How to Convince your parents, this is the car!
Let’s be honest—when you tell your parents you want a classic, retro or modern classic car from the 1970s to the 00s as your first car, the reactions can range from raised eyebrows to outright panic.
They’re thinking:
“It’s going to break down.”
“It’ll cost a fortune to run.”
“What about safety and insurance?”
But here’s the good news: with the right car and some sensible prep, a classic or retro car can be a smart, affordable, and reliable first car—and we’ll show you how to explain that to your parents.
Start With Safety and Practicality
“It’s not just about looking good, look I’ve done the research.”
Choose a model that’s:
Low-powered (under 1.3L is ideal)
Easy to work on and find parts for
Known for reliability (e.g. VW Polo, Peugeot 205, Classic/early 2000s Mini)
And let them know:
Many retro cars have better visibility than modern ones
You’ll likely be doing lower speeds, not racing around
It’s safer to drive a car you truly respect and want to preserve
Classic cars can be surprisingly kind to the wallet:
Classic cars can be surprisingly kind to the wallet:
Lower insurance (with specialist classic policies)
No car finance payments
Zero or low road tax (some classics are exempt)
Simple servicing you can learn to do yourself
Use real examples:
“This 1994 Polo is in insurance group 3. The same-year Clio is group 7.”
“With classic cover, I can keep the premium below £1,000.”
Tell Them You’ll Learn Real Skills
Classic and Retro cars teach you how cars actually work—and that’s confidence you’ll carry for life.
You’ll learn basic maintenance
You’ll know what a healthy car feels like
You’ll be more aware of your driving habits
Compare that to driving a car where everything is done for you - which can actually make you less engaged on the road.
Let Them Know You’re Covered
Reassure them that you’ll have the right support:
MOT, service history, and mechanical inspection
Breakdown cover (or a plan if something goes wrong)
A trusted garage or mechanic contact (we help with this)
Option to store or garage the car when not in use
Want bonus points? Offer to do a joint test drive or share the car for weekend fun.
Use Real-Life Success Stories
You’re not the only one going down this road. Show your parents:
Instagram and YouTube accounts of young classic drivers
Stories of first-time buyers who daily drive their 80s/90s cars
Blog posts (like this one!) that explain the logic behind it
Let them see that this is a growing movement, not just a one-off idea.
Note: Image from Inbetweeners. If you haven’t watched it. You need to!
Need a Hand Convincing Them?
At Twin Pine Autos, we’ve helped first-time drivers and families find safe, road-ready retro cars that balance fun, function, and peace of mind.
We’ll happily:
Talk to your parents directly
Walk you through insurance and running costs
Recommend models with proven safety records
Offer upgrade options (brakes, lighting, etc.) for daily use
Source a vehicle that you are looking for