£5k daily classics

The thrill of the chase is all part of the fun of buying, owning, and running a classic car. It’s even more entertaining when you start to bring in a few search parameters, such as a car capable of being used daily, doesn’t have more holes in it than politician’s promise, and it costs no more than £5,000. Can it be done? Should it be done? Sure it can, and we have a few suggestions to get you started on your hunt for an affordable everyday classic. 

There are some makes and models that always put themselves forward when thinking of cars that fit the bill here. The Morris Minor, Volkswagen Beetle, and Mini are the archetypal low-cost, easy-to-run classics that will keep you on the road and smiling at the same time. If you are very keen-eyed, you might find a later Rover-era Mini within budget, but most have now climbed beyond our price ceiling if they are in decent nick. But don’t despair. 

The first generation of BMW-built MINI offers up a selection of models, starting with the humble One that makes an ideal first car for younger classic fans thanks to affordable insurance rates. If you want something a bit sportier, the Cooper fits the bill, while the Cooper S has all the pace you’ll need for day to day driving thanks to its supercharged engine. You can also find the first-gen MINI as a Convertible if you feel the need to bring in some fresh air to your routine. 

It’s worth noting that some of these BMW-made MINIs don’t qualify for low emission zones, so if your commute takes you into these areas you need to check before buying. Worries about LEZs does not apply to older cars like the original VW Beetle and Morris Minor. Finding a sound Beetle within our £5,000 budget is not as challenging as you might think. However, you will need to be quick off the mark to bag one as decent examples are snapped up fast at this sort of money. That makes the New Beetle an intriguing option as it has all the practical elements of the Mk4 Golf wrapped in a much more stylish body. The Convertible model is also appealing and it comes well within budget for anyone deciding on a reasonably roomy four-seat drop-top. 

The Morris Minor doesn’t have to worry about LEZs and there are plenty for sale at any given time. At the upper end of our £5,000 purse, you’ll find sound cars that you can just jump in and enjoy. You won’t get a decent Traveller estate model though, or a Convertible in reliable, daily-ready shape. That’s not such a worry when the two- and four-door saloon models are just as much fun to drive, can keep with modern traffic, and are supported by a superb network of specialists. As an alternative, you could look at the Triumph Herald, Austin/Morris 1100 and 1300 models, or a Mazda MX-5 Mk1 as all are well catered for. 

The same is true of just about any MG model, so picking an MG Midget, MGB or MGF as your everyday motor makes sense. The MGF will serve up superb handling and performance, especially with the 143bhp VVC engine, and for £5,000 you’ll be looking at some of the very best examples out there. Half this budget will still get you a sound car that’s been looked after. However, you’ll need to the full whack of this money to get a good Midget or B, though you can improve your chances by looking at the rubber bumper models instead of the chromed versions. Either way, they are a joy to drive and easy to look after. 

For those who want something with a premium German badge, this sort of cash still presents some very tempting dishes. Few could be left unswayed by the thought of using a Porsche as their everyday car, so why not look at the 924, 944 or the mid-engined Boxster as your next daily? Excellent build quality means there are plenty still around of each model, and you can get most bits very easily. 

Still keeping with the Teutonic theme, a BMW 3 Series is one of the most rounded daily drivers you’ll find. The boxy E30 can still be had for less than £5,000, but you’ll be looking at the four-cylinder 316 and 318 models rather than the lustier six-cylinder models. Then again, these less potent cars are cheaper to run and just as good to drive. This applies to the 3 Series' arch-rival, the Mercedes 190E, though it favours comfort over sporty handling. Nothing wrong with that in daily car ownership, and bank vault build quality means the baby Merc will keep on going for many years to come. Should you need more space, the larger Mercedes W124 generation saloon will also do sterling service. 

For something more left-field, Volvo offers up its 740 and 850 ranges in saloon and iconic estate forms. You’ll also find an 850 T5 within budget for some turbocharged fun. More Swedish treats come from Saab with its 900 and 9-3 models, which gives you the added bonus of picking a sleek four-seat cabrio should you wish. 

For something more sybaritic, how about a Rover P4 or Jaguar XJ40? Both have that magic mix of comfort, class, wood, and leather that only a British saloon can carry off, and they still come up within price range. Later Jaguar XJs open yet more choice, or you might consider the Honda Legend as a gadget-laden luxo alternative to the Jag, Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series for similar money. 

We’ll leave you with a couple of sporting cars to consider for everyday use. Ford’s Puma is as pert as you you’ll find for this sort of money and in 1.7-litre form it’s still one of the most amusing cars to drive while keeping costs within limits. Or you could look to the Audi TT in first-generation shape. There are plenty out there, so finding a well-kept, clean 1.8T Quattro model with the popular 225hp motor should be easy. Then all you have to do is use it, or any of the other many cars that tick our boxes, and smile in the knowledge you’re driving a classic bargain.