The 5 best classic cars to buy in 2022 for less than £2,000

Full Disclosure: The author bought one himself and the reason is simple. It’s amazing value for a 1980s classic, not least for one so solidly built and packed with fascinating engineering.

For example, the Procon-Ten safety system, which used a series of pulleys and cables stretched around the rear of the engine to pull the steering column away from the driver in the event of an accident. Or the class-leading aerodynamics that have contributed to its excellent fuel economy and low wind noise.

The 80’s wasn’t fast or exciting, but today it’s comfortable, surprisingly modern to drive and now an interesting neo-classic. And given the prices of contemporary competitors like the BMW 3 Series, it’s still surprisingly affordable.

Price to pay: from £700

We found (and bought): 1991 1.8E, 98,000 miles, 11 months MOT, £1,295

Look out for: Poor maintenance, leaking power steering, smoking petrol engines, fading red paint, muffled automatics

This guide will be updated with the latest advice.

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