I drive my 87 Mini everywhere, everyday, all year round. The key I think is keeping it well maintained, serviced regularly, and any issues dealt with when they come up. If you do that there's no reason why these cars can't be used. Mines not a show car and I know it'll be make it at more risk of rusting but I really enjoy driving it and ended up getting rid of my "real car". I have added a few modern features, heated windscreen, remote central locking, to make it more usable but didn't need to really. It's a great little car with cheap insurance and low running costs.
I only passed my test is January and hence only ever really driven moden cars with power steering, ABS, electric mirrors etc..However, at l2b this year I finally drove a proper classic Mini and straight away it taught me how a proper car should feel, handle and drive. I found the hole car to be very responsive and far more fun! I've also done most mechanical jobs possible on an old mini so can work on it if it ever goes wrong (in theory lol...). So for that reason I'd 100% daily an old car and fully intend to in the future despite any drawbacks. Great video!👍
As others have hinted, part of the equation between driving a modern car as opposed to a classic model is the capability to do your own repairs. For some people, the depreciation horror is offset by having a warranty on a new vehicle. If you can fix it yourself and do only relatively short journeys, classic is the way to go.
Cheers for the answer lads .. I’d be in agreement with that .. love the inno cooper export dash and all the little details that differ from the UK spec
I daily my 1958 Volvo Amazon. Would I recommend most people to do this? No. This isn't a car you turn the key and forget about maintenance, which is why I wouldn't recommend it for most people besides the lack of occupant safety. I have several reasons for my choice, but so far it has been fantastic and fits me quite well. The initial cost is high in order to get the car sorted and ready for daily driving. Insurance and tax is (in Norway) very cheap in my case, and fuel consumption isn't terrible in this car. Had to get used to being approached by strangers frequently. Often people are friendly and curious, but some are about to burst a vein. Some of my reasons for driving an old car: - Easy to repair. So far everything has been done with simple tools on the floor in a garage. - Exempt from our equivalent of an MOT. I wouldn't mind it if the traffic authorities still did the inspections (neutral party.) This task is now given to shops that have incentive to find faults and make money from repairs. - Less is more. I prefer the lack of assist (like power steering) and other features (like AC.) - Cheap tax and insurance. Full coverage with road tax is around 150 pounds a year. Road tax alone on a car less than 30 years old is more. - I don't like the EU. No need for modern plates that are EU compliant.
I dailied my mini over the winter, never again. Couldn't see where i was going most of the time, leaky sunroof, so wet arse and uncomfortable seats. Kept setting my neighbours car alarm off at 6am lol. Now its summer back in love with it again
If we can consider a 93 240 as a classic, I drive mine 100 miles daily during the week. Running the car is cheap enough fuel/insurance wise. I like being able to repair my own car when there's an issue and not having to worry about getting the car to a dealer for a warranty repair. On the note of maintenance, you HAVE to be good about fixing things quickly. Otherwise you aren't making it to work. Take care guys!
Nice buddy thanks for the comment yea definitely a 240 is a classic. I drive my 97 940 everyday and that’s classed as classic over here. Thanks for watching buddy 👍
I think it all depends what you “can’t” live without daily. If you feel you need air con, traction control, ABS, a decent heater, in car “toys” then I’d advise NO, it’s not a good idea because you would end up hating classic cars. BUT, on the other hand. If you just need/want A-B basic transport, you’re happy to tinker with your car on your work days off or after work then driving a classic car daily is a good idea. I’m s motorcyclist and I’m used to not having all the comforts of a modern car and J don’t miss them so for me owning say a Morris Minor and using it as a daily would be fine.
I drive a golf mk1 82 reg convertible with a 1.9 polo Diesel engine in it, power steering , no tax , no mot, no congestion charge , 60+ mpg around town, £98 classic insurance, simple to maintain , brake pads just cost me £7 for both front wheels , fitted in less than half hour, 100% reliable , car solid as a rock , can’t see it ever not been on the road as long as I look after it
I live in London and bought a classic mini for my 'daily' , I have a work van so it only gets used for weekend use or trips to the shop. That's ulez , mot and tax exempt! So I get my dream car, no finance as its not 30k plus like these modern cars and its cheap to run being a stock 998 mini!
