by "Tripper" (tripe46)
Published 04/14/2017 at 09:47
by "Tripper" (tripe46)
Published 04/14/2017 at 09:47
No Tags
STARS: 2
I’m reaching that period in car ownership (2 years in) where I decide if I’m truly in love. If I’m not, a new DD is at least on the distant horizon. We just recently got my wife a supertyduper practical Forester, so I’m thinking all sorts of crazy things. Two ideas that I just can’t shake are:
1. Torture myself and dd a classic. (2002, E30, Austin cooper, fiat/alfa)
2. Every time someone asks the “one car for the rest of your life” question. My answer is E39 M5. So I keep thinking “what am I waiting for?”. I don’t think they’ll ever get cheaper, and I’m super familiar with the car and all of its potential
repeated stabs to the face and genitals
“headaches”.
One catch. If was to go the classic route, I would also purchase a pickup. First of all because I really want another ranger. Secondly because if I’m going to use a classic car everyday, I will need backup
constantly
from time to time.
So do any/have any Oppo’s used a classic/modern classic as their daily driver? If so and you can sum up the experience in a sentence or two, please do!
Happy Friday
P.S.
Dat 2002
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"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
04/14/2017 at 09:52, STARS: 0
Is 1996 old enough to be classic yet? :p
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
04/14/2017 at 09:55, STARS: 4
I DD my 16 year old Jag, which I personally consider a modern classic. I’ve had to have every bit of the suspension replaced over the past year, but other than that I’ve thankfully never had an issue with reliability, despite having commuted it 70 miles a day since I bought it.
There’s something very special about commuting in a car that you really, really like.
"McMike" (mcmike)
04/14/2017 at 10:05, STARS: 2
Do 30 year old Vanagons count as a “classic?”
If so, that would be a yes from me.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
04/14/2017 at 10:08, STARS: 0
I’ve DD’d my 1972 ford pickup in between cars a few times, and I’ll be driving my 1961 ford pickup this summer to work and back. It’s a blast, so long as you have something else to fall back on when you need it. But then if you’re looking at an E39 M5, I’d go that route and never look back
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:08, STARS: 0
Sure do! How’d that go/is that going?
"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/14/2017 at 10:09, STARS: 1
I was seriously considering an E39 when I got my E90. I just didn’t want the potential headaches with a 13 year old car with 100k on it.
"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/14/2017 at 10:11, STARS: 1
For a while, I DD’d (more or less) a ‘64 Olds. It was a long time ago (1991) but the car was 27 years old at the time. It was a lot easier when I was single - being married, my wife would go nuts at the idea of me DD’ing a 50 year old car with no seat belts now. But I enjoyed it. If you go that route, you need to be able to wrench on it or have a great source for that, find a good parts source, and have a plan B (which the Ranger would cover). Plan B is partly for breakdowns, but also for inclement weather - you don’t want to drive a classic in rain/snow if you can help it (both to protect the car and, more importantly, you). Finally, be patient when you first purchase the classic- it may take a while to get it sorted so that it’s reliable enough to DD. That 2002 is gorgeous - that’s a car that’s on my bucket list, too. But — I totally agree with you on the E39 M5. They’re not going to get any cheaper, and now is a great time to get one if you can find a good clean example.
"Laurence" (mrlaurence)
04/14/2017 at 10:11, STARS: 1
I wrote a huge paragraph, then Chrome crashed, and I lost it all :(
Though I Don’t quite DD it, I own a Classic Minithat I try use as much as can. AMA
"McMike" (mcmike)
04/14/2017 at 10:15, STARS: 1
I have been daily driving them for about 25 years, so it’s weird to call them a “classic” or think it’s some sort of inconvenience.
They still make parts, so I’m good.
Tires are a little hard to come by. I may need to research and find a good 15" or 16" wheel here in the next several years.
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
04/14/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 0
I unashamedly call mine a “Future classic”
But before this one, I drove a 1991 Audi 200 20v. If you google that car, the first page on the list is my very first article here on oppo - Cars that time forgot - Audi 200 20v
I miss that car.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 1
I get that. After my experience with two used M3's. I’m much more confident in a well sorted M car with 90-100k than I am with one that might have 40-80k miles. A lot of money gets spent during that 40-80k time even if you’re just keeping up with maintenance. Sure everything will be more “worn” on a higher mileage car, but you’ll save a lot on the price. Especially on a car like an E39M5. # of owners is the biggest thing for me on this car.
