7 lessons I've learnt (and am still learning) from owning an old car

I love my tiny old car, as I'm sure most of you do as well. It's an escape, akin to a stead. I love the drama it brings, along with the freedom and the adventure. I'm truly one of those who loves nothing more than to just “go for a drive” to the next town, to the next county, to the next country, who knows. But there are moments when an old car will test your patience, ruin your day and perhaps teach you a few lessons along the way. So for any of you out there thinking about purchasing an older vehicle, here is a list of lessons that I have learnt (and am still learning) about owning a practical (almost) classic vehicle.

1. A mallet only fixes some of your problems

Alternator giving you grief? Hit it with a mallet. Starter motor on the blink? Hit it with a mallet. Friend only playing the first three seconds of each song? Hit it with a mallet (of course, I'm joking). While a mallet can occasionally fix those little electrical niggles temporarily, or help shift a tight nut, it's mostly luck. It might seem like a good idea at the time but there is usually a bigger issue, so do yourself and your pride and joy a favour. Get it checked out before it gets worse.

2. Parts are cheaper but harder to come by

It's true, parts are cheaper, Woohoo! Why spend hundreds on an alternator for a shiny new hatchback when you can pick one up for your k10 for next to nothing? While this truly is a blessing for any 80s car enthusiast, be warned, Not every old car is as popular as you think and as such, parts may not be that easy to come by. Before laying cash down for your new baby, see what kind of following your vehicle has and who (if anyone) has aftermarket parts available. Scrap yards are of course always an option but never a guarantee.

3. Do not assume that you can do all repairs yourself

Now, this won't apply to everyone, but I'm sure it's a mistake that a lot of us have made. I like to think of myself as quite practically minded, I like to get my hands dirty and delve into the workings of anything, so when the opportunity of getting an old car presented itself I jumped at it. “And the best thing is'' I said while trying to convince my friends that it was a good idea “and the best thing is, it's got a simple old engine, none of this computerised stuff. I can just do all of the repairs myself” and while I was right in some respects, I was wrong in others.

As it turns out, to no one's surprise, I'm not a mechanic. Engines, even simple ones, are complex. If your just starting out, you will need help with some of the bigger issues so be prepared, save a little to hand to people who know what they're doing if you can. If you are planning to do it yourself, make sure that you have the time, the space, the right tools and alternative transport before you begin .

4. Buy a workshop manual and take time to study it

Following on from number three, a workshop manual can be an invaluable tool. Whether it's a big repair, a hidden feature or you just want to know what's going on under the hood, a workshop manual can help you. It is, of course, also just as important to study it before taking things apart. Take time to read the descriptions and take note of any measurements as well as the diagrams. There's nothing worse as an amateur than getting half way through a repair only to realise that you don't really know what's going on or find you're missing the correct tools.

5. Join an owners club

I cannot tell you how many times owners clubs have saved my little car from the scrap heap. Whether it's that part you've spent weeks searching for or that little tweak you can do that the manuals won't tell you about. They've got your back as long as you've got theirs. The best part of all is the sense of community. You won't often see another car like yours if you choose to drive a classic so meeting with likeminded people through events can really boost your confidence and knowledge. It will also give you lots of ideas for how to improve your vehicle in ways that you may not have thought of. It takes all sorts.

6. Not everyone values your car as much as you do

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love my car, to me it's priceless. But I can't escape the fact that it only took £700 to make it mine and I fear, despite how I feel about it, my car would be worth less now if I were to part with it. I have spent more to keep it going than its worth and will keep doing so because it's not just a car anymore, it's a friend. Due to its worth however, and its appearance, there are more people prepared to squeeze into the tight space next to you at the supermarket, swing their doors into yours and say “oh don’t worry dear, it's just an old banger anyway!”.

7. You own a piece of history

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you own history. Yes, while it's true there's no money in it, and sometimes it can be a hassle, you are its guardian. Once it was someone's brand new car, something to be proud of, the cutting edge and After all of these years it's still plodding on while most of its brothers and sisters rust in forgotten heaps or were turned into cola cans. The torch has now been passed to you so that fathers and grandfathers can turn to their children and say “blimey, you see that car? I used to have one of those. Wish I’d kept mine. Now see, I remember, before you were born…” .

So for anyone thinking about buying an old car, I say go for it. Become a custodian for automotive history and have some fun while you're at it. I know I have.

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