Working from home helps running an older car as there is no daily commute. Cars can be used more for leisure. Working on them, my little collection seem to conspire and all go wrong at the same time! On exemption, I have the 1984 Carlton that was on Furious Driving, and that will have full exemption next year. Crazy.
I daily drive a 82 fj40 and I love it. It's not fast but I would rather drive slow vehicle that's fun than a boring crossover that's got al the tech and amenities.
I did drive my 1973 Australian Leyland Mini every day for years. Kermit was on full rego and insurance. Perfect, I would do it again if I had a Mini again.
Hi Marc and Matt... Personally I think it may also depend on the age of the classic, the older may bring concerns of reliability? But there are lots of modern classics to choose from. Also there is the extra wear and tear on ya classic and the effects of the weather, maybe security of where you leave it for work. There are lots of factors for the individual. Depends how much you wish to enjoy your car, frequency wise. And as you say it's personal. 😊
I've gone to an all classic fleet. Saying that before I sold it my newest car was still from 97 but it was expensive on tax and insurance to have when you don't do alot of miles.
The only modern car we have is the wife's golf. I used to run bangers when driving 2 hours a day. Got a 200tdi defender and a Morris Traveller. Building a beetle to be more of daily aswell. Can't wait for the defender to be tax exempt 😂
Wife had to use the traveller over the winter. Unfortunately the salt has killed the bodywork. Lots rust trying to break through now. Hence myself wanting the beetle for the daily.
We have 4 classic Minis that are used as daily cars, 3 are tax & ULEZ exempt, the other will be next year. I guess it depends on what car you've got, and what you use it for- we don't do modern motorway mileage so we don't need a modern car. We do our own maintenance and repair and have a stash of spares when needed. Besides, classics are way more fun..
I have my mini & the insurance is £89 a year then I have my drive to work car which is a 09 corsa 1.4 which is just shy of £200. I only do 2000 or so miles a year, so I could probably do that. I'm also not a fan of new cars with the depreciation. Also the cost of cars today... its going through the roof.
Having a classic car as a daily driver may seem like fun, but it is not the smartest idea. For instance, when you get your first car, you will have a minor accident involving you and some yobbo in a Beemer or a material girl in a Fiat 500. With my cousin’s first car, his had to be written off and confined for the scrap yard. Luckily, classic car insurance exists. Some insurances have higher mileage, but you have to have some sort of coverage. For a daily car, you want something that you’re not afraid to get a dent.
@@SimpsonsClassics as for costs the Montego has only needed a water pump in the 5 years of ownership (apart from serviceables) CF I’ve only had a month 😁
I'm not quite tax exempt (yet) but I do drive a Classic Mini Cooper Sport 23yrs old. Wouldn't drive a modern car, hate them 😊& were keeping classics on the road not buying 'desposable' new cars 💚
Daily classic will only really work if you have the skills to keep it maintained and running well. I had a mini and to run it as a daily to go to uni it costs hundreds in repairs for labour alone - not doing any work at home myself as did not have the skills yet. It spent too much time on a tow truck and just not feasible as a car to rely on. Perhaps it needed a full strip down but at the time it wasnt really a financial option.
I have a feeling that the ULEZ is actually going to become nationwide road user charging. If this happens it could really effect all of us no matter what we drive.
Where do I start with this one 😂 .. over her you have to own a modern car to Insure a classic car . My golf is classed as classic because it's 20 years old .. renual this year was 250 euro including membership to a vintage club . My daily was 1400 this year and they wanted 1k to add my Mrs to the policy .. I would daily a mini in a heartbeat . Even driving mine around the yard it's fun .. makes you enjoy driving . Modern cars have no feel to them anymore . To many gadgets .. don't get me wrong I love my Passat .. 5 years of ownership and it's cost me pennies to run in that time
@@SimpsonsClassics it's 20 for the insurance 30 then for a test every 2 years till it's 40 .. and the tax class changes to 56 euro a year .. the golf is currently 385 a year to tax
Insurance is a big issue. You can't insure on a cheap classic policy, and then drive it daily. Commuting is certainly out of the question. Ask the insurance companies.
