retrogeezer Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 So, I've used my Escort 3 times in the last 2 months and that was only to go for a quick drive, I really should have cashed the tax in at the start of October. I did 700 miles last year, this year I have managed a whopping 765 but that was only because of a trip to Santa Pod and another to The RR Gathering so 400 miles on 2 trips really. Car Tax = £100 Insurance = £95 MOT (without any work) = £50 Approx fuel = £150 So about £400 for 765 miles, not far off £2 a mile.....not good value is it. There must have been 4 or 5 shows missed because of wet weather and the July/August weather was pants too. Tax is going back tomorrow so I won't be using it again until April/May next year and it really fooks me off that I can't just run around the block in it every couple of weeks just to keep everything working....poxy vehicle tax.
trigger Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I know how you feel, but that's part of the fun of owning a old car isn't it?!, I've done about 2000 miles in the 15 months in the Kadett, Most the time it just sits there, Mind you my expenses are much lower then yours, It's £109 a year to insure and it's tax free. They really should bring in a better tax system where you either get free tax for a 25/30 + year old car or even a reduced price, say £50 a year regardless of engine size.
dollywobbler Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 That doesn't really sound worth it. Any reason you can't do more miles in it? I was stunned that I've only done 3000 miles in the 2CV since April - I guess working from home and having at least four vehicles does reduce useage! The Mini's barely clocking up 2000 miles a year. I'm determined to put a few more miles on the 2CV though. I'm about 3000 miles short of 100,000 miles in that car since I bought it in 2000. I feel bad that it sits out in all weathers and am constantly chasing rot - but I'd rather have a shabby-but-used car than an immaculate one I don't drive. Even the Saab made me feel guilty about using it because the condition was so good.
RobT Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 If you can afford it, and enjoy driving the car, then keep it is what I say. I'm always having the VFM debate with myself over cars, but it always comes back to this - what's the point going to work every day and earning money if you don't enjoy it (after paying the essentials like rent/mortgage/food of course!). Work has been a pile of shit for me recently and having my cars to enjoy has been a great outlet.
freebird Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 No, its not worth it but thats missing the point.My old car is now sitting in the garage, on sorn and no insurance, even though It was MOTd in September.Ive done under 1000 miles in in in a year and i know it doesnt cost in, blimey, its utterly illogical and stupid to keep it!!Thing is,who gives a shit about logic when it comes to a hobby/passion? Im sure I could find plenty of other things to spunk the money away on if i didnt own it but It wouldnt be as enjoyable, well unless It was a seriously fit bird wiv big Bristols.............Sod the logic and common sense, you own the car because you enjoy it, you enjoy knowing you own it, enjoy looking at it and enjoy driving it when you can. If somebody can spend an arm and a leg on an old antique and pay through the nose to insure it, even though it will only ever be looked at and admired, why cant you do the same with your car?Enjoy it fella, life is way too short not to.
Pete-M Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 The Rangie in fuel alone has cost me about £200 for 500 miles, and they've not been as enjoyable as the ones you've had in the Escort... Keep it, why the hell not?
HillmanImp Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I have done 7 miles in the gt6 this year as its been stuck behind the DAF whilst we mended the cracked block. Is nearly sorted now bar an oil filter (just welded up a hole in the rear quarter I found) and its NOT time. Just in time for me to lick the gt6 away for winter. Boo. As for reasons for keeping it, it depends if you have more important things to spend your money on, or things the money can be spent on that you will prefer. It's all subjective to each individuals situation.
