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

[Steve and his 244]

Was talking to my Dad the other day about using Thor when I am 17 as my everyday car and he says I shouldnt because it will rust. He says they didnt know how to rust proof cars properly back then.

He still accepts that the decision is mine though....

What do you all think? The car is already excellently rust proofed and maintained and I take after my Dad/Grandad - I would thoroughly wash it weekly and polish it regularly. If I saw a bit of rust coming through I would touch it up immediately and would always keep the car well waxoyled and generally well maintained.

Do you think I should use it as my everyday car and look after it?

or...

Get an little 2nd car to use as a runabout as cheaply as possible.

Bear in mind that if I got a 2nd car that would mean that if anything should happen to my Nan (Thor is kept at her house), both Thor and my little runabout would have to be crammed on to my parents driveway...or I would have to find storage for Thor.

Steve

[ovlov25]

If you can afford to, I'd keep the Volvo for use in the summer months and buy a cheapie for use over winter. I do this with the MX-5 and always used something cheap for racking up the miles. Stuff like Volvo 440/460 which should be easy to insure can be picked up pretty cheap now and are ideal for everyday use.

[niloc]

Is your dad just finding excuses for you not to drive the car because he doesn't want to see it being hammered or wrapped up? I'm not suggesting that you would do that, seeing as you have spent plenty of time on it.
If you want to make sure it doesn't rust, go over all the non-visible places with waxoil (or better), and make sure all rust is cleaned off and protected. When you do start driving it, regularly clean the wheel arches with a jet wash or similar to get rid of the mud.

[Steve and his 244]

Exactly - I agree partly with what he is saying, but he knows full well that I take after him and his Dad - regularly cleaning the car and checking for rust and cleaning under the arches etc. I think part of it is that he has done a lot of work on it aswell with me and he doesnt want to see it getting damaged or going rusty. He also still sees it as his Dads car (as I do) so doesnt want it getting damaged etc.

Even when washing my mums brand new honda civic (which i do every week) i get a second sponge or cloth that can be thrown away and I clean right under the archesto get rid of all the filth from the areas you dont see.

[pete-d]

I tend to agree with other people here, Thor is a great car and should ideally be kept for enjoyment. I think a 440 or 460 would be great as a daily runabout.

Pete

[DuncVolvoTurbo]

Hi there Mate,

I've never complimented you on your car before, so let me just say what a stunning beast it is.

I hate to put a downer on things but, as it wasn't that long ago since I was paying stupid insurance premiums, have you actually looked into how much it would cost you to insure Thor, let alone a 400 (previously suggested)?

I used to work in insurance, and I know that if you are 17 (with just a new licence), you really need to be looking for a 1.3 or less. Also, if you were thinking of Fronting your insurance (letting your parents insure the car with you are a named driver), this is illegal, and both the insurance industry and police are clamping down on it.

Sorry to be the barer of bad news, just thought I should warn you.

All The Best & Merry Christmas!

[Steve and his 244]

Yes but my Dad has a motor trader policy because he has a motorcycle business and I can go on his poilicy if I work for him, as far as ive been told anyway - you may be able to correct me?

Steve

[Steve and his 244]

oh and by the way thanks very much for the compliments DuncVolvo940

[DuncVolvoTurbo]

Originally Posted by 244 Fan

Yes but my Dad has a motor trader policy because he has a motorcycle business and I can go on his poilicy if I work for him, as far as ive been told anyway - you may be able to correct me?

Steve

Hi Steve,

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.

Unfortunately, you would need to do a lot of reading through the Policy Booklet/Wording to check all the fine print (every policy is different). If an insurance company can find the slightest little loophole, so that they don't have to pay out after a claim, they will take it.

Sorry I couldn't be of any more help.

[Steve and his 244]

yeh i know - theyre a bugger are insurance policies!

Would have to see nearer the time or try some classic car insurers or get friends with an insurance company owner....

Steve