a good few sharks selling cars in the ‘recent classic’ sector.. I saw a 1993 Orion, for a thumping £1,500. Ouch.
P.S. I suggest getting him a Haynes manual and some spanners too.