I drive my 87 Mini everywhere, everyday, all year round. The key I think is keeping it well maintained, serviced regularly, and any issues dealt with when they come up. If you do that there's no reason why these cars can't be used. Mines not a show car and I know it'll be make it at more risk of rusting but I really enjoy driving it and ended up getting rid of my "real car". I have added a few modern features, heated windscreen, remote central locking, to make it more usable but didn't need to really. It's a great little car with cheap insurance and low running costs.
Awesome comment and hats off to you, its like anything if you look after it, it will look after your. Cheers for watching.
I only passed my test is January and hence only ever really driven moden cars with power steering, ABS, electric mirrors etc..However, at l2b this year I finally drove a proper classic Mini and straight away it taught me how a proper car should feel, handle and drive. I found the hole car to be very responsive and far more fun! I've also done most mechanical jobs possible on an old mini so can work on it if it ever goes wrong (in theory lol...). So for that reason I'd 100% daily an old car and fully intend to in the future despite any drawbacks. Great video!👍
Nice one great comment and thanks for watching 👍
As others have hinted, part of the equation between driving a modern car as opposed to a classic model is the capability to do your own repairs. For some people, the depreciation horror is offset by having a warranty on a new vehicle. If you can fix it yourself and do only relatively short journeys, classic is the way to go.
Very valid point! I agree. Thanks for watching 👍
Cheers for the answer lads .. I’d be in agreement with that .. love the inno cooper export dash and all the little details that differ from the UK spec
No worries buddy yes the inno minis are josh cool 🤙
I daily my 1958 Volvo Amazon. Would I recommend most people to do this? No. This isn't a car you turn the key and forget about maintenance, which is why I wouldn't recommend it for most people besides the lack of occupant safety. I have several reasons for my choice, but so far it has been fantastic and fits me quite well. The initial cost is high in order to get the car sorted and ready for daily driving. Insurance and tax is (in Norway) very cheap in my case, and fuel consumption isn't terrible in this car. Had to get used to being approached by strangers frequently. Often people are friendly and curious, but some are about to burst a vein.
Some of my reasons for driving an old car:
- Easy to repair. So far everything has been done with simple tools on the floor in a garage.
- Exempt from our equivalent of an MOT. I wouldn't mind it if the traffic authorities still did the inspections (neutral party.) This task is now given to shops that have incentive to find faults and make money from repairs.
- Less is more. I prefer the lack of assist (like power steering) and other features (like AC.)
- Cheap tax and insurance. Full coverage with road tax is around 150 pounds a year. Road tax alone on a car less than 30 years old is more.
- I don't like the EU. No need for modern plates that are EU compliant.
Some excellent points there. Appreciate you taking the time to comment. Cheers 👍
I dailied my mini over the winter, never again. Couldn't see where i was going most of the time, leaky sunroof, so wet arse and uncomfortable seats. Kept setting my neighbours car alarm off at 6am lol.
Now its summer back in love with it again
Haha I remember you saying this. I guess it doesn’t always suit people but it’s interesting to see people’s views on this.
If we can consider a 93 240 as a classic, I drive mine 100 miles daily during the week. Running the car is cheap enough fuel/insurance wise. I like being able to repair my own car when there's an issue and not having to worry about getting the car to a dealer for a warranty repair. On the note of maintenance, you HAVE to be good about fixing things quickly. Otherwise you aren't making it to work.
Take care guys!
Nice buddy thanks for the comment yea definitely a 240 is a classic. I drive my 97 940 everyday and that’s classed as classic over here. Thanks for watching buddy 👍
@@SimpsonsClassics Now I feel old, 97 is a classic? good grief!
