ThePollitt
Posted a lot
Fix up, look... at that car on eBay!
Posts: 4,696
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Nov 14, 2007 18:35:30 GMT
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....lets face it, it's getting harder to own an old car. Not only is there ever increasing expense involved in the running of them but there are also pressures from the government. MOT's will get tougher, tax gets no cheaper and we're all busy trying to maintain our 'carbon footprints' whatever the hell they are. So, if it comes to it, if it reaches a point where we are clearly trying to be forced to give up your hobby what will you do? I'll tell you now, i won't sit back and let it happen in the 'oh so british way', no, i'll bloody fight it. But hey, thats just me. So, what do you think is going to happen over, say, the next 20 years? Will we be outlawed or will we be applauded for preserving our motoring heritage? And if we are outlawed, will you fight it? Discuss.....  ;D |
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Nov 14, 2007 18:41:24 GMT
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....lets face it, it's getting harder to own an old car. Not only is there ever increasing expense involved in the running of them but there are also pressures from the government. Really? It's getting tougher to own and run a car generally, but running something like a 1970 MGB is a lot cheaper and easier than running a 2005 Range Rover. Things like emissions tests don't apply to most classics and many even have tax exempt status. In the UK we actually have it quite good as classic car owners and drivers. |
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Nov 14, 2007 18:44:52 GMT
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I truly believe there is very little we can do to alter what will happen. What that is, I daren't speculate. Some countries are already on limited usage restrictions etc. So who knows. The classic scene is such a small part of the global motoring industry and all that encompasses, it's hard to fight for our rights. I've watched many people try, with the masses largely ignorant to their effort or results. The apathy that lies within the scene will ultimately be a part of it's downfall if suppressing legislation comes into force. That may sound harsh, but is based on years of experience. I will keep on operating within the law, for as long as I'm allowed. As much as I love my hobby, which has been my livelihood for ten years now, I have cultured a healthy perspective towards it which over the years has slowly broken down my militant side  Life is too short |
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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Marc
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,037
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Nov 14, 2007 18:45:38 GMT
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I agree with rmad. Tax exemption & emissions tests are making things far more lenient for older cars. Modern cars are clobbered with higher tax, strict emission tests, stringent safety requirements etc. I think we actually have it pretty good in the UK with regard to older cars and what we can get away with.
*Edit - In light of Bryn's post*
The key word he used is "apathy". Apathy is, IMO, a very dangerous state of mind. Neither for or against, nor arousing love or hate. If you LOVE something, you will fight for it. I'd say the users of this forum LOVE their cars and hobbies and way of life in some cases to make a stand if it boiled down to it, likewise would someone who has a collection of mk2 Jags or whatever. Personally I don't believe there will be any attempt to "ban" or force restrictions on, the usage of older cars specifically. There is more likely to be some sort of blanket policy on ALL cars, modern and old. I also believe that the wider public are so blinkered and will blindly follow whatever they are told or whatever they have forced upon them. However when the government or whoever start messing with our liberty and freedom (of which the car is a symbol), they may be taking a step too far.
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Last Edit: Nov 14, 2007 18:52:27 GMT by Marc
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Nov 14, 2007 18:47:27 GMT
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Car guys are overwhelmingly antisocial loners. IOW, just the kind of people who behave like frogs caught in a warming kettle. "I shan't jump yet, not until it gets just a bit warmer." In those few instances when we unite politically, the results can be stunning. In the states, we thrust off the 55MPH and the California-inspired old car crusher bills. But it took YEARS to wake people out of their slumber and self-preoccupations. We are by no means "safe" either. The anti-personal-mobility lobby is strong, mainly due to scientific dishonesty by the greenie weenies. Once the suburban hausfrau segment completely buys in, the party is over.  |
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 Team Blitz Ford Capri parts worldwide: Restoration, Road, or Race. Used, Repro, and NOS, ranging from scabby to perfect. Itching your Capri jones since 1979! Buy, sell, trade. www.teamblitz.com blitz@teamblitz.com |
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Nov 14, 2007 18:47:41 GMT
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....lets face it, it's getting harder to own an old car. Not only is there ever increasing expense involved in the running of them but there are also pressures from the government. Really? It's getting tougher to own and run a car generally, but running something like a 1970 MGB is a lot cheaper and easier than running a 2005 Range Rover. Things like emissions tests don't apply to most classics and many even have tax exempt status. In the UK we actually have it quite good as classic car owners and drivers. I agree rmad, I run two newish vans and they cost way more to keep on the road than my minor, James |
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ThePollitt
Posted a lot
Fix up, look... at that car on eBay!
