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Could you suggest a low tech, low maintenance classic?

With all the publicity about over complex, money pit, unfit for purpose cars - what do you recommend as a low tech alternative? I realise regulations don't permit this for a modern car, but what about something from the recent past which may be a potential classic or classic that would be worth keeping for many years. I want something cheap and easy to maintain, preferably without a rust problem. I saw a 1997 Jeep Wrangler with 30,000 miles on Auto Trader and it got me thinking. My current car is a relatively low tech 2005 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI, which has suffered two turbo, DMF and throttle body failures as you predicted. My annual mileage is 6000 - 10,000, on mixed roads.

Asked on 6 December 2017 by norniron bmw

Answered by Keith Moody
If you want simple, easy to maintain, something you can spanner yourself and with good parts supply - you'll probably be looking at a British car from the 1960s. You don't mention how many people you need it for, but if it's high-days and holidays then an MGB or a Triumph Spitfire is a good starter classic. If you need a family vehicle, look at something like a Ford Anglia 105E. These would definitely be in the 6000 miles a year bracket. Of course, you won't get the mod cons you require, or the performance, and rust comes as standard. If you want something more modern, then you'll have more choice and the ability to cover more miles - but with ECUs and all manner of clever things fitted, you're unlikely to be able to keep it going on your driveway if you're new to fettling. These cars also come with intermittent electrical faults as standard which, believe me, you can spend a lot of time and money chasing. Even 'simple' cars from the 1980s can give you a headache. For example, their fuel injection systems can be difficult to fix when they go wrong. Something vaguely 'agricultural' (in the nicest possible way) would be a good bet, something like a Land Rover Defender or Discovery. These have great parts support and fantastic clubs but also - like any ageing vehicle - have build quality and reliability issues that you'll need to overcome.
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