Can You Daily Drive A Classic Car? - Garage Dreams (2024)

FAQs

Can I use a classic car as a daily driver? ›

Can a classic car be a daily driver? Yes, it's possible to use a classic car as your daily driver. The car must be roadworthy if you're going to use it frequently, which usually means more maintenance and repair.

In fact, one of the best things you can do for your car is drive it regularly– once per month is the recommended minimum. One of the biggest issues with old cars is that they're not used regularly. If you leave your car in the garage for too long, its seals and rubber components can dry out and cause leaks.

If you're driving your classic car every day, you're going to have to budget for repairs. A car from the 1960s or 1970s does not have nearly the same kind of longevity that a modern day car does, nor does it have the systems that keep a car comfortable and reliable.

Driving a classic car on a daily-basis increases vehicle wear and tear and reduces future resale value. Ask any auto mechanic: few things are as hard on a car as consistent usage in all weather conditions, and the wear can happen in places you don't expect.

The eight best daily driver classic cars include the 1983 Volkswagen GTI MK2, 1992 Saab 900, 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS, 1981 Porsche 924, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA), 1991 Toyota MR2, 1970 Nissan Datsun 240Z, and 1977 Fiat X19. Many of these vehicles are low-cost with excellent durability.

Classic cars, in general, gain in value more than other types of collectibles, although cars are more high-maintenance and more complicated to store than stamps or comic books. The right classic cars can be valued into the several millions of dollars.

So how long can you go without driving your car? If you have not prepped your vehicle for a long time of not driving it you should not let it sit for more than one month, and even then, you should try to start it up and drive it for 15-30 minutes a few times within the month.

How long do classic car engines last? ›

You may be in luck. It used to be that 150,000 miles was about the end for a vehicle's engine, but with improved technology and design, the average lifespan of an engine has increased to about 200,000 to 250,000 miles. That said, the actual lifespan varies depending on the individual car.

Owning a classic car can be pretty expensive when it comes to maintenance, or it can be very reasonable. As a general rule, the more expensive the car, the more expensive the upkeep, but other factors are also involved, including rarity of the automobile, accessibility of the parts, and age of the car.

Age usually doesn't determine if you should drive your car long distances or not. An older or high-mileage vehicle that is regularly maintained should be safe to drive on a road trip.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, the driver of a vehicle that's 18 years old or older has a 71 percent greater chance of dying in a bad car crash compared to a driver who drives a three-year-old car.

If you really want to really save money on a new car, don't sell your old one. Here's the single most reliable way to save money on cars: Keep your clunker and drive it till it drops. A decently cared-for vehicle should still be running long after the odometer has clocked 100,000 miles.

Why are there so many wealthy people who drive average cars? Perhaps because driving expensive cars would attract unwanted attention. Many wealthy individuals become wary of showing their worth with a high-end car after becoming the focus of fraud, theft, or frivolous lawsuits.

The future of classic cars

In the future, classic vehicle owners will need to get creative to restore, insure, and even fuel up their cars and trucks. In addition, some cities may designate low-emissions zones and prohibit gas and diesel vehicles. But it is unlikely classic cars will ever be outlawed completely.

One of the main reasons people decide to buy classic cars is nostalgia. For many people, classic cars represent a different era in history and evoke memories of childhood or past vacations. Owning a classic car can be a way to relive those memories and experiences every time you drive it.

A modern classic is easier to define than an outright classic car, because in today's terminology, a modern classic is any car with a following (which means just about all of them) built during the 1980s, '90s and '00s.

What city has the most classic cars? ›

Portland, Ore.: Portland is America's best old car town. Trust us. A mild inland climate where snow is a rarity and road salt is unheard of means that old cars really don't rust unless left outside in a damp Portland winter with the top down.

It's a simple fact that classic cars are more susceptible to overheating than modern-day automobiles are. There are many factors that contribute to this problem. Getz Automotive works on all types of automobiles, including classic cars.

Classic cars are valued because they're rare or one of a kind. Costs like restoration, maintenance, storage, and insurance are high. Speculating on which cars will become collectible is risky. Classic cars are vulnerable to systemic risks.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old.

In general, auto insurance for older cars may be cheaper than insuring newer vehicles of the same make and model if the used car is cheaper to repair or replace. A car depreciates in value over time, which lowers the maximum amount an insurance company would have to pay in the event of an accident.

Classic cars come in all prices and conditions. You can pick up a near-mint condition Model T for around $10,000-$15,000. You can't even find a project Porsche in that price range. As a broad rule, more money spent upfront will save you gobs of money throughout the life of the car.

There seems to be a more widely-held belief, however, that it is a good idea to start your stored car every 3-4 weeks. Those in favor believe this keeps the cylinders lubricated and removes moisture from operating components.

If you have properly stored your car for winter there will be no need to start it during the season. Some people make the mistake of starting their vehicles every week or so. Just letting the engine run does nothing to help maintain the car and only contaminates the engine oil.

