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First Car

Discussion in 'Break Room' started by blinda, Nov 28, 2012.

  1. blinda

    blinda MVP


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    Its jack here (Blindas favourite son)

    Im currently learning to drive and want to get a classic beetle for my first car. Mum is all up for this idea. Did anyone here ever have a 60's beetle, pro's and con's? And if anyone heres of one being sold please let mum know.:D What has this got to do with feet you may ask, well mum said it has an arch. or 4

    What are you thoughts on a first car?
     
  2. Jack,

    I've owned classic VW's most of my adult life- my first car was a type 3 fastback, I currently run a '77 Westfalia T2.

    They are a money pit, constantly breaking down, always need work to get through the MOT. Unless you've got plenty of spare cash or can weld, strip and rebuild engines, gearboxes etc., I'd forget it.

    A friend of mine is a car salesman, he once gave me this advice: "buy the most modern car you can afford, with the lowest mileage and make sure it's German".

    I also run two Audi's- an S3 and an A6

    If you want a VW- buy a golf, or similar. If you want a beetle- buy the modern beetle, which is basically a golf with a different body shell.

    Unless of course money is no object, in which case buy an import beetle (not mexican!), but not a late one- remember pre '72 will be tax free (but not MOT free!) Learn about the problem areas for old beetles- heater channels- sills and take a magnet, torch etc when looking at vehicles, look at lots BTW. Check the pulley wheel on the engine for play. And don't buy one unless you've got plenty, plenty to spend on it- because you will, trust me- you will.

    If you are intent check out someone like Southwest splitz, who regularly import vehicles from South Africa, Australia, California http://www.southwestsplitz.co.uk/vehicles.php?type=all They currently got a '72 squareback which I'd take over a beetle every day of the week- but much harder to get parts for than a beetle.
     
  3. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Ahh awesome a fastback!! Yh im doing a mechanics course so im hoping ill be able to do a lot of work myself and i have friends who are mechanics that can help. I know they're a bottomless pit in terms of money, but they are just absolutely too cool for skool (nothing beats the sound of an old VW engine ticking over). I would also consider a mk1 golf, but im sorry i could NEVER bring myself to own a new beetle, its just insulting to the vw family.

    Thanks for the advice
    Jack

    I would love a squareback, fastback or ghia, but as you say the parts are near impossible to get hold of. Ive been looking more a bugs like this, http://http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Volkswagen-VW-Beetle-1600-Twin-port-only-39000-km-Roofrack-No-Swaps-/281028468058?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item416e9a1d5a

    I can then put the finishing touches on myself and make it mine.
     
  4. Yes, it was held together with vinegar and brown paper. Good luck- you have been warned.
     
  5. Here's the key Jack, I quote: " I have only just bought this car as a project to do up for my daughter, but it was a pipe dream really as I just got carried away and don't have the skills to do it myself or the budget to get it done professionally. Shame....because i love it!!" It has no tax or MOT and the engine runs "lumpy"- read between the lines- it's a dog that needs several thousand pounds of work to get it on the road, it'll have more filler in it than metal, will need a complete strip down and rebuild and possibly a new engine- I trust you've got a workshop to do this in?

    I wouldn't look at anything under about £4K

    Here's where you will be buying your parts from: http://www.vwheritage.com/
     
  6. drsarbes

    drsarbes Well-Known Member

    had a very used '61 bug .....even with a dead battery, VERY little gas, unmatched tires, no radio and no heat it got me to school!!!!!!!!
    Steve
     
  7. Never been in a bug yet that had heat! On the upside, they are pretty simple for someone to learn mechanic skills on. Just an awful lot of dogs out there these days, that people have "learned mechanic skills on".
     
  8. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Yes that was just one of many that ive been looking at. I dont want one that needs no work, but as you say that one may need a little too much doing to it :p Steve has the right idea, its the novelty and shear joy of owning a classic beetle im after. So long as it runs and moves im happy. I need to have this beetle by may, ready for Vdub in the Pub.

    Jack
     
  9. Yep, been there, done that... think with your head not your heart. You ain't going to get anything any good on a small budget, you will need a workshop, you will need to be able to weld (or pay someone that can) you will be at the side of the road broken down (so you will need roadside recovery) etc.

