In place of a vintage car...Nissan Figaro

amdublin

I've always wanted a vintage car.

Two years ago I bought an incredible 1967 MG which I loved. Long story short it was written off in a crash (brake failure) - I wasn't driving it/no one hurt thank god.

In the six short months I owned it, while I LOVED it, I realised how much of a money pit a vintage car is.

I am beginning to get a craving now for another vintage but I keep reminding myself of the money pit issue.

I am thinking of an alternative, maybe something like a Nissan Figaro????

Any thoughts/suggestions anyone????


(Ps. I am female....if that matters...!)

colm_mcm

Figaros really need to be right to be worth anything.
Good ones still go for massive money. Some are money pits.

There is a garage beside Fairyhouse racecourse that specialise in Figaros.

amdublin

colm_mcm wrote: »

Figaros really need to be right to be worth anything.
Good ones still go for massive money. Some are money pits.

There is a garage beside Fairyhouse racecourse that specialise in Figaros.

I am not far from Fairyhouse, must check it out.

Do you know the name of it colm_mcm?

colm_mcm

Its the petrol static on the way into ratoath on the right that sells garden machinery.
Triple crown motors is the name of it AFAIK

amdublin

Any suggestions for any alternative cars I should check out?!

colm_mcm

Mazda Mx5

Totally.

amdublin

colm_mcm wrote: »

Mazda Mx5

Totally.

Interesting!!!

What year????

colm_mcm

Depends on your budget.
My favourite is the original 1989 shape with pop up headlights.

Have a read of this

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

Duke O Smiley

From experience of running a vintage car daily, it is only a money pit if you don't do the work on it yourself. And, I think you need to be a bit of an anorak and enjoy working on fixing it at the weekend. That is half of the enjoyment for me.

I presume you had a 'B or Midget, parts are widely available and really quite cheap for them. On the other hand, with something a bit more exotic I can understand, waiting weeks for parts to arrive and paying top dollar for everything because you don't have a choice.

A good Figaro could easily cost you double what a good B GT would cost.

amdublin

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

From experience of running a vintage car daily, it is only a money pit if you don't do the work on it yourself. And, I think you need to be a bit of an anorak and enjoy working on fixing it at the weekend. That is half of the enjoyment for me.

I presume you had a 'B or Midget, parts are widely available and really quite cheap for them. On the other hand, with something a bit more exotic I can understand, waiting weeks for parts to arrive and paying top dollar for everything because you don't have a choice.

A good Figaro could easily cost you double what a good B GT would cost.

Yes I had a B GT.

My dad did the work on it for me.

I won't lie to y'all. I guess I'd like a vintage look car but without the maintenance/money.

Do you think that's achievable???? Any suggestions?!

amdublin

Budget up to €3.5k...

colm_mcm

Mini?

Think the original mx5 would be a great bet, they're 26 years old now.

amdublin

colm_mcm wrote: »

Mini?

Think the original mx5 would be a great bet, they're 26 years old now.

Yes really like the look of the mx5.

Mini - what type/year etc?! (I've always loved old minis!!!)

colm_mcm

They made the old mini till 2000.
They're still an old fashioned car though. Friend has a late one and needed extensive rust repairs.

Duke O Smiley

amdublin wrote: »

Yes I had a B GT.

My dad did the work on it for me.

I won't lie to y'all. I guess I'd like a vintage look car but without the maintenance/money.

Do you think that's achievable???? Any suggestions?!

Nice choice. I had a Midget in 2014 and really liked it, but I prefer a more relaxed drive and the Midget was very hard to get in and out of.

With a budget of €3.5k you could have a nice Mini or MX5. The Mini, to most, has more of a "classic look" and you could pick up an 80s or early 90s Mini 1000 within budget. They give very little trouble mechanically and you will find a relatively rust free one easily with your budget.

60s and 70s BMC, such as the B do require a bit more maintenance for daily driving.

amdublin

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

With a budget of €3.5k you could have a nice Mini or MX5. The Mini, to most, has more of a "classic look" and you could pick up an 80s or early 90s Mini 1000 within budget. They give very little trouble mechanically and you will find a relatively rust free one easily with your budget.

Really like this idea

colm_mcm

This is a typical late mini


http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rover-mini-cooper/7537649?offset=12

Or this
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/classic-mini/8307595?offset=15

amdublin

Yes!!!!!! OMG beautiful!!!!!!

Duke O Smiley

amdublin wrote: »

Really like this idea

There are a few nice example on Donedeal at the moment that you could take a look at.
If you are interested I know of a very good Mini specialist in Dublin that would be able to point you in the right direction re buying one. They also sell them too.

amdublin

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

If you are interested I know of a very good Mini specialist in Dublin that would be able to point you in the right direction re buying one. They also sell them too.

That'd be great Duke if you could post here or pm me the name

corktina

A Mini is a sound idea and so is the MX5...they really are the equivalent of an MG but much more modern and reliable.

