'We're classic car experts - these iconic models will give drivers summer fun for £5,000'
Two classic car fanatics have shared their pick of the best models from the 1980s and 90s to buy on a budget, offering retro styling and reliability.
A pair of classic car owners have taken to YouTube to advise viewers on three interesting older models that could offer a lot of fun for under £5,000.
Geoff Thompson is the creator of the Geoff Buys Cars YouTube channel and regularly posts videos in which he reacts to the latest motoring news and shows viewers his ever-changing collection of interesting classic models.
In a recent video, Geoff was joined by Ian from Cherished Vehicle Insurance Services to discuss cheap classics, with Ian suggesting drivers looking for something both interesting and practical consider a second-generation Vauxhall Cavalier Convertible.
He advised: "I have a soft spot for 80s Vauxhalls. I used to have a Mk2 Cavalier Convertible because, in my eyes, it was cool. Now, I will accept that they weren't cool and probably still aren't, however it is a four-seater convertible and, if you've had a Cavalier, you'll know they're really simple to work on - you can change the clutch without taking the gearbox out.
"Whether I would pay £4,750 for one, I'm not sure. I remember when they were £500, but I accept that the market has moved on. This one was born in 1986, it's a three-speed automatic so it'll be shifting into top speed at about 20mph, but it's only done 46,000 miles."
Whilst the Vauxhall Cavalier was built over three generations for 20 years, it is the Mk2 that has stood the test of time best, gaining considerable value and status from classic car enthusiasts.
Made from 1981 to 1988 in Europe, the second-generation Cavalier was notable at the time for having front-wheel drive, an aerodynamic body and a very wide range of engines and body styles, including a four-seater convertible.
Whilst a new Cavalier Convertible would have cost drivers £10,989 back in 1986 (the equivalent of nearly £40,000 in today's money), motorists in 2024 can get a clean example for around £4,000 to £5,000.
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Another classic car suggested by the YouTubers was the Saab 900 Convertible, which Geoff stated still looks stylish today and has a very reliable 2.0-litre engine.
He added: "We have a Saab 900 Convertible, which I've chosen for all the same reasons that you chose the Cavalier. It's not a turbo, because if it was it wouldn't be under budget, they're much more desirable. However, you can really have that for the looks alone. They're great-looking cars, a really iconic looking convertible.
"This is a 1992. It's a bit rough around the edges, but that's what you can expect for £4,500, you can spend a lot of money on these Saab 900s. It's done 190,000 miles, but those engines are very strong."
Finally, Ian suggested that drivers looking for a cheap classic sports car consider the Fiat Coupe, a sleek hardtop from the late 90s that, in it's most powerful form, can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds.
He continued: "I accept that they are a nightmare to work on and I know all the negativities about them, but I don't care. Have you ever owned a bad Fiat? Neither have I. I still say that the cheapest car to own and run around in is a Fiat Panda, they just don't fail.
"The biggest problem with it is that it's not that nice metallic purple colour they did. The thing is that I stuck to the rules with this one, I had to limit myself, but I think that's what it's worth."