    Hey, I 've only owned 4 of 'em, so what do I know? I've got a good income and I can afford to pander to my heart strings and indulgences. If I were sensible, I'd get rid of my '77 and buy a modern transporter (which I'm thinking of), but they look like ****. But seriously, if you going to rebuild a car, and it sounds like you are intent on doing that, then buy something half descent to start with. And take someone who know's what they are talking about- with the greatest respect Jack, you don't (yet).
     
  10. Jack

    As nice as they are I would avoid the Bug for the reasons Simon stated - unless you have a decent win on the lottery or can tap into mum's bank account on a regular basis without incurring severe injury.

    My first first car was an immaculate Alfa GTV 2000 Bertone which I purchased for £500 upon graduation (1983) - then wrapped it around a lampost 18 months later! (Students of Edinburgh Foot Clinic will recognise the location in the attached photograph - the legendary Brights Crescent). If anything, even more expensive than a Bug to run. Still drive what I consider now to be one of the very best cars ever produced - the Saab 900. If you want a classic that is cheap to run and insure - and is amazingly relaible, you might want to consider the marque.

    Good luck!
     

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  11. Ahhhh, the pain of Alfa ownership- leave them on the drive and watch them dissolve in the rain before your very eyes. And that was a nice Alfa BTW. Was two steps away from a spider once. Ended up with a Peugeot 205 instead (how did that happen?). Good shout with the SAAB- turbo- lovely motor.

    You got to think practical too, do you want to get your bike in? Guitar and amp? Rest of the band? Estates are great and small vans are even better. In my day, the escort van ticked all of those boxes- not sure what the modern equivalent would be- Ford do a mini transit called ???? In fact, when I think about it, one of the best motors I had was a mk1 Renault Espace- could throw climbing and camping kit in it, a number of the boys, several slabs of old speckled chuck and head off for some great weekends away.
     
  12. When I played in a jazz band some years ago, the trombone player had a converted hearse that we used to pile into - sometime quite appropriate after one or two forgetful gigs. These days it's gotta be something more comfortable....
     

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  13. Jetstream? Nice. Ex-hearse is a very good shout; generally very well maintained, low mileage and loads of room in the back, with a touch of luxury. Their history usually put's people off and drives the price down- you'll get a lot of car for your money. Got that quirky feel too.
     
  14. Airstream - one of the very best things ever to come out of the USA. Made from 100% alooominum!
     
  15. I was close........ my aloo gobi beckons. :drinks
     
  16. Yep - and very rarely redlined! What was your first motor??
     
  17. VW type 3 fastback 1970- DBL 666H, cost me £400. I called it Diablo. Pile of ****e, seriously there was cardboard, mixed with under-seal holding it together and it had been painted with dark green household gloss paint over the original antique white. I was so desperate for an old VW (sound familiar?) I procured it despite my father telling me not to. It broke down on the way home. 666- no kidding, straight out of the Omen. Still, I used to run up to Garstang and back from the midlands in it, never knowing if I'd get there or not. Unsurprisingly, it failed it's first MOT with me, I couldn't afford to get it fixed up (it needed £K's work) and got £50 scrap for it about 6 months later. Just a good job I never had a crash in it. Modern cars are so much safer than rusty old tin boxes filled with crap.
     
  18. Yeah but not as much fun! I once, in a moment of madness, bought a Austin 1300GT (after the Mini I purchased from WDD (Donaldson) seized up in the middle of the Forth Road Bridge and caused mayhem. Said Austin managed 12 miles before the subframe and engine decided to part company with the bodywork going round a tight bend - even though it had been given a new MOT 2 weeks previously. Never, never, ever buy a British car unless it's an Ariel Atom!
     
  19. I'd go an old Aston if pushed (me, not the car). ;)

    Nearly had a Jensen Interceptor, but went for the VW camper instead- given the current price of petrol, I keep telling myself I made the right decision. I did, right?
     
  20. Rob Kidd

    Rob Kidd Well-Known Member

    My first car was a 1968 Renault 4: of the bliss of ignorance! In 1973 we drove all the way from the Peak Disctrict, over the Mallaig ferry to Skye - with no spare wheel.