@@DeanofMachines I know dude tell me about it.
I think it all depends what you “can’t” live without daily.
If you feel you need air con, traction control, ABS, a decent heater, in car “toys” then I’d advise NO, it’s not a good idea because you would end up hating classic cars.
BUT, on the other hand. If you just need/want A-B basic transport, you’re happy to tinker with your car on your work days off or after work then driving a classic car daily is a good idea.
I’m s motorcyclist and I’m used to not having all the comforts of a modern car and J don’t miss them so for me owning say a Morris Minor and using it as a daily would be fine.
I drive a golf mk1 82 reg convertible with a 1.9 polo Diesel engine in it, power steering , no tax , no mot, no congestion charge , 60+ mpg around town, £98 classic insurance, simple to maintain , brake pads just cost me £7 for both front wheels , fitted in less than half hour, 100% reliable , car solid as a rock , can’t see it ever not been on the road as long as I look after it
Sounds like a perfect little daily ride that! Nice one! Classics will live on!
I live in London and bought a classic mini for my 'daily' , I have a work van so it only gets used for weekend use or trips to the shop. That's ulez , mot and tax exempt! So I get my dream car, no finance as its not 30k plus like these modern cars and its cheap to run being a stock 998 mini!
Hey that’s worked out really well for you. Nice one and thanks for watching 👍
Working from home helps running an older car as there is no daily commute. Cars can be used more for leisure.
Working on them, my little collection seem to conspire and all go wrong at the same time!
On exemption, I have the 1984 Carlton that was on Furious Driving, and that will have full exemption next year. Crazy.
Yes I bet that definitely helps working from home.
Haha mine like to do this also.
Thanks for watching 👍
I daily drive a 82 fj40 and I love it. It's not fast but I would rather drive slow vehicle that's fun than a boring crossover that's got al the tech and amenities.
Nice one! Long live the classic dailies!
Thanks for answering the question guys. Good answers too. The Morris is back in the middle of the garage and going to start the recording this week.
No worries thanks for watching buddy I look forward to seeing the Morris come to the channel. 👍
I did drive my 1973 Australian Leyland Mini every day for years. Kermit was on full rego and insurance. Perfect, I would do it again if I had a Mini again.
Nice one 👍
Hi Marc and Matt... Personally I think it may also depend on the age of the classic, the older may bring concerns of reliability? But there are lots of modern classics to choose from. Also there is the extra wear and tear on ya classic and the effects of the weather, maybe security of where you leave it for work. There are lots of factors for the individual. Depends how much you wish to enjoy your car, frequency wise. And as you say it's personal. 😊
Hey! Yes definitely a those are all valid points. It’s interesting to see what people think of this.
@@SimpsonsClassics For sure... It's personal lol 😁
I've gone to an all classic fleet. Saying that before I sold it my newest car was still from 97 but it was expensive on tax and insurance to have when you don't do alot of miles.
Completely understand your reasoning for your cars you don’t do the milage and have the time to maintain the cars it’s a win win.
@@SimpsonsClassics I know. Also for engine swap I always wondered about a modern 3 cylinder ecoboost and if they could work
@@lonmar2645 I know of a clubman estate with a eco boost swap..
The only modern car we have is the wife's golf. I used to run bangers when driving 2 hours a day. Got a 200tdi defender and a Morris Traveller. Building a beetle to be more of daily aswell. Can't wait for the defender to be tax exempt 😂
Wife had to use the traveller over the winter. Unfortunately the salt has killed the bodywork. Lots rust trying to break through now. Hence myself wanting the beetle for the daily.
I guess there is pros and cons to it all then aha do love the sound of the landy and Morris…
We have 4 classic Minis that are used as daily cars, 3 are tax & ULEZ exempt, the other will be next year. I guess it depends on what car you've got, and what you use it for- we don't do modern motorway mileage so we don't need a modern car. We do our own maintenance and repair and have a stash of spares when needed. Besides, classics are way more fun..
