Replacing a classic with a modern car - what should I buy? ` | Ask Honest John

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Replacing a classic with a modern car - what should I buy? `

After 19 years of using my Austin-Healey 100/4, I have decided to sell as I can no longer cope without power steering. I want to replace it with a relatively modern petrol convertible with as high a driving position as possible and have thought about a MINI or Volkswagen Golf. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. Budget up to £15K.

Asked on 15 July 2016 by nickcock

Answered by Honest John

You must know that auction values of Austin Healeys and particularly of 100/4s have shot up over the past couple of years. Yours could be worth £30k - £50k, or even more. MPVs and SUVs are easiest to get in and out of, and if you can get £35k + for your Healey, adding £15k buys a Range Rover Evoque convertible: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/land-rover/range-r.../

Putting the Healey money in the bank and just using £15k opens you to a variety of convertibles though none apart from a Jeep or a LandRover Defender as high as the Evoque. Sublime to ridiculous: Lexus IS250Cs are a bit thirsty but extremely smooth even with the top down. FIAT 500Cs have great seats, quite high driving positions and are easy to get in and out of.

Tags: buying a new car classic cars

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