    These days this is my "car" - but, then, I live in it for half the year...... Rob
     

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  21. Rob - I remember taking the Armadale ferry during the 1970s when the boatmen used to "park" your car on the deck. One young lad - probably no more than 16 drove a Daimler 250 saloon with a London registration to the front of the boat but forgot to engage the handbrake and/or gear when parking - and in the middle of a rough crossing, the car lurched forward through the chain and disappeared into the depths of the inner Minch. The ferry captain came down and scolded the young lad with "Ach now, laddie, you'll chust have to be more careful in future..." before returning to the bridge. Much to the amusement of the rest of the passengerswith the exception of the owner! Was a lovely car....

    Never laughed so much in my life!
     
  22. madmacaw

    madmacaw Member

    I had a '73 bug as my 1st car, it and I enjoyed many hazy nights at the Pod - aahh the memories of passing out/trying to sleep on the back seat!

    I bought it off a friends father who had done all of the body work but it was in primer. I had it sprayed a totally non-standard colour. It did have heating (of sorts) as long as you were going but in the winter down jackets and gloves were essential!

    I got very good at basic mechanics, learned how to change an engine when the recon one I had went phut, learned how to rewire when it had an electrical fire, etc, etc, etc.

    Would I recommend one as a first car - no. Would I have one again - in a heartbeat!

    They are impractical, expensive to buy these days (I totally agree about the South African imports BTW) and not the most reliable cars ever made (unless you are very lucky/really look after it). BUT they have soul and are highly addictive.

    Honestly as a first car, think seriously about a small modern car with a small engine - they are cheap to run, cheaper to tax (unless you get pre '72), cheaper to insure, cheaper to fuel. Get some money behind you and then buy one as a high days and holidays car when you can afford to not be totally reliant on an old car.

    Whatever you do, good luck!

    Nonie
     
  23. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    The VW Beetle - I have never had one, and don't want one - but then I'm old.

    My first car was an old Riley 1.5. For a British car the build quality was ok. For a first car it was bloody good fun. We once had 16 post-school/pre-college weekend hippie kids in it (we were all very thin in those days).
    [​IMG]
    Riley 1.5. Twin carbs and higher compression head as standard. Mine had a Webasto sunroof too.

    My mother had an Imp Sports - Coventry Climax engine - couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding, not bad to drive though, in the dry.
    Then I ran a Morris Minor, and MG's.
    My first MG was a Midget, bought new. The paint started peeling within weeks.
    I had a succession of older MGB's, all rustbuckets.

    I've had several Porsches - boring (too fast for the Uk, with great suspension set-ups) apart from the 1980's 911, which was just plain dangerous (and not my car).

    I had a Mini before BMW took them over and produced a pastiche Mini.
    It was ok, but rust started to appear within a year of purchase (from new).

    I like Audi's, the Mk 1 TT (225BHP) was a blast, but the clutch went at 70,000 miles.

    These days I drive a 15 year-old Toyota Rav (no problems in 15 years although I did have to change the battery once, after nine years) and I can heat up food on the exhaust manifold heat sink when I want to (good in the Winter when fishing or out for a mooch with the dogs), and a Mk1 Freelander (AKA Gaylander or Freeloader).
    Thats a nice drive now that the cylinder head has been sorted.

    If you are anything like I was at your age you will let your head rule your heart.
    My advice? Go for it.
    :eek:
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2012
  24. My Brother has an Interceptor III, the 7.2 litre version not the wussy girly 6.3. Wonderful thing to behold. I think it runs on dead owls. When you rev it the whole car, all 1500 kg of it shakes from side to side. Absolute money pit but wow.

    For myself, my first car was a lada Riva. My second was also a Lada riva (upgraded to the sporty 1.5 engine. Best cars I ever owned. They had personality! Started about one time in 3 during the summer but first turnover every time when the temperature dropped below freezing. Thats russian engineering for you.

    I'd pay good money for another one of those.
     
  25. I briefly ran a Bond Equipe during student days which was fitted with a Triumph 2.5PI straight six which could manage incredible wheelspins in top gear at 90MPH. Not sure the power/weight ratio but being made from fibreglass is sure did move - only the supercharged Atom could produce more adrenaline! Good job petrol was 69p/gallon in them days....
     
  26. davidh

    davidh Podiatry Arena Veteran

    Of course that should read you will let your heart rule your head - doh!

