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Nov 13, 2010 18:05:46 GMT
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I am sure many of you know that I got my ass booted into the unknown land of redundancy at the end of October.
After almost 14 years with the same company, I got made redundant along with some other very good people, one guy had 24 years service.
Being in a job is still better than being without one. So I am currently getting my CV out etc.
The reason for this thread is to get a bit of information and advice on what route to go for various parts of what has to happen in my life now.
Between us, Nicola and I have a 55 plate Peugeot 1007, my Taunus Transit and a BMW R1200GS motorbike. So ideally a second car will be usefull as the bike is no good for going cross country to interviews in winter and rain when you are expected to be in a suit and tie. The bus is OK for its novelty value, but not ideal again as a daily or to drive up to Manchester for an interview when it can easily be stolen etc.
This time of year most companies do not employ much, most start in January....... However, by then my company car will be long gone (26th November it goes).
I am 48 years old in January, have no modern car no claims insurance bonus as my company car was hit twice this year in hit and runs, once I found the guys car who drove off an hour later, and the second time I actually got the hospital security camera data copied showing my car being hit, and the driver driving off. As you know, it makes no difference.... I have a zero no claims history, even in company cars.
Now my questions are this:
What "Tax Free" Pre-1972 cars could do the run from here to Birmingham, Manchester etc for interviews hasslefree? Or If I were to buy something less sensible (read MX5 or similar) does a 20 year old car give one access to "Classic" insurance, maybe even with limited mileage?
Loads of questions and variables I know, but I also know there is a wealth of knowlege on here.
Thanks for your time or input.
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Last Edit: Nov 13, 2010 18:08:15 GMT by grizz
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Nov 13, 2010 18:14:35 GMT
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hmmm a true practical classic...
ild go with a volvo Amazon... or a a push a vw beatle!!
but then again i own a few classic citroens, so i may no nothing...
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Nov 13, 2010 18:22:29 GMT
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I'm pretty sure some insurers will insure a more modern classic like an mx5 on a classic policy. Think that's the direction I'd take if I was in your position.
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77 Dolomite 1500hl
94 Mini Italian Job
06 Vw Caddy TDI, dropped on 19's
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Mr. AJ
Part of things
Posts: 419
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Nov 13, 2010 18:24:39 GMT
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What about an old Dolly?
Sorry to hear about the redundancy mate, Same thing happened to me in september only i had no warning and the company decided not to pay anyone their final months wages so was left with no money at all! Jobs market is rubbish at the moment aswell i've had 2 interviews since september! Good luck with the search.
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Boring 1999 Renault clio daily. 1995 Pug 106 Roland Garros
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Nov 13, 2010 18:25:34 GMT
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A standard bug. Simples
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Brian Damaged
West Midlands
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 9,554
Club RR Member Number: 33
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Nov 13, 2010 18:32:00 GMT
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That's bad news, Grizz. I'm sure with your personality, work ethic and enthusiasm you won't be out of work for long, bud. As far as I'm aware most 'Classic' insurers will cover anything over 20 years old, so you should be fine with an MX5 or similar. The last two 2CV's I owned were 1989 models, my insurers (RH Specialist Cars Division, highly recommended) covered them with no hassles. They didn't even ask for a mileage reading...
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60six
Posted a lot
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Posts: 1,671
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Nov 13, 2010 18:47:21 GMT
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Used an old beetle for the commute from Medway to Windsor for about a month and it was fine, until it got cold. Lousy heating setup unless you are lucky. I would use an old BMW 2002 or volvo if I was to go tax exempt commuting again. Sorry to hear about the Redundancy, It's happened to me three times now .... Make sure you find yourself plenty to do on your days without work - You will go mad otherwise! If you find yourself sitting there watching loose women on the daytime tv you know you are in trouble.
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Some 9000's, a 900, an RX8 & a beetle
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Davenger
Club Retro Rides Member
It's only metal
Posts: 7,272
Club RR Member Number: 140
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Nov 13, 2010 18:53:05 GMT
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80's merc or bmw would be my choice if you need to cover long distances in comfort
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Seth
South East
MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi
Posts: 15,534
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Nov 13, 2010 18:53:16 GMT
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An unfortunate situation Grizz. Hope something crops up.