Interslice

colm_mcm wrote: »

Its the petrol static on the way into ratoath on the right that sells garden machinery.
Triple crown motors is the name of it AFAIK

Its not there now. Out near curragha, between the N2 and rathoath.

colm_mcm

Interslice wrote: »

Its not there now. Out near curragha, between the N2 and rathoath.

It's been a while since I was up that way

galwaytt

The MX5 is the car MG would like to have made. .... But never could. ...

I saw one sold handy a while ago purely because of a torn hood, with a valid NCT .. For €750.....

You can get one for as little as 1500 in good nick.

colm_mcm

As in you sold an MGF?

galwaytt

The MX5 is the car MG would like to have made. .... But never could. ...

I saw one sold handy a while ago purely because of a torn hood, with a valid NCT .. For €750.....

You can get one for as little as 1500 in good nick.

Duke O Smiley

Can I throw something a bit left field into the pot - Porsche 924.

A very decent example can be bought here for under €2500, they are very reliable and parts are plentiful as its an Audi 80 in a frock. Plus you can tell people you own a Porsche.

Probably not exactly what you are looking for though.

CianRyan

I am completely bias as I'm a huge MX5 fan but they are brilliant cars.
IT's slim enough pickings for them at the moment, a lot of crap ones about but out of the ones on Donedeal right now I'd consider these, in this order.

Number one
Looks really well looked after, Japanese model with better spec as standard, sports upgrades for handling if that's your thing and the wheels look lovely.
Bad point, I don't like the gear knob that that's easily changed.

Number two
Lovely clean example, tied with number one really.
It gets down to whether you prefer a standard car or a modified one.
Much nicer interior, speakers in headrest, style bars over head rests.
Bad point, I don't like the chrome trim they've added but again, easily removed.

Number three
Again, looks a nice clean example, original BBS wheels which are rare.
It never came as a 1.4 so I've no idea what he's on about, could be a bad sign.
Comes with a hardtop but in the wrong colour, I'd have it sprayed which would cost a bit for a good job.

Number four
Looks a good clean car again but it looks like it's the lowest spec available on it.
It's a UK spec car, may not have an LSD or aircon like the Jap's.
If it's a UK import it could have rust issues but it may well be Irish from new.

And...

Maybe #1
Maybe #2

CianRyan

galwaytt wrote: »

The MX5 is the car MG would like to have made. .... But never could. ...

I saw one sold handy a while ago purely because of a torn hood, with a valid NCT .. For €750.....

You can get one for as little as 1500 in good nick.

You'd be doing very well to get a good one for €1500 now, this time last year yes but they've taken a fair bump in the last few months and the prices are holding even after summer.
There's two years of the early ones now elegable for classic insurance with most companies so I can imagine the price is only going to go up at this stage.

Good ones are getting very rare now too, I'm seeing a lot of rough NB's and feck all clean NA's.

Mine needs work now but I'm delighted I got it for €900 August before last (14 months ago).

As for the torn hood, that is a BIG job. Garages cost a bomb for it and you'd be mental trying to do it yourself. Best off just sticking with a hardtop for ~€500 at that rate.

colm_mcm

That "1.4" mx5 is taxed as 1.6 anyway...

CianRyan

colm_mcm wrote: »

That "1.4" mx5 is taxed as 1.6 anyway...

It's so weird, not a typo either as he's written it as 1.4 three times in the add.

Trying to sucker people in?
Madness.

Duke O Smiley

While the MX5 makes for a brilliant modern classic, it doesn't quite have the classic look about it that the Mini has, and that the Op is looking for.

CianRyan

Give it a few years, they're right on the edge of looking properly classic I'd say.

I know what you mean though but she is after a modern classic though.


I'm thinking all the same, if you really liked the MG, an MGB GT or Midget is totally in range, keep it as a classic on the side and drive something a little less exciting day to day?
Dailying Classics that old is for the rich.

Duke O Smiley

CianRyan wrote: »

Give it a few years, they're right on the edge of looking properly classic I'd say.

I know what you mean though but she is after a modern classic though.


I'm thinking all the same, if you really liked the MG, an MGB GT or Midget is totally in range, keep it as a classic on the side and drive something a little less exciting day to day?
Dailying Classics that old is for the rich.

Well, with €3500 an MG for weekends and an MX5 for weekdays would be achievable. Probably a bit more hassle than it is worth though; insuring, taxing and maintenance on two cars is a lot to keep on top of.

There is a lovely little red 1980 Midget on donedeal at the moment for €2000 in Wexford. One or two decent looking 'Bs sub €2k (though they would need close looking at) and a delightful red 1971 Triumph Herald for €1700 in Dublin. Surely after some haggling there would be ample change left over for a nice early-ish MX5. I'm not very clued up on their prices though, so I could be wrong.

Sorry, #BMCfanboi

CianRyan

If I was buying an MX5 now and I didn't want to have to do anything, just buy and drive I wouldn't spend any less than €2000 so if you're after a small British classic aswell, you could well do it for €3500 if you go in eyes open and see it as something that may need some restoration over time.

