In praise of older (but not too old) cars

[gbb]

Not wholly fair, as modern cars are more or less unmaintainable without a fully equipped professional workshop and training to go with it. Changing an engine in my old Cortina was a pretty straightforward job for anyone vaguely mechanically minded.

Of course, older cars needed more care and maintenance but it really wasn't burdensome

By the same token, the jobs average Joe DIYer can do hasn't really changed and they're the ones that will need doing every few years, brakes, discs, filters, fluids, rear springs etc..and DiYing them can save a really significant amount of money.
The more unusual stuff, yes fair play, even my SIL, garage mechanic of many years said the other day, it's getting to the stage with some cars now, even independents occasionally cannot fix stuff because manufacturers limit the data to the trade. It occasionally has to go to main dealer. But, the more complex stuff doesn't happen very often anyway so there's still great value to be had DIYing

 

[raleighnut]

Unless unreliable, old and especially tatty cars are great:

- burglar deterrent (obviously nothing valuable if they own that shed)
- zero stress (who cares if it gets dented or scratched or stolen)
- zero depreciation
- no point in spending valuable time cleaning it
- no annoying gizmos

Mate of mine had a battered old Mini estate and one day it got nicked, he told the Police and also mentioned that it would be about 5 miles away. It wouldn't go any further without overheating and cutting out. Luckily he only lived 4 miles from work so it got him there and back without trouble.