The best first classic cars in Ireland for under €15,000
Your first classic should start every time, be cheap to fix and make you grin. These eight do all three, and all of them can be found in Ireland for under €15,000.
The best first classic isn't the rarest or the fastest. It's the one with good parts supply, a local specialist who knows it, and a club full of people who have already fixed whatever is about to go wrong. Prices below are rough guides for decent, usable cars in Ireland.
1. MGB GT, €8,000 to €15,000
A roof, a tailgate and the same tough engine as the roadster for less money. Parts are cheap and every classic garage knows them. Check the sills and castle rails. More on the MGB.
2. Morris Minor, €6,000 to €15,000
Slow, charming and almost unbreakable, and Minors were assembled in Dublin, so plenty survive. Look for converted cars with servo brakes and an unleaded head. More on the Minor.
3. VW Beetle, €8,000 to €15,000
Air-cooled, simple and with parts on every shelf. The 1300 and 1500 are the practical choice. Heater channels and floor pans are the things to check. More on the Beetle.
4. Mazda MX-5 Mk1, €6,000 to €12,000
The modern classic that never breaks. Early cars are now over 30 years old, so they qualify for vintage motor tax. Check the sills and rear arches, and the timing belt history.
5. Mercedes W123, €6,000 to €15,000
Comfort, quality and huge reliability. Choose a 230E for a balance of pace and economy. Rust hides under the trim. More on the W123.
6. Classic Mini, €8,000 to €15,000
The most fun you can have at 50 km/h. Later Rover cars are the easiest to own. Subframes and sills are the weak points. More on the Mini.
7. Triumph Spitfire, €7,000 to €14,000
An open two-seater on a budget, with a bonnet that tilts forward so every part of the engine is easy to reach. Check the chassis outriggers and the rear swing axle.
8. Volvo 240, €5,000 to €12,000
Practical, safe and almost indestructible. The estate is a brilliant shared car for beach days and moving furniture. Look for rust in the wheel arches and tailgate.
Five rules for buying your first one
- Buy the bodywork. Mechanical parts are cheap; welding is not.
- Keep 10% to 20% of the price back for jobs in the first year.
- Bring someone who knows the model, or pay for an inspection.
- Check the paperwork matches the car, including the VIN and engine number.
- Know the tax and NCT rules for its age. Our vintage motor tax and NCT guide covers them.
Or aim higher with a share
€15,000 buys a good MGB outright. The same money buys a quarter share in a €48,000 Mk1 Escort Mexico or a €60,000 Porsche 912, with the running costs split four ways. If you'd rather drive something special a few weekends a year than something ordinary every weekend, sharing is worth a look. See the cars or read how sharing works.
Model guides: MGB · Morris Minor · VW Beetle · Classic Mini · Mercedes W123
Rules and rates change. Check with Revenue, motortax.ie, the RSA, your insurer and a solicitor before you rely on anything here.