It is not necessary to drive your car every day. Driving a few times a week can help keep things moving along and prevent running into issues in the near future. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR SITS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME? Vehicles that aren't driven regularly will drain the battery.

How long does oil last in a car not driven? ›

However, if you don't drive your car often, the oil can start to go bad. To prevent this, come into our car maintenance shop to change your oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.

To avoid a dead battery, you can start your car once a week and let it run for about 5-10 minutes. (If your car is parked in a garage, be sure to do this with the garage door open to ensure proper ventilation for exhaust fumes.)

How long can gas sit in a car? Gasoline can last between three months and three years depending on the type of gas and if it is properly stored. It's important to note while all gas will naturally begin to degrade over time thanks to exposure to oxygen (also known as oxidation), all gas is not created equal.

Putting a new engine on a classic car is a massive project that will cost you time and money. It could take a week or several months to finish, depending on the resources you have available. This is because engine swaps are never as easy as they seem, and there will be unforeseen issues to fix.

If you're dealing with minor engine damage or simple wear and tear, rebuilding your engine is usually going to be the better option than replacing it entirely. On average, an engine replacement costs between $4,000 and $6,000, whereas an engine rebuild usually ranges between $2,500 and $4,000.

The value of classic cars fluctuates, but they can appreciate over time rather than depreciate like a modern car does.

The Value of a Classic Car Might Vary in Extreme Economic Conditions. This should be obvious. With runaway inflation, prices will go up, but the currency is worth less. In an extreme recession, prices might come down but you have to remember that not all people are affected by a recession.

As a general rule, it's safe to drive for no longer than eight hours a day, taking breaks of at least 15 minutes every two hours. This means you can safely drive for around 500 miles, not taking into account external factors such as slowing for tolls, traffic, travelling with children, and tiredness.

Yes, you can, and this is what most classic car collectors that drive their vehicles do. Common safety adjustments made to older cars include: A three-point belt system. Anti-break lockers.

Drivers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for a period of 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.

What age causes the most car accidents? ›

Who is Most at Risk? The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens ages 16–19 than among any other age group. Teen drivers in this age group have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers ages 20 and older per mile driven.

Drive the car once a week.

This will help keep cooling, lubrication, and fuel system parts in shape, will charge the battery, and will prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. Use the brakes frequently to remove any rust that has formed on the brake rotors. Pick a day and stick to it.

Age is nothing but a number. So long as you can fix any wear on the vehicle, it will be fine. Most cars stop being safe when they accumulate enough problems, which is really a function of use, climate, maintenance, and owner's finances.

Can a classic car be a daily driver? Yes, it's possible to use a classic car as your daily driver. The car must be roadworthy if you're going to use it frequently, which usually means more maintenance and repair.

How long should you keep a car? A typical car is expected to last 200,000 miles or more, with electric or hybrid vehicles going up to 300,000 miles. If you drive the average number of miles for an American, a typical car should last you about 14 years and an electric car will last about 21 years.

Reaching towards the 15-year mark, a car loses almost all of its value and in most cases, the car sells at its scrap value. So, if you want to retrieve some value from your old car, try and sell it much before it reaches the point where its registration expires.

Bad weather, salted roads, running late…it all adds up. Anyway, before you answer, consider that the average number of miles driven per year is around 1,000, at least as far as classic cars go, and even insurers like Hagerty often have a cap of 2,500 miles on typical plans.

Lower Plate Taxes. Owning a classic car can be expensive. However, when purchasing license plates for your vehicle, if they are 40 years old or more, they are eligible for a zero-related tax disc. For example, if your antique auto came out in or before 1978, taxes are lower.

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.

Brakes that aren't being engaged often become corroded and rusty if the car is parked for a period of time. Moisture can build up on the steel brake rotor, leaving a layer of rust behind. The longer a vehicle sits, the layer of rust increases and the brake pads become susceptible to rust buildup as well.

Do classic cars get good gas mileage? ›

Some well-known classic cars get good gas mileage. These cars get between 15 mpg around town to upwards of 40 mpg on the highway.

Classic cars are known for being reliable and long-lasting if properly cared for, although, as previously discussed, there are certain drawbacks that come along with owning one. For instance, these vehicles require more frequent maintenance than modern vehicles because they're prone to wear and tear due to their age.

For example, the Classic Car Club of America defines a classic as a “fine” or “distinctive” automobile built between 1915 and 1948. However, for registration purposes, many states would consider cars of that age to be antique or vintage automobiles.

Initially, classic cars are generally more expensive to purchase because of their rarity. But maintenance costs are usually higher on classic cars. You may need to take your vehicle to be repaired more frequently than with a regular car, as classic cars are more likely to breakdown given their age.

The most significant con is the maintenance of classic cars. The cost of maintaining an old-timer, including insurance and maintenance, can be up to 20 percent of the classic car's value. Spare parts or even simple consumables may be really difficult to buy in auto parts stores, so you have to 'hunt' for them.

Most cars lose value immediately after they are driven off of the dealer lot, but classic cars gain in value over time, due to rarity, performance, or special attributes.