Buying an older car

R

Rewind

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My logic always seems to dictate that buying an older car is a recipe for disaster. That said I'm looking to potentially buy an old (70's shape) Alfa Spider or an old MG B convertible.

The question is: what are the pro's and con's of buying an old car? Sure they are cheap but are they going to break down all the time? Where do you even take such cars for a service and is it even worth servicing or should one just do the basics like oil changes or replacing spark plugs by themselves?

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks!
 
disclaimer: i know very little about the true "old car" experience

between an Alfa and an MG i don't think the age matters, both leak buckets of oil from brand new LOL

on my old (1996) beaten up student car i just do services myself and fix anything that breaks, it is a system that works well for me, i would be interested to know what a proper service on a proper classic car costs though, anyone?
 
Big difference between an old car and a classic :) 78 is 30 years ago, 96 is 12 years. The technology back then probably makes it easier to service though. Doesn't have any iffy electronics to worry about.

If you drive a 70's shape car, and especially a rare one, your life will probably become a search for parts if something breaks, might be a good idea to look up some car clubs.
 
I would LOVE to have an old Alfa or MG.....

Back then cars were genuinely sexy and you could see the passion in the design.
Depending on what you buy and what area you're in, parts can be easy to find.
I used to have an old mini 1275GTS (miss that car soooo much) and just down the road was a guy who dealt solely in mini parts etc.
 
A friend of mine just bought a MG Midget... seems decent enough, and easy enough to fix, no computer required :p
 
I'd guess that there are serious savings to be had with an old-ish car...say 8 years old. I think the costs will go sky-high after say 20 years.

So if your looking for a cheap car then very old/classic is probably not the answer.

That being said, I know nothing about cars.
 
Not looking for a cheap car at all! I'm looking specifically for a classic car and to be more specific the ALFA.

I'm sure there must be somewhere to service these things privately. If I find one and get some costs I'll report back on the progress.
 
Getting parts for an old car can be quite the exercise sometimes...
 
My dad had an MG B from his young days and when he passed away a year ago someone offered to pay just over R2million for it. But we turned down all the offers. I'd buy it from the estate if my sisters would let me :p

There is a place on what was Hendrik Verwoerd Drive (now Bram Fischer) that supplies parts for MGs (old & New) and I think they service them too. My dad did auto mechanics so he did his own servicing.

I'm sure there would be similar places for other vintage cars.

Also you get to go on vintage tours!
 
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