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?

[peteinjp]

Funny to me to think of a car from 2000 on as old..... My scale is way off as even my 964 seems modern to me.

Personally if gas mileage is not a big concern (mostly local stuff) I prefer land cruisers. I have a BJ43 and an HZJ73- both 2 door middle length diesels (cheaper fuel in my area.) The BJ43 is a soft top so that's loads of fun to open up.

Any land cruiser though the 100 series is probably a very good bet in terms of parts availability and loooong lifespan. No doubt the mechanicals in my trucks will outlast me if I keep up on the rust. I'd consider a 60 series in the U.S. Dirt simple trucks that can haul a family and gear. Plenty of repair info out there and so far no issue with consumables. Many of the parts were span model to model- like axle/dif stuff and brakes.

Pete