Couldn’t agree more 👍
I’m about to get an sc twincam fitted .. with a 5 speed box .
Nice one!
@@SimpsonsClassics can’t wait !
I have my mini & the insurance is £89 a year then I have my drive to work car which is a 09 corsa 1.4 which is just shy of £200. I only do 2000 or so miles a year, so I could probably do that. I'm also not a fan of new cars with the depreciation. Also the cost of cars today... its going through the roof.
Great comment yes the cost of cars has definitely gone up hasn’t it. Cheers for watching as ever 👍
Love my classics but not sure I could fully give up my mod cons and power on demand, it boils down to usability to with a family and two dogs aha
Agreed all these things need taking into account. What you need is a classic Volvo estate mate 😉
Having a classic car as a daily driver may seem like fun, but it is not the smartest idea. For instance, when you get your first car, you will have a minor accident involving you and some yobbo in a Beemer or a material girl in a Fiat 500. With my cousin’s first car, his had to be written off and confined for the scrap yard. Luckily, classic car insurance exists. Some insurances have higher mileage, but you have to have some sort of coverage. For a daily car, you want something that you’re not afraid to get a dent.
Great comment and very valid. Cheers for watching 👍
I daily my 87 Austin Montego and a 81 Bedford CF 😊
Epic!
@@SimpsonsClassics as for costs the Montego has only needed a water pump in the 5 years of ownership (apart from serviceables) CF I’ve only had a month 😁
@@AFExploration then that’s even more of a winner
I drive my 73 mustang every day it's not raining, I didn't buy a knickknack or model for my shelf
Good on you! It’s how they should be used and enjoyed 👍
I'm not quite tax exempt (yet) but I do drive a Classic Mini Cooper Sport 23yrs old. Wouldn't drive a modern car, hate them 😊& were keeping classics on the road not buying 'desposable' new cars 💚
Classics forever 💪
Daily classic will only really work if you have the skills to keep it maintained and running well. I had a mini and to run it as a daily to go to uni it costs hundreds in repairs for labour alone - not doing any work at home myself as did not have the skills yet. It spent too much time on a tow truck and just not feasible as a car to rely on. Perhaps it needed a full strip down but at the time it wasnt really a financial option.
Good points thanks for watching 👍
Near me, a big issue affecting anyone wanting to run a newer classic will be the London ULEZ. £12.50 a day on top of all the other costs.
I have a feeling that the ULEZ is actually going to become nationwide road user charging. If this happens it could really effect all of us no matter what we drive.
This is such a shame we did mention this. It’s crap that it’s changing the motoring world for the worse.
Hopefully not this would be crap really crap
Where do I start with this one 😂 .. over her you have to own a modern car to Insure a classic car . My golf is classed as classic because it's 20 years old .. renual this year was 250 euro including membership to a vintage club . My daily was 1400 this year and they wanted 1k to add my Mrs to the policy .. I would daily a mini in a heartbeat . Even driving mine around the yard it's fun .. makes you enjoy driving . Modern cars have no feel to them anymore . To many gadgets .. don't get me wrong I love my Passat .. 5 years of ownership and it's cost me pennies to run in that time
Yes it’s an interesting one isn’t it. That’s odd that any car over 20 years old is a classic over there. Cheers for watching and great comment 👍
@@SimpsonsClassics it's 20 for the insurance 30 then for a test every 2 years till it's 40 .. and the tax class changes to 56 euro a year .. the golf is currently 385 a year to tax
A small EV for daily driving and a classic for funday's and weekends. Best of both worlds.
I'd daily my '72 Mini if I could. What is your favorite 10" Wheel on a Classic Mini?
Insurance is a big issue. You can't insure on a cheap classic policy, and then drive it daily. Commuting is certainly out of the question. Ask the insurance companies.
That’s not a big issue you just tell them you plan to commute in your classic is not hard and doesn’t normally effect your policy. Regards
Are all cars over 40 years old really classic cars or just old cars.
Classed as classics but depends how you look at it I guess