240 General: Poll - should I use my car when I am 17?

[ahal]

Hi there,

I've found the only way to keep a car properly is not to use it daily. By the same token, having the thing 'laid up' for long periods is a disaster. I'd be with the other folk ... just use it for the odd run / summer jaunts.

You might be surprised in time though at how your views may change. A couple of weeks ago I brought the Saab to a guy who has a 1981 DeLorean stashed in his garage. To me, it was like I'd gone to heaven. He says to me ( grudgingly ) "Oh, damn thing ... have to start it ... it's been a couple of months".

That's a problem I would like to have! I notice the same thing with the me and the 480. Before I had one, it would have been a privelege to poke about one. Now that I have it, it's a damn nuisance ( the car held my fascination in this regard for about 3 months! ). What I'm saying - admittedly in a very long way - is that you may find yourself becoming interested in something else.

In particular, I'm thinking of your runabout ... I've a feeling you're the sort of guy who's going to be mad into whatever you buy! Why not get a good 340 with this in mind? Shouldn't be too hard on the insurance either.

Car looking great ... never tire of looking at it, it's in brilliant fettle!

Regards,

Anthony.

[Steve and his 244]

Thanks very much, I may be persuaded that it would be a good idea to buy myself another car. I will stand by my point though that I really am not keen, at all, on the 300 series.

How many volvos do you tend to get under 2.0l? Not many - the only real options for having a volvo as my first everyday car would be an s/v40 1.6 or 1.8. Theres always the 400 series but even those dont have little engines.

I think if I am to get a runaround it would have to be another make of car, although I would still be on the volvo scene and would probably get an 850/v70 when insurance prices have come down by the time im 20/21 ish.

Steve

[ovlov25]

Unless your dad is paying a huge amount for his traders policy, most of them have an "Over 25s" restriction to them. Also, as it is your own car (registered in your name, I'm guessing) it is a bit of a grey area as to whether you would be covered by the policy.

I had my own traders insurance at 21 with the only restrictions being limited to 3rd party cover on some heavy performance stuff. Just check you can get on it at 17! I know i couldn't get my ex girlfriend on my policy until her 21st (by which time i'd given her the old P45!!)

Most trader policies will cover upto 6 personal cars as well as whats listed for stock. Limitations include driving 'sales' vehicles at certain times, out of business hours, weekends etc. There is always fine print so check it out. A common mistake people make is to assume they are covered on any vehicle because they have there own fully comp insurance.

At the very worst you can scoot around in a (Yuck) group 2 Ford Ka for a year, get a little experience and then enjoy the Volvo when you hit 18.

[niloc]

A way to reduce the premiums under your own policy is to have your dad as a named driver. At least that way you are able to attain your own NCB.
When my ex wife was looking for insuraance, it was cheaper when I went on as a named driver. Same for my current girlfriend. Shop around too - not just the online insurers either. Don't be afraid to ring companies like Chris Knott.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

All the above...
But if you can get yourself of dad's insurance as a named driver on a policy where you can accrue ncb as well...

In fact, the car documentation is only an indication of the "keeper" of the car, not necessarily the owner!
So your dad could insure as "owner" with you as named driver!!

Still looking good too... :

Des. . .

[niloc]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

In fact, the car documentation is only an indication of the "keeper" of the car, not necessarily the owner!
So your dad could insure as "owner" with you as named driver!!

From experience: "Is the car registered in your own name?" .... "no"...."sorry sir, we are unable to offer insurance unless the car is registered to you"...

[huck280]

Cars are for using. No-one goes to work in a car factory hoping that their designs/workmanship will never be driven - apart from anyone working for Leyland, c. 74-90.

Drive it, fix it. Drive it, fix it. Drive it, fix it....

Geddit!?

;-)

[JIM C]

I would keep it for good days and as a result you will find it more of a treat when you do use it and you will be better place to keep on top of the ongoing maintenance issues. Thats why I enjoy driving the Amazon and treat it as a special day car.

All the best.

[Mark480]

400 series has the 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 litre engines. Take your pick!

Engine size and insurance group seems pretty irrelevant nowadays.

To insure any car legally in your own name you're going to be looking at near £2k so to consider 2 cars is madness in my eyes. Stick to Thor, if you think you can use it as an everyday car or shelf the dream and get a Saxo! TOOT TOOT

[Lilhosk]

I have had a classic car as my every day car for about 5 years now. I think they are for using, and as long as you do what you say, wash them regularly, check them over thoroughly every now and then, I do not see why you would not want to use it as an every day car.

Be carefull though - when I was 23, trying to get the Amazon insured was a nightmare! All bar 1 or 2 insurance companies just laughed down the phone at me and told me to call back when I was over 25!! If you can find one - definately go with a specialist classic car insurer - I have found these to be best value for money. It will be very expensive because of your age - can you afford to be paying 2 insurance policies and upkeep on 2 cars?

Drive the car as much as you can - enjoy it, that is what they are there for.