Refurbished collector's car- is it worth it?

[silkie]

Hey guys,
just want to see if any of you have ever had experience with owning an old car, and whether it is worth the required maintenance.

I am definitely not under the impression that getting an old car will be as trouble free as, say, getting a brand new Japanese car. But given my obsession with the old Jaguar XJ6 or the XJ12C, especially from 75-76 (when it was not jaguar), I can't help be think that it may be worth it, especially if it is converted with a newer Chevy engine kit.

The following are some examples of the Jag. As you can see, this fucker looks like a regular jag on steriods:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a104/CANDY3524/Work/CARS/75xj6/1.jpg

http://www.partaj.cz/imgs/anglicani/jaguar/jag_xj_10.jpg

http://www.fotosite.nl/cars/image%2dcache/Jaguar/xj12c%5fdisp512.jpg

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/classic-car-images/xj6-s1.jpg

Or, would I have better luck with somethihng less exotic (or better yet, not a a Jag which has probably the worse rep for reliability), like a 65-68 Mustang or 68 Dodge Charger?

[atlasien]

Here's a financial perspective, not a mechanical one...

My mother owns an awesome, decent condition early 1960s Mercedes... I egged her on to buy it from eBay for something like $2000.

It's been in the shop for the last year :rolleyes:

Based on that experience, I would say, don't do it unless you have a lot of disposable income. Could you throw $10,000 a year at it? If so, knock yourself out. I don't know how much it would really cost a year, but I think it's always going to cost more than you think it will.

[RebelAzn]

It is not worth it for me. Unless you are in love with these old cars, it will probably be a maintenance nightmare.

Why don't you go green and get a Toyota Prius? I got a hybrid and it is running great.

[DijabutiA]

It is not worth it for me. Unless you are in love with these old cars, it will probably be a maintenance nightmare.

Why don't you go green and get a Toyota Prius? I got a hybrid and it is running great.

BWAHAHAHHAHA, you wanna compare buying a 70s jag to a Prius? LOL

Do you have a garage, a lot of tools, and some friends to help you? It would probably help to know someone who can fab too. Otherwise, going that alone will probably end up with that thing sold in a year or two at a loss.

[Screaming Mad Chinaman]

Hi Silkie,

Whatever you do, do not get MOPAR! My friend bought a 1968 Dodge Charger almost 3 years ago. After 25-30K invested into it, including a brand new motor, it's still not running! Mopars are more trouble than their worth. If you have 30K burning a hole in your pocket, then buy one that's already restored. Otherwise, stay far away.

You can't go wrong with Mustangs and Camaros. They're cheap, parts are plenty, and every mechanic on the planet can work on one. I've had a few Mustangs in my years and currently have 2. But they are common, so if you want to stand out, you may have to look for some 'exotics.'

You also have to narrow down your criteria. Do you just want old school or anything with muscle? Are you building a road racer or a drag machine? Want all engine or some tricks?

I could give you a few suggestions, once you figure out what type of car you ultimately want to build.

[minbo]

"Worth" is relative. If you want an old car because you want an old car, then it may be "worth it". If you want a car as a commuter/daily driver or such, then no, a '70's era Jag is not worth it.

Personally, I don't like lumped Jags. The XK engine is a great engine. So their electric system sucks ass, but if you pull it out and put in a new wiring harness, it cleans up nicely.

Personally, I prefer the Daimler MkX > DS420 > Jag XJ6 or XJ12.

In sort, if you have the cash to spend, don't mind throwing it away on a car to cruise around every now and again on the weekend and have it as a garage queen the rest of the time, then it is worth it.

[awong]

if you want to deal with lucas electronics...

[Kuroyama]

Ive only owned 9 cars, but in my experience there is no such thing as a good American car. When/if Toyota fails to maintain their standard I fear for the automotive world. The only cars I trust less than American cars, are Jaguars. Seen too many break too often. If you dont have to rely on it, and have lots and lots of money to throw at it. Please enjoy it. If you need something reliable because you want to be able to... go to work...your wife to be able to get somewhere without breaking down...I suggest Toyota.

Now, If I won the lotto, Id buy a Ford GT50. But Id have mad parts around and be able to maintain it.

Id also have an Infiniti FX45, and Toyota FJ Cruiser for daily/nightly drivers. The GT would just be my "batmobile".

[poisenedrice]

It is not worth it for me. Unless you are in love with these old cars, it will probably be a maintenance nightmare.

Why don't you go green and get a Toyota Prius? I got a hybrid and it is running great.

Dear GOD you said the forbidden "P" word among us car enthusiasts. Hybrids are the greatest emitters of smug in the United States. It's true, I saw it on South Park.

[Vahz]

My cousin owns a 1958 Plymouth Fury because he has been infatuated with one ever since he watched that movie, Christine.

It works perfectly fine but then again, he has extensive experience when it comes to fixing wreaks.

[poisenedrice]

Ive only owned 9 cars, but in my experience there is no such thing as a good American car. When/if Toyota fails to maintain their standard I fear for the automotive world.

My head is spinning, is this really the part of the site for car lovers?????