Would be worth ringing a couple of Insureers to see what their policies are. It certainly is possible to get something modern-ish on a "classsic" policy.
If you decided to go for something older then an MGB would be the most logical choice. Simple to work on, everything is available, specialists all over the country, etc. Ours was comfortable if a bit unexciting. Also the heater was a bit rubbish (the first car we've had with a bad heater) Would happily munch miles up and down motorways at 80 in OD top.
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Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable.
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Nov 13, 2010 18:54:52 GMT
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I feel for ya,I've been made redundant twice this year alone!As for the classic car insurance;I took the granada('77) off the road last month for winter fixing, and bought a Rx7('89) to run around. Phoned my insurer to swap it over, and although they said themselves that it fitted into all their classic criteria, they would't insure it because it was a Mazda!Go figure?! ::)So i'd just check before you buy something.
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fogey
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,613
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Nov 13, 2010 19:08:05 GMT
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Be aware that most 'classic car' polices will not cover you for commuting to and from work.
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rtlkyuubi
Posted a lot
Low and Slow
Posts: 2,922
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Nov 13, 2010 19:09:13 GMT
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might be because ive got one, and even though they're nothing special standard, atm you need something cheap and reliable to get around in. Get a k10 micra. you can pick them up for £300 or so (with t&t) £80 to insure (thats how much it is for my dad to insure mine lol) and cheap to run. I get from sheffield to bristol (170miles) on just under £20 and thats with a cam and small wheels at 70mph)
It doesnt fit the pre-tax critera but with how cheap they are, you can afford the tax.
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Nov 13, 2010 19:10:25 GMT
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Its sounds fairly mad to me that you have lost your job and immediately want to buy a new car!
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Nov 13, 2010 19:20:05 GMT
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You want a 500 quid Porsche 924 on classic insurance. I'm 34 with no NCB and paid 120 quid a year and they're totally reliable. You won't regret it!
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Nov 13, 2010 19:28:56 GMT
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Dude hope u get sorted ok, what a crappy situation!
don't worry about having to drive old old cars.
I'm 26, I insure a 50mpg Sierra Diesel with Peter best (Modern classic policy, no NCB) for £180 a year with mods declaired.
I'd drive the damn thing anywhere right now if I needed, parts still off the shelf when needed.
Not that I'm saying go with a Sierra, but u get what I mean, Economical modern classic, ideal!
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Last Edit: Nov 13, 2010 19:29:33 GMT by Deleted
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Brian Damaged
West Midlands
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 9,554
Club RR Member Number: 33
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Nov 13, 2010 19:29:26 GMT
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Its sounds fairly mad to me that you have lost your job and immediately want to buy a new car! Grizz's job came with a company car. That's why.
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Seth
South East
MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi
Posts: 15,534
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Nov 13, 2010 19:30:43 GMT
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Be aware that most 'classic car' polices will not cover you for commuting to and from work. There may be some companies that don't but we've never had a problem.
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Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable.
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Nov 13, 2010 19:33:03 GMT
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W123 series Merc...bulletproof, cheap parts, classic insurance....sorted! Or, if you're hellbent on tax exempt, then the W114 series...again, sorted!
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Nov 13, 2010 20:13:16 GMT
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For tax free motoring fun - BMW 2002 or 1602. If you go for the more unloved 2002 touring they are cheaper as well.
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Nov 13, 2010 20:26:47 GMT
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If tax exempt is a must, then look closely at the gearing of anything you're considering buying. Most '60s cars aren't particularly suited to relaxed high speed driving on motorways, unless fitted with overdrive.
I'd certainly recommend an Amazon (provided it has o/d), as the factory o/d equipped cars are 21mph per 1000rpm in o/d 4th. Non o/d saloons have a higher diff (estates did not), so one with a retro fit o/d is about 24mph per 1000rpm in o/d 4th. They also have volcanic heaters, so ideal for the winter, and later ones were the first cars to have 'medically idealised' seats (I assume that means that they were ergonomically designed). If this appeals, let me know as I am in the process of writing a very thorough buyers guide for these cars.
A 140 series would be a good alternative too, but I believe it's rarer to find these with o/d.
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Last Edit: Nov 13, 2010 20:28:00 GMT by Paul H
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