Need help picking your first classic car? We have a guide for that.

Colin
By Colin Wood
Nov 8, 2021 | Classic Cars, Buyer's Guide

Picking a classic car seems simple enough–just go buy an older car and then drive it, right? Not entirely.

There’s a lot of factors to consider, like what sort of aftermarket support the car enjoys, what kind of community can you rely on for help and, perhaps most importantly, whether or not that car will make a good longtime companion?

If you find yourself–or someone you know–unsure about which classic car to choose, we wrote a guide to help pick a suitable first-time classic. We have something for a wide range of tastes and budgets. Read it now over on Classic Motorsports.

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Comments
Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
11/5/21 9:09 a.m.

Here's a question for everyone: Can the S2000 really be considered a classic car?

alfadriver
alfadriver MegaDork
11/5/21 9:20 a.m.

No Italian cars...  

Interesting to have a debate over a 20 year old Honda when nothing Italian is being suggested.  When I bought my Italian classic, it was just 23 years old at the time.

ddavidv
ddavidv UltimaDork
11/5/21 12:32 p.m.

Yeah, Alfadriver likes that brand with the weird shifter placement but I'll say that Fiats are pretty cheap and easy to own and repair provided rust isn't (much) of a factor.  Performance is almost always superior to a British car of similar displacement.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
11/5/21 12:59 p.m.
Colin Wood said:

Here's a question for everyone: Can the S2000 really be considered a classic car?

No. I was going to question how a car made in 2009.....11 years ago, could be considered a classic. 

Tom1200
Tom1200 UltraDork
11/5/21 1:51 p.m.

My problem isn't deciding..........it's paying. I could buy a 356 or pay off my house. The mortgage will be gone soon

A Fiat 124 or Alfa spider would be a good choice and they aren't expensive.

RadBarchetta
RadBarchetta New Reader
11/5/21 1:51 p.m.

In reply to z31maniac :

The ones made in 1999, 22 years ago, could qualify. I mean, if a C5 Corvette made the list, why not?

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/5/21 1:55 p.m.
z31maniac said:
Colin Wood said:

Here's a question for everyone: Can the S2000 really be considered a classic car?

No. I was going to question how a car made in 2009.....11 years ago, could be considered a classic. 

Old enough to deliver that analog experience, new enough to not need a restoration. Plus, don't forget, the first S2000s are now 20+ years old. 

wawazat
wawazat Dork
11/5/21 2:33 p.m.

Mine was 47 years old when I bought it.

alfadriver
alfadriver MegaDork
11/5/21 3:48 p.m.
ddavidv said:

Yeah, Alfadriver likes that brand with the weird shifter placement but I'll say that Fiats are pretty cheap and easy to own and repair provided rust isn't (much) of a factor.  Performance is almost always superior to a British car of similar displacement.

To me, both the Fiat and Alfa are really strong alternatives to B cars, since both have DOHC engines, disk brakes, and a 5 speed trans.  The mid 60's version of either drive pretty much like any modern alternative like a Miata, as any of them will cruise all day long on modern freeways.

But not only are those two brands not there, nor are Lancia, Maserati, or even Ferrari.  If high end other cars are there (and they are, like the Lexus LFA), pretty much any Italian marque should be there, too.

Javelin (Forum Supporter)
Javelin (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
11/5/21 4:03 p.m.

My state is a rolling 30 year for Classic plates. I don't think a 20 year old Honda is a classic, nor a C5.

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