Posts: 4,696
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Nov 14, 2007 18:52:42 GMT
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I agree with rmad. Tax exemption & emissions tests are making things far more lenient for older cars. Modern cars are clobbered with higher tax, strict emission tests, stringent safety requirements etc. I think we actually have it pretty good in the UK with regard to older cars and what we can get away with. Tax isn't that great, it costs the same to tax my Capri as it does my Vectra. I agree with the emissions bit though. I'm looking at this from the point of view of "old car and new car on the drive", personally I can't run an old motor as an everyday car. I'm just generally concerned about the future, maybe I worry too much, who knows. I find cars, specifically the old ones are such a part of me that the notion of having that hobby and passion restricted makes my blood boil. I also have an 11 month old daughter, the chances of her ever having an old car are slim at best. After all, the manufacturers aren;t making anything that could be deemed as 'classic'. New cars a built to be recycled, they're fashion as much as they are function. I honestly believe that we could be the penultimate, even the last generation to have this..for the time we're allowed. ...i think I do worry too much. I'm going to get a beer.  |
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Last Edit: Nov 14, 2007 18:54:43 GMT by ThePollitt
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Nov 14, 2007 18:52:52 GMT
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Erm, don't the UK heavy industries and utilities have a scheme for "pollution credits" in exchange for every old (pre-catalytic converter) car crushed? They then don't have to install the latest stack scrubber tech as a result?
Well we have such a scheme in Kauliflowernia and some other states of confusion.
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Team Blitz Ford Capri parts worldwide: Restoration, Road, or Race. Used, Repro, and NOS, ranging from scabby to perfect. Itching your Capri jones since 1979! Buy, sell, trade. www.teamblitz.com blitz@teamblitz.com |
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Nov 14, 2007 19:12:16 GMT
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I dunno, i refuse to run a new car cos of the costs (under 15 years old) and i never had any problems, my 35 year old merc is my daily, it cost me 200 quid odd, the tax is free and it costs me £62 to insure, how is that more expensive especialy as its easier to get through an MOT when half of it don't apply, it helps if you don't care about impressing the neighbours.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Nov 14, 2007 19:33:42 GMT
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personally I can't run an old motor as an everyday car. How come? Some sort of company thing? Surely in your job you should be encouraged to drive something older? ...i think I do worry too much. I'm going to get a beer. Enjoy that beer, there are far worse things to worry about |
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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sparko
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,627
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Nov 14, 2007 19:38:19 GMT
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well i havent done any uni work the past couple weeks because i have been planning out how to get my car on the road within the next couple weeks, and i have had the last couple relationships end because i prefer spending time with my cars so the the government can try all they want lol. worst comes to the worst, il emegrate to mexico lol
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ThePollitt
Posted a lot
Fix up, look... at that car on eBay!
Posts: 4,696
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Nov 14, 2007 19:38:54 GMT
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personally I can't run an old motor as an everyday car. How come? Some sort of company thing? Surely in your job you should be encouraged to drive something older? I live 150 miles from the office, my motor is a 3.0S Capri! We do have a 'company' 300bhp YB powered MK1 escort too! I can't afford to run a petrol for my 300 mile commute, my shonky diesel Vectra gets 650 miles to 65 quid of go juice. |
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Nov 14, 2007 19:46:08 GMT
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How come? Some sort of company thing? Surely in your job you should be encouraged to drive something older? I live 150 miles from the office, my motor is a 3.0S Capri! We do have a 'company' 300bhp YB powered MK1 escort too! I can't afford to run a petrol for my 300 mile commute, my shonky diesel Vectra gets 650 miles to 65 quid of go juice. Meh... You should go freelance pal ;D Did 29K in a 2.8i for work once and never driven anything that did more than about 28mpg or newer than 1989. Up until leaving the UK I averaged 40-50K a year, so I speak from personal experience. LPG or hydrogen is the way forward. As much as I can understand your reasoning, it would destroy my soul doing all those miles in a Vectra. Factor in depreciation and you're onto a double loser... Go on, get retro... And back on topic, while you can |
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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ThePollitt
Posted a lot
Fix up, look... at that car on eBay!
Posts: 4,696
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Nov 14, 2007 19:49:00 GMT
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I needn't worry about depreciation...
