Buying a DAF

[Onne]

Hello all,
Let me just quickly introduce myself;

My name in Onne, born in the Land of the Van Doorne Automobiel Fabriek some 24 years ago.

I have fancied a DAF for some years now. I always some people driving around in them in my vaderland

I am thinking of getting one of these marvels of modern technology early next year, to go with the collection of Morris Minors I currently own.

What are the pro's and cons of the different models?

Ideally I'd like a 50s or 60s car.

[spunkymonkey]

Hi Onne, and welcome!

I can only really advise about the 33 model that we have. Also, we haven't done many miles in it yet but this is what i've found so far:

They are VERY easy to work on - a basic set of tools and some old fashioned engineering sense will sort out just about anything!

Most parts are easier to get than you might expect for a car of this age (and unusual design). They're mostly either off-the-shelf common parts or available through the various clubs

Can't be certain yet, but they seem to be pretty good on fuel. So far ours is averaging about 28 MPG (10l / 100km) but at a guess almost half that fuel has burned while getting it back on the road (tuning, very short test drives and so on).

Don't expect to get relaxed high-speed cruising from them - but that's not what they were designed for. Ours has been up to just touching 70mph (about 110km/h) and seems happy around 60 - 65mph on a good road. But they do get noisy at those speeds!

They don't corner or handle like new cars but they do have a comfortable ride.

Above all, you just can't stop smiling when you're behind the wheel, which is something that I really miss with new cars!

[Onne]

Thanks for the welcome
I current;ly drive Morris Minors, so I'm used to "period"driving, makes life much more enjoyable!

Do the early cars demand a premium over the newer ones?

[Onne]

I am trying

Will probably be early next year though. A Mate of mine picked up a near mint Marathon.. the lucky so and so!

[Onne]

BTW I now reside in the UK

[daf44]

hi all.

nobody has mentioned the daf44 yet.

the styling is different to the 33 which comes down to personal preference, but the larger 850 engine does accelerate a little easier, is happier running at 65 than the smaller engine, and is giving me a fuel return of over 40mpg as the engine is not working as hard.

my 44 cruises quite well at 65-70 and has held 80 without excessive noise or vibration.

as already mentioned, parts are fairly easy to get, either off the shelf or mail order.

my 1967 mk1 daf44 actualy cost me £50, took another £100 for MOT and up to now (2000 miles later) has cost me a grand total of £600 so cheap ones are about if you are REALLY lucky. new drive belts and new front springs are included in that total, as were all parts for a full engine service.
the brakes will be totally rebuilt this winter as one of the seals has gone . don't know which one but i will replace all the pipes and seals this