C'mon guy, you live in Japan right? Mazda 3/Axela > Toyota Corolla. Plus, Toyota's reliability/overall quality has slipped because of their huge growth, so for all you Stateside commuters, you really are better off with a Mazda 3. For an economy car, it can't be beat in terms of overall value - it has something that everyone looks for in this segment. It's got build quality, aesthetics, handling and just fun to drive. I've had one for 55,000 miles now, it still runs like a champ, and makes the Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt owning turds here jealous.

Well, until the new Mitsubishi Lancer comes out later this year, that is.

For the commuters in Japan, I would consider a Suzuki Swift Sport. For a cheap car, that thing is the deal.

[Ike]

If I had the time (or the knowledge), I'd buy an old car and fix it up. But it would be more of a hobby, and I'd probably still need something to drive in the meantime.

[angi]

Have a mechanic look over it and see what needs to be done and just realize an older car is going to have issues.

I lost my civic last July and still haven't gotten anything because what I really want is a '66 fastback that I can't afford and can't bring myself to spend the money on the tinkertoys they call cars now (why do they ALL LOOK ALIKE???)


I test drove a prius and it is like driving a car from mickey's toon town. Come on, it has a freakin "on" button!

[awong]

Have a mechanic look over it and see what needs to be done and just realize an older car is going to have issues.

I lost my civic last July and still haven't gotten anything because what I really want is a '66 fastback that I can't afford and can't bring myself to spend the money on the tinkertoys they call cars now (why do they ALL LOOK ALIKE???)


I test drove a prius and it is like driving a car from mickey's toon town. Come on, it has a freakin "on" button!

and with gas so expensive with that 66' fastback, you'll be spending like 50 bucks on gas.


how about the new civic? You can still get a manual on it too, not sure on hybrids...

[angi]

I don't drive much. I've put on under 5000 miles on my dad's car since August...it costs about $42 to fill up so it wouldn't be much of a change :)

I will probably get a civic, but I guess I don't want payments unless it is what I really want...

[poisenedrice]

Mazda3 > Civic. (not counting the new Si)

[howstrange]

Collectors cars are good if you treat them like a collectors car. Sunday drives.. lots of cleaning with a toothbrush. If it becomes too expensive to take care of, just let it sit in the garage for 10 years or so and see your investment double or triple in value... if it's a desired model. OF course you got to at least try to fire it up once in a while so as not to dry out all the seals. I'd love to have a 68-72 Vette, or a late 80's 911 turbo.. those things will always appreciate.

[vsoy]

I really don't think cars in general are good investments. In some cases like that Steve McQueen Ferrari, it can be but for most part, it is very difficult to get a good price for a show/collector car unless you have a lot of time and patience to sell it.

I don't have owner experience with a vintage car but I do with a newer show car. It's been nothing but a money pit. I don't like to think about how much money and time that went into that car, but my only consolation is that I would justified in taking up a very expensive hobby like coppersmithing.

However, the car provides some kind of satisfaction and pride to the hubby between the swearing and assholes who tailgate.

I think if you have a second car, an extra garage bay and enjoy working on cars, then knock yourself out. I would recommend doing as much as your own work because there are some things you just can't get other people to do because the love is not there if it is not yours. Like carefully wrapping wires and attaching them to the chassis, making sure hoses and clamps are tight, etc.

We had a well known speed shop put in a supercharger and some other work done. I think my husband said, "It'll take a month." It was more like a year. There were always little annoying problems afterwards and once the hubby got in there and doing his own stuff, he discovered all sorts of sloppy things that bordered on down right criminal, like a live, loose wire by fuel line that could have resulted in explosion.

[vsoy]

Mazda3 > Civic. (not counting the new Si)

Isn't Mazda partially owned by Ford? The Mazda3 is a good value though.

[poisenedrice]

Isn't Mazda partially owned by Ford? The Mazda3 is a good value though.

Of course it's a good value, it's built in Japan :-]

Plus, Ford having a controlling stake in Mazda is a blessing in disguise. If someone accuses you (usually an old white guy) of being unpatriotic for driving a Jap-mobile, you can invoke the "Mazda is owned by Ford" line.

[angi]

It's not like Fords, while assembled in America, are 100% American.

[DijabutiA]

Plus, Ford having a controlling stake in Mazda is a blessing in disguise. If someone accuses you (usually an old white guy) of being unpatriotic for driving a Jap-mobile, you can invoke the "Mazda is owned by Ford" line.

Ford saved Mazda's ass anyway; they lost their shirt trying to stick a rotary in every car they made. Mazda 3 = C1 chassis (Mazda 3, Euro Focus, Volvo C30/S40, etc). Mazda was doin pretty bad prior to Mazda6, but now their doin great and helpin out (somewhat) with the chassis stuff. They don't want to give up that 2.3 turbo though, hahah.

I've test driven a mazda3 and was throughly impressed; great brakes, great steering, great suspension. 2.3 is a little weak though, car is too heavy (nice). I haven't driven the new civic, but it's got a great motor (then again, Honda 4 banger = ftw). Honda has been cheapin out suspension though, f'ers! Should be tryin out a civic si pretty soon though... =-)

It's not like Fords, while assembled in America, are 100% American.

Meh, Mazda 6 made in Michigan, Fusion in Mexico, Camaros in Australia, Mercedes in 'Bama, now Saturns in Belgium. Hah!