    Lada's eh? I had one on loan for a week once. Without a doubt it was THE worst car I have ever driven. Apart from the handling (what handling) I remember a wooden clothespeg being useful for holding out the choke. The guy who originally owned it took it back to the showroom he bought it from to P/x on a new Lada. They wouldn't take it back:eek:.

    I believe there was some sales-talk before he bought it about it being built around a BMW engine:D.

    Bond Equipe - nice. Also on my wish-list at that time was the 2-litre Triumph Vitesse.......
     
  27. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Um, not exactly what I said, Jack (Can`t believe I`m communicating with you on the Arena, still whatever it takes).

    My first car may have been a `70 beetle, BUT it spent more time in the workshop than on the road, as I`ve tried to point out. Listen to the sage advice my colleagues have offered as for your spelling and grammar...

    Kids. Guess I`d better change my password or else Jess will be along soon, requesting the communities` opinion on what she should wear on her next hot date.
     
  28. twirly

    twirly Well-Known Member

    Aww my 1st love, my 1st car: Mabel the 1st (although in Racing Green).

    Many fond memories, had to be doing 50+ at the bottom of Penistone Hill to achieve 20 MPH at the top. The envy of every driver on the road as I was riding around in a front room while they steered well clear in their tiny, weeny boxes of newer cars.

    Sadly she passed in the Autumn of 97' when totalled by a Rotty on the Chapeltown road on the way into Huddersfield that morning. RIP Dawg & R Mabe' x :butcher:

    We stopped traffic, literally (10 miles during rush hour). She was the best. Still think of you R Mabe. x <need kissy smiley>
     

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  29. lucycool

    lucycool Active Member

    I had a wee red mini.. I loved it.. especially when I could go fast.. down hills..

    those were the days, no back seat belts, no power steering, no airbags, no safety what so ever..
    but it was lovely when other mini drivers give you a wee wave when you drive past..
     
  30. markjohconley

    markjohconley Well-Known Member

    '55 Morris Minor, first and best i ever had, flogged it up and down the east coast of Australia, it took me to my first outdoor hippie festival, the 'Aquarius' at Nimbin in early 70's, my introduction to gold-tops! (which was a very short-lived but memorable experience)
     
  31. Wendy

    Wendy Active Member

    Mine was a Vauxhall Cavalier......horrible colour (brown) but great at leaving other cars standing at the traffic lights!!!!
     
  32. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    My First car an Austin A40 65MPH flat out down hill with the spinnaker up, but an adventure each and every journey over 2 miles. They don't make em like that anymore, thank goodness:dizzy:

    [​IMG]


    Dave Smith
     
  33. David Smith

    David Smith Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]

    LOVE dat!!

    Nice one

    Dave
     
  34. Fraoch

    Fraoch Active Member

    Awwww, enjoyed reading this!.

    My first car was a blue-ish Morris Minor. Spent most of it's time in my parent's driveway awaiting work that never got done. I would get home from school early and take it for a spin up the hill and back (with teenage neighbours) before my parents got home, adrenaline pumping, trying not to get caught driving the wee beastie. At that point I had no insurance or licence.

    It had to be sold before I headed off to Brighton (Eastbourne) so I had a hard time explaining the milage to my Dad, surely he must have gotten his figures wrong.....
     
  35. blinda

    blinda MVP

  36. Congrats. Doesn't mean that you are a good driver yet, remember that. Now, sort yourself a cheap economical car that won't break down every ten yards. If you want "teenage kicks", get yourself a little van.
     
  37. blinda

    blinda MVP

    Not sure what you mean there, Simon.:butcher:


    Bel
     
  38. I was talking to your son; he knows what I mean.;)

    Somewhere to throw in a bike, a couple of skateboards, bang a surf board or two on the roof and still have room for a couple of his homies, and a place to kip if necessary.
     
  39. blinda

    blinda MVP

    I know. And, he says "Cool. I`m going to Devon to look at Veedubs..."

    Indeed.


    Just wait `til Grace hits 17......
     
  40. She'll have a '64 deuce coupe
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6DrMkLNYKw

    Actually, I'd really like to get and restore a Karmann Ghia convertible for her, or a Volvo P1800, but she might just inherit the bus.
     
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