My friend had one with 130k on the clock and it was a gem, the outside needed a little TLC. Otherwise he had no issues. He had another one with similar mileage that was a piece of garbage, but the price was low on that one. Unfortunately he was killed on his motorcycle not too long ago and I can’t bring myself to ask the family about any of his vehicles. I would love to buy his M5 and restore it as a tribute to him.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/14/2017 at 10:21, STARS: 0
I had the money to get a one owner in warranty E9X with like 15k on it, so I was like yeah I should go that route. So that’s what I did. Of course I’ve been good about taking care of it. Apart from wipers, I need some new ones.
That’s kind of an awkward subject to bring up, but maybe one day you could.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 1
Awesome! This will be the easiest sell as it wont take up much room, and my wife loves coopers!
How long have you had it/how did you get it/find it?
Work on it yourself?
What to look out for when shopping?
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 1
I’d call that a modern/future classic
"TheBimmerGuyWhoNowOwnsAChevy" (thebimmerguy)
04/14/2017 at 10:26, STARS: 0
I used to, but spending the weekends on jackstands was not my vision of “reliable daily”
"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
04/14/2017 at 10:38, STARS: 0
If you go by the older than 25 years than yes? But if you go by wether or not it has a computerin it, then definitely not. In fact I’ve never even owned a car without computers in it.
She just turned 26.
"Laurence" (mrlaurence)
04/14/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 0
I’ve had it for nearly a year now, and found it on eBay. It’s worth bearing in mind that even in the UK, where there’s plenty to choose from, finding a good one at a price that isn’t totally unreasonable still takes a lot of patience. I took somebody with me who’d had previous experience with Minis to look at it with me, and I’d highly recommend this should you get one.
That said, if you live in the US, or somewhere else where Minis are few and far between, I’d recommend importing one from Japan - they’re generally better equipped and far better looked after, and since most Minis from the late 80's onwards were sent there, you’ll get a slightly better choice of cars too.
At first, I took it to a garage to do work I thought was best left to experts, but I’ve started to pick up some knowledge for basic things, and unless you have very deep pockets, I’d recommend doing work on it yourself. Other than later fuel injected cars (like mine), they’re incredibly simple cars, and a great way to learn how to wrench.
When you go to look for one, the main priority is rust. The main spots being the sills, footwells, boot floor, firewall and subframes. That said, I’ve seen them rot pretty much everywhere, so check as much as you can. corrosion is by far the most common, and expensive to fix issue with these cars, so anything else can be sorted with less difficulty provided you’ve got a solid shell. That said, if you can weld, this opens up a lot of choice, since nearly every panel and repair piece is still produced, and aren’t too expensive.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
04/14/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 1
My buddy has a e39 530i M Sport 5 speed and it’s a nightmare. Been at BMW for two weeks and they can’t even get it to communicate with their computers now. Plus side is, he has a 340i loaner.
We’ve done wheel bearings, radiator, normal DIY stuff but the computers are NOT shadetree mechanic friendly. It’s too new of a BMW to be friendly IMHO.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:49, STARS: 1
Thanks, great info! My sister just moved back from England. Which is partially a shame because I love it there and now it’s a lot more expensive if I want to visit. You are certainly correct on the selection. It’s crazy to look at affordable coopers while in England knowing that they’d go 20-30k or more in the States.
Even the ones that exist in the USA are mostly on the west coast because the weather destroys old cars on the east coast (where I live).
I’ll keep my eyes open.
"promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
04/14/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0
My dad DDs an ‘85 Toyota pickup and has been doing so for the past 32 years. It’s been pretty uneventful other because he’s spent a lot of time doing preventative maintenance but there’s still an unexpected repair cropping up every few years, so it’s good that you have a backup in mind.
"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
04/14/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 1
I’ll just leave you with this to answer your question...
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"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
04/14/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 1
I have been thinking of picking up a classic car to do that with. I wish it could be my Healey, but that is for sale so I can buy a Firebird. So if I do, it’ll be that.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 0
WIpers are such a pain, always crapping out when its most inconvenient and then you forget to replace them for way to long, at least I do.
I never would ask and I’m sure that they were hot to get rid of all of them, given the circumstances. I see his dad often, so I’m sure he doesn’t need any extra reminders.