A good MX5 shouldn't need much or anything outside of general maintenance. Simple Japanese design, hardly any electrics to go wrong, solid running gear as long as power is left alone and lets face it, the Classic will be the play thing so it will be left alone.

I'd love a bright blue Midget or MGB GT to go with my Mariner Blue Eunos Roadster.

colm_mcm

The mx5 feels like a British roadster though. I think they're (mk1) old enough to turn heads

CianRyan

colm_mcm wrote: »

The mx5 feels like a British roadster though. I think they're (mk1) old enough to turn heads

The kids around my area love it, when it's sunny out and I have it out for a spin they'll run along behind it shouting at me to make the lights go up and down.
Everyone else either ignores it or looks at me like I'm a dickhead.

They work to often to really be like a British Roadster.

Duke O Smiley

CianRyan wrote: »

If I was buying an MX5 now and I didn't want to have to do anything, just buy and drive I wouldn't spend any less than €2000 so if you're after a small British classic aswell, you could well do it for €3500 if you go in eyes open and see it as something that may need some restoration over time.

A good MX5 shouldn't need much or anything outside of general maintenance. Simple Japanese design, hardly any electrics to go wrong, solid running gear as long as power is left alone and lets face it, the Classic will be the play thing so it will be left alone.

I'd love a bright blue Midget or MGB GT to go with my Mariner Blue Eunos Roadster.

Tahiti blue '77 Midget!

colm_mcm wrote: »

The mx5 feels like a British roadster though. I think they're (mk1) old enough to turn heads

I haven't ever driven an MX5 but I would have thought they were a lot more refined. A Midget is anything but.

CianRyan

Tahiti, I'll keep it in mind.
They're pretty refined but they still pop and bang, you can hear heat shields rattle and hear the clunk of the gear box.
You get the idea.

amdublin

Thanks all!!!!

Some brilliant info here.

No definitely only want one car, and while my budget is up to 3.5 I'd prefer spend less of course!!!!!!

galwaytt

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

While the MX5 makes for a brilliant modern classic, it doesn't quite have the classic look about it that the Mini has, and that the Op is looking for.

I've had Minis and I love them, but there's no way a Mk1 MX-5 is not a classic.... Mines a 1990.

Duke O Smiley

galwaytt wrote: »

I've had Minis and I love them, but there's no way a Mk1 MX-5 is not a classic.... Mines a 1990.

I am not saying a MK1 MX5 isn't a classic, merely stating that the Mini has more of a "vintage look" than an MX5 and the Op is after a "vintage look car but without the maintenance/money."

CianRyan

Well if you do t want a money pit, let's face it you probably don't want a Mini.

amdublin

I really like the look of this.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-mx5/8182317?offset=23

Any thoughts?!

EazyD

amdublin wrote: »

I really like the look of this.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-mx5/8182317?offset=23

Any thoughts?!

Looks a decent example from the photos. High mileage but the B6 engine is bulletproof so I wouldn't let that put you off.To be honest the major killer is rust, points to check are the rear arches, sills below the doors, chassis rails and under the boot lining.

There are also drainage holes behind the seatbelt holsters that should be checked to ensure they are unblocked and not filled up with water. Always take the time to look at all these areas before making any considerations, small visible spots of rust on the surface generally means there is a lot more lurking beneath.

If and when you do buy one take the time to get the underside thoroughly cleaned up and oiled with Dinitrol, makes all the difference in the long run.

cerastes

amdublin wrote: »

I really like the look of this.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-mx5/8182317?offset=23

Any thoughts?!

Thats nice, I like the MX-5, if I had money and somewhere to keep it, Id go for one as I think they would be a lot less work than an MG type.
I prefer some of the grey imports myself, in a british racing green, used to see one around years ago with tan leather seats and I think faux chrome trim in parts.
I read somewhere that there was a British designer behind it or played some part in it?

I like the MX-6 myself too, havent seen one in a long time.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rally-cars/8196118?offset=1
Are they bullet holes?

amdublin

cerastes wrote: »

I like the MX-6 myself too, havent seen one in a long time.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/rally-cars/8196118?offset=1
Are they bullet holes?

:eek:
I don't know

But I think €500 is an awful cheeky price for this the state it is in!

Duke O Smiley

OP you should look out for the special edition MX5 that came in British racing green with tan leather. I can't remember the edition name, I think it was V-spec or something like that. They look stunning.

colm_mcm

I think that was the Japanese Eunos Roadster that had that option. Looks class with wooden wheel.
Think it was called "V-Special"

amdublin

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

OP you should look out for the special edition MX5 that came in British racing green with tan leather. I can't remember the edition name, I think it was V-spec or something like that. They look stunning.

colm_mcm wrote: »

I think that was the Japanese Eunos Roadster that had that option. Looks class with wooden wheel.
Think it was called "V-Special"

I want!!!!!!!!!!

colm_mcm

If you're thinking of an MX5, join/browse an owners club website and do a bit of reading up.