...the Vectra cost 500 quid!
But, back on topic....i might LPG the Capper and get the most out of it while i can!
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Nov 14, 2007 19:59:24 GMT
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I needn't worry about depreciation... ...the Vectra cost 500 quid! But, back on topic....i might LPG the Capper and get the most out of it while I can! That's the trick, seriously good for your mindset commuting in a retro of any kind...  |
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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Nov 14, 2007 20:00:52 GMT
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chuck a 24v in it, it'll do loads more mpg.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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Nov 14, 2007 20:03:45 GMT
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Personally I don't believe there will be any attempt to "ban" or force restrictions on, the usage of older cars specifically. There is more likely to be some sort of blanket policy on ALL cars, modern and old. But what about the ban on olde commercial vehicles in central London? It is allegedly about pollution. Camel's nose, leading inevitably to "gross polluting" olde cars, without cats and thermactors, and electronic controls. Like they did with guns, the legislation is unlikely to carve out small cars (as with "legitimate" self-defense or sporting guns). When the time comes, it will be more a convenient thing (and "fairer") to ban all oldies. |
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Team Blitz Ford Capri parts worldwide: Restoration, Road, or Race. Used, Repro, and NOS, ranging from scabby to perfect. Itching your Capri jones since 1979! Buy, sell, trade. www.teamblitz.com blitz@teamblitz.com |
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Nov 14, 2007 20:24:50 GMT
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Personally I don't believe there will be any attempt to "ban" or force restrictions on, the usage of older cars specifically. There is more likely to be some sort of blanket policy on ALL cars, modern and old. But what about the ban on olde commercial vehicles in central London? It is allegedly about pollution. Camel's nose, leading inevitably to "gross polluting" olde cars, without cats and thermactors, and electronic controls. Like they did with guns, the legislation is unlikely to carve out small cars (as with "legitimate" self-defense or sporting guns). When the time comes, it will be more a convenient thing (and "fairer") to ban all oldies. It's already thin end of the wedge stuff. Herr Livingstone is now trying to push through an increase in congestion charge for cars built prior to 2001 or with engines bigger than 3.2litre, an increase from £8 per day to £25 per day. I spend a lot of time driving in London (chauffeur) and am going to be pushed into buying a newer car cos my Merc is 1 month too old and my clients won't put up with that increase  Another nail in the retro coffin as we'll all fall foul of that one if it gets through  |
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Aircooled is cool.......
But V8 is great!!!!!!
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Nov 14, 2007 20:39:38 GMT
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We have to be realistic. This Government is anti car. The fact that Classic Car ownership has spawned a multi million pound Industry in this Country has, probably, been the only reason why they havent been more draconian in their approach to the whole Classic / Custom car fraternity. I know that the scene is quite healthy in Europe but I doubt that it is as vibrant as here, it certainly wasnt in Spain. I think that we may be "too small fry" to bother with, in other words, there arent enough of us and those of us that there is pump too much into the economy to curse word us all off. Red Ken is a w*nker, with a bit of luck he will be out on his  soon enough. As for using a classic as a daily driver, TBH, I'm now using a billy basic 2007 Euro box. PAS, it heats up quick, its nippy, comfortable and very economical. Sometimes you have to take the Rose tinted specs off. My old Scimmie is now used as intended, to enjoy and get the adrenalin pumping, not as a daily driver that slowly pisses you off because it takes miles to demist the windscreen etc etc. Thanks to a new Clio, ive fallen in love with the old girl again. |
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Nov 14, 2007 20:47:04 GMT
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But what about the ban on olde commercial vehicles in central London? It is allegedly about pollution. Camel's nose, leading inevitably to "gross polluting" olde cars, without cats and thermactors, and electronic controls. Like they did with guns, the legislation is unlikely to carve out small cars (as with "legitimate" self-defense or sporting guns). When the time comes, it will be more a convenient thing (and "fairer") to ban all oldies. It's already thin end of the wedge stuff. Herr Livingstone is now trying to push through an increase in congestion charge for cars built prior to 2001 or with engines bigger than 3.2litre, an increase from £8 per day to £25 per day. I spend a lot of time driving in London (chauffeur) and am going to be pushed into buying a newer car cos my Merc is 1 month too old and my clients won't put up with that increase Another nail in the retro coffin as we'll all fall foul of that one if it gets through or just register your car as a minicab |
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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;D