"MoCamino" (mocamino)
04/14/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 0
I DD a ‘79 El Camino. Yes it has a fiendish thirst for gas, and since it is 38 years old I have to be prepared to turn a wrench to keep it on the road. (Brake cylinders, calipers, brake hoses and lines, radiator, and rust repair on the core support all in the last 18 months.) But it is worth every dime and every busted knuckle when I take it on the road. Driving something you love and can take pride in is a total attitude changer.
With that said - I have a backup car, too. When driving a classic you need a backup plan just in case, so the Ranger is a good idea.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 0
I’ve had enough drives in one to know I will keep it the same way I’ve kept the E46. Pristine and forever!
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
04/14/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 1
You make an interesting point about the “forever” car. I don’t require a DD, my wife and I both work from home, so realistically, we only need 1 reliable vehicle. I have plenty of bucket list cars, but can’t think of one that I’d just say I want to keep. a BMW Clownshoe would the closest I can think to a forever, but with 2 seats, the entire fam can’t enjoy it.
"Laurence" (mrlaurence)
04/14/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 0
20-30k more!?! That’s quite a bit more than I’ve paid for mine...
Buying minis is really a matter of patience. There’s plenty out there, but most aren’t worth the hassle unless you want to restore one.
One more (admittedly minor) thing nobody ever mentions about Minis - the miserable Bastards that seem to populate most of the owners clubs and forums. Maybe I’m just too used to oppo, but there’s a lot of people with minis who never seem to be happy with anything or anyone, and are constantly complaining or trying one-up everyone else with their superior* knowledge
Though I shouldn’t be too harsh - there are plenty of really amazing people who own or like minis that I’d hate to describe in that way who’ve been an enormous help to me ever since I got the car.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 1
I’m were talking about really nice ones, but yea 20-30k!
I love em all, stock ones, crazy modded ones, even the monster truck ones. Although I’d be looking for a mainly stock example. A lot of “car clubs” are full of people like that. For instance, you’ll catch me at cars and coffee, but never at a BMW/Audi meet.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0
Aw man a clown shoe is on my “itches to scrach” list too! I have been so close to buying one twice! I’d take a coupe or roadster with either engine.
I’ve owned 12 cars and only kept one more than 2 years. It’s a Phoenix Yellow E46 M3, and I’ve had it 10 years! Part of my drive is that I know I’ll keep an E39 the same way. So it will save me money in the long run...? haha
"GTI Sprinks" (gtisprinks)
04/14/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
My coworker daily drives (in rotation of several vehicles) a 2002 (or two). He seems to love it. Haven’t seen him drive it in in a bit as i think he and his partner rideshare now and i think one of the 2002 is going down for a rebuild/refresh.
"Laurence" (mrlaurence)
04/14/2017 at 11:22, STARS: 1
Wow... That a lot of money. Then again, I imagine that the 60's and 70's ones are probably worth that much. I’d wager that that the green ‘1966' car doesn’t have a single part from the 60's on it other that the VIN number.
I love them too, despite all the problems I’ve had with it, I can’t imagine myself ever getting rid of it. They’re great cars no matter which one you get.
I think you’re right about car clubs too - when it’s a group of people with completely different cars (like at Cars & Coffee or on here) everyone seems to get on really well, but when it’s a group with the same or very similar cars, there’s always people who are super hostile and elitist there.
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
04/14/2017 at 11:24, STARS: 2
I DD’d my ‘66 GMC for a while, and DD’d my ‘73 CL450 for most of the year last year. As long as you have a backup you’re gtg as something will break every other week or so. I still need to put a new transmission in my GMC, and then I’ll probably DD it again.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 11:24, STARS: 1
At least here, it’s much easier to find a pristine one from the 60's 70's. Solid drivers from the 80's are tough to find. Probably because you couldn’t pry them from their owners cold dead hands.
"Slant6" (slant-6)
04/14/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 1
I have a friend who DDs a 1968 FJ40. He is constantly stranded (it is his only car, he’s from Colorado but goes to school here in NC). He loves it though and he’s one of the coolest people I know for it.
Currently I have a 2002 Ranger and a 1965 Dodge Dart. Currently I drive the Ranger everywhere and the Dart is in a semi trailer back in Raleigh (so I need someone to bring it to the loading bay just to drive it). My eventual plan is to restomod the Dart into a daily and bench the Ranger. This is probably after grad school which is at least another 4 years out
I’m also planning on being a commuter my senior year of undergrad so there might be a 3rd car in the mix as neither the Dart or Ranger are stellar at commuting.
