New car vs. Restored classic?, What are the possibilities? Options

[JeffBowlsby]

In another post it was said. ‘Wife bought a new Bronco in 2022. We sold it a few months ago and bought a 1972 Bronco to replace it.’

Been pondering the same dilemma. Not talking about sports cars in this thread.

New cars are expensive to buy, maintain, repair and insure. Loaded with tech, and numerous features they can be very complicated. Even lower cost new cars can fit this description. A recent article says new cars average $50K now, even an F150 pickup is reportedly $65K. The new cars we really want can be over six figures. New cars depreciate like rocks whereas vintage car values are much more stable. I’m thinking fully restored cars that would pass a thorough PPI. No project cars. No complicated cars. No “they only made X of these” with an inflated cost. No 40 Ford restorods or Model As. Nothing particularly ostentatious.

I think the possibilities, risks, rewards of a good quality vintage car instead of new could be advantageous. We need to consider at least reliability, availability of shops that can provide service, parts availability. Certainly reasonable safety is important which most older cars are not well equipped. Collector insurance may help reduce costs if that fits the situation.

Which specific vehicles would you consider as good candidates for a family car be it a sedan, SUV or minivan? Both domestic and imports, low mileage, well cared for. Condition is more important than collectibility. Probably A/C is a must but could be retrofitted. Want to focus on vehicles that would be reliable as daily drivers.

I am thinking of 60s-70s Chevys, Fords, 2000s Hondas and Toyotas. 1975 and earlier would be beneficial to those of us in CA. Valued at something less than $50K. What are your ideas?

[mepstein]

I'll drive most anything. My wife won't. She wants a newer comfortable car that won't leave her stranded or require more than minimal maintenance. I can't argue with that.

[Superhawk996]

I'll drive most anything. My wife won't. She wants a newer comfortable car that won't leave her stranded or require more than minimal maintenance. I can't argue with that.

A quick survey of the shoulders of freeways and roads shows that a new car is not a guarantee of not being stranded. Ever notice how so many of the OEMs offer Roadside Assistance? Just something to consider.

All cars become used cars the moment you drive it off the dealership lot.

All modern cars are dependent on the crank position sensor to run. If it fails - and they do - without warning; you’re walking. There is no built in redundancy. This is but one example of things that will put a new car on the flatbed.

Having said that, I completely understand the happy wife - happy life phenomenon. Mine won’t drive a manual. Thus the Camry and the X5 with their respective slush boxes.