MK5 Escort Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I can only sympathise with you too. Whilst my Escort does do more miles (done about 7k this year - it’s lowest ever, and close to 1k of that was down in Devon last month) with not only me driving it, it spends most of it’s time in the garage or out on the drive. It can't depreciate any more than it has, but the cost of insuring and taxing it whilst it’s laid up is irritating. Given the winter is now setting in, it'll probably only be on the road a handful of times between now and February/March I suspect. One of those occasions would include the MOT due in January also. Getting shut? Not an option sorry and not even a consideration in these difficult times. It’s part of the family and been in our hands since new...(although officially it's on it's 'third' owner). It would be like selling a sibling! Chin up, keep calm and carry on!
retrogeezer Posted October 30, 2011 Author Posted October 30, 2011 Yeh, I guess £400 a year isn't much really, I guess it's just the tax thing pissing me off as usual. The Escort gets used odd weekend through the summer - 800 miles for £120 6 months. The Mondeo gets used on the odd trip south or if we go out for the day and are doing any great distance, 2500 miles in that last year - £215 for a years tax. The bluey gets used most of the time but only around town really, that also does around 2500 miles but is again £215 to tax. It's the usual story, I'm paying 3 lots of tax but can only drive one car at a time...just daft really.
Rusty Pelican Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 No, its not worth it but thats missing the point.My old car is now sitting in the garage, on sorn and no insurance, even though It was MOTd in September.Ive done under 1000 miles in in in a year and i know it doesnt cost in, blimey, its utterly illogical and stupid to keep it!!Thing is,who gives a shit about logic when it comes to a hobby/passion? Im sure I could find plenty of other things to spunk the money away on if i didnt own it but It wouldnt be as enjoyable, well unless It was a seriously fit bird wiv big Bristols.............Sod the logic and common sense, you own the car because you enjoy it, you enjoy knowing you own it, enjoy looking at it and enjoy driving it when you can. If somebody can spend an arm and a leg on an old antique and pay through the nose to insure it, even though it will only ever be looked at and admired, why cant you do the same with your car?Enjoy it fella, life is way too short not to.Sums it up for me perfectly , both my classics havnt managed 2000 miles each this year , who cares though , I enjoy tinkering and its a great excuse to bugger of into the garage to get away from DIY , Cats , the missus or just to have a quite calming fag and coffee.
Lord Sterling Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 No, its not worth it but thats missing the point.My old car is now sitting in the garage, on sorn and no insurance, even though It was MOTd in September.Ive done under 1000 miles in in in a year and i know it doesnt cost in, blimey, its utterly illogical and stupid to keep it!!Thing is,who gives a shit about logic when it comes to a hobby/passion? Im sure I could find plenty of other things to spunk the money away on if i didnt own it but It wouldnt be as enjoyable, well unless It was a seriously fit bird wiv big Bristols.............Sod the logic and common sense, you own the car because you enjoy it, you enjoy knowing you own it, enjoy looking at it and enjoy driving it when you can. If somebody can spend an arm and a leg on an old antique and pay through the nose to insure it, even though it will only ever be looked at and admired, why cant you do the same with your car?Enjoy it fella, life is way too short not to. +1 Absolutley hit the nail on the head. A hobby isnt really a 'hobby' when you start wondering whether its 'worth' it in money terms. It never is. Enjoying your hobby should be priceless. I've heard so called enthusiasts sum up what they've spent on a car for example, then decide its no longer worth it and that they'll never get back what it "owes" them, then they either stop spending money on it or get shot of it for what it "owes" them. It never works out. Both my other Rover Sterlings havent turned a wheel for a couple of years (If you discount moving them in and out of my rented garages) Renting my garages will cost me an arm and leg, but I really like the cars I've got and have decided I'll never sell them. They are my hobbies and I do enjoy owning them. I've not got around to doing anything with my mk2 Sterling but I intend to in the fullness of time. My current daily Sterling probably 'owes' me well over a couple of grand in storage fees/repairs etc... But I dont care, it means nothing. I stood by this car through thick and thin and now having spent money on it, I've got myself a really nice car that I'm pleased to drive and own.
dieselnutjob Posted October 30, 2011 Posted October 30, 2011 I can't take money or possessions into the next life, but I'm hoping that I can take memories.
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