"Laurence" (mrlaurence)
04/14/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
Yeah - I had a look on a few random Craigslist areas, and there were quite a few more older models in far better shape than most of what I see over here. Seems like you pay a big premium for them though...
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/14/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Yea it’s tough. I’ve seen the best deals go down at auctions, but I don’t think I’d be comfortable buying that way.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
04/14/2017 at 11:50, STARS: 1
I’m on my 26th car now. I’ve never owned a vehicle that I’ve thought I’d keep long term. Right now, the Tacoma is in the cards to keep long term. Only because I think it’ll last, and because I like to have a truck at my disposal.
I came so close to a Clown shoe. Early 2000s, went to the dealership and they had a used M on the lot. I told my buddy if it was under $28k, I’d buy it that day. Salesman came out...car was listed for $27,995. He got the keys and I sat in it...and, I didn’t fit. I now know the tricks for fitting a tall dude in it, so I wouldn’t hesitate to pick one up now. I’ve driven plenty of the roadsters, and those were plenty of fun, too.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
04/14/2017 at 12:01, STARS: 0
I do the modern classic thing and DD my 93 Corvette. I love doing it and it works pretty well, but having a backup vehicle is an important part of that. The vette is just old enough and special enough that most parts beyond the very basic stuff like filters are not going to be in a local parts house. Because my old escalade is around, it wasn’t a problem when the water pump started weeping onto the optispark and I had to leave it parked for the rest of week until the UPS guy brought me a new water pump.
"Rykilla303" (rykilla303)
04/14/2017 at 12:19, STARS: 0
I did a few years ago. We have a 78 k15 and it was our only vehicle for several years. Super reliable, just drinks gas like its going out of style.
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
04/14/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 0
i greatly enjoy dailying my old truck. v8 manual truck 4speed, no accessories. it was a patina rod, before it was a thing, and the trend caught up to ME........
everywhere you go is an adventure. you basically do a pre-flight walk around every time that you stop anywhere, looking for new drips, or puddles, tires going low. truck guys are all friendly, they all say “nice truck, whats it got in it?/ i used to have one just like it”
nicely enough, whenever you happen to be setting on the side of the road, in an old car, people actually stop to see if you might need some help, maybe a ride.
so long as you keep a few basic tools, and an occasional spare, daily driving a classic is downright trouble free, so long as you manage to keep up with basic maintenance.
to sum it up, when you drive old junk, EVERY trip is an adventure. life is too short to drive something that you dont enjoy.......
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
04/14/2017 at 18:06, STARS: 0
what happened to the transmission you had installed?
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
04/14/2017 at 19:34, STARS: 1
Still haven’t purchased a longer driveshaft. A friend of mine needs a shorter shaft so I might swap mine for his two piece.
"diplodicus" (diplodicus)
04/21/2017 at 10:07, STARS: 0
Just saw this after I saw your post about looking at the 2002. I’ve been dailying my e30 325i for 5months now. Mine was pretty rough and rusty when I bought it, only paid 2500. You pretty much have to order all the parts from the typical euro websites. Although I did get an alternator locally. Other than the alternator dying, and some cracked electrical connectors that caused the coil to not get constant power its been reliable. Honestly I’ve been considering selling my 540i because I like the e30 so much. Even though I get wet every time it rains. Finally got my sunroof parts so that should be fixed shortly. I’ve been looking for original basketweaves too, they’re hard to find and I just realized the next issue is going to be finding tires that fit 6.5" wide rims if I ever find a set of wheels that is.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
04/21/2017 at 11:31, STARS: 1
Honestly an E30 and a 2002 are neck and neck for me. I’m more familiar with the E30, and they are just so great to drive. When I was working as a valet an older guy came in in an E30 with 25k on the clock! It drove like a dream, the guy said every one of his 4 kids is after it!
"diplodicus" (diplodicus)
04/21/2017 at 11:39, STARS: 0
Lucky bastards, I have only driven mine but the transmission is pretty rough. Sometimes it feels amazing and sometimes it just doesn’t really want to shift. A known good or rebuilt transmission is another item I’ve been on the lookout for.