Hi all, my circumstances have changed multiple times since I had the coupe years ago. I used to have a 20vt in portofino blue. Prior to the coup I had a corrado etc, so I am a loyal fan of 90's coupes.

More recently I've worked through a bunch of porsches - boxter, 911's. With growing kids I now have a BMW M135i, which is the second car at home.

However, I am cycling a lot to work now (traffic is horrendous in Oxford) and I just dont use the BMW as much as I did. No need for depreciating money invested in a newish car if not using it etc.

So having had a dose of Le Mans classic this year I thought a practical classic might be a great car to get - one i can tinker with and keep mint, wont depreciate etc. As I have kids I thought the Fiat Coupe seems like the most likely candidate - Solo Italia not far away, and I also get reminded just how fantastic they look on the way to work with a green one coming the other way...

Just looking for some thoughts from those of you that have hung in there and stayed the course. I will take my time and do lots of research to find the right one. I know these cars are >14 years old now, but are parts still freely available or mainly from scrapped coupes? What do you typically budget per year to run them. Any other things I should think about over and above the buying guide? As a practical classic, which model do you think is best to look out for - does mileage matter or is it more a case of condition? Any other thoughts? Thanks

Condition and service history and with a bit of luck low miles, but low miles doe's not mean its been looked after well.
Sounds like you wont be doing to many miles in it,so after the intitial spend to get it how you want i imagine less than a £1,000 a year.
Some new parts are still availiable also uprated parts.
Second hand or reconditioned can get you out of a spot though.
Good luck with the search.

Thanks Magooagain - good to know running costs, seem relatively reasonable for the age of the car.

Joe CC will have a nice one up for sale soon.

Get a good one and with limited mileage running costs won't be more than a Grand a year.

I'll bring mine into work so you can have another go to remind you of how they drive! Quite a bit different to the 135i that's for sure!

Cheers Russ that would be great - look forward to seeing the pimped up engine bay... and recaros...

Will look out for Joe CC's car.

Hi guys I'm also from oxford if you decide to get one we should all meet up some time

Sounds good. I am on the look out. If you decide to meet up before I get one also let me know, I would still like to come along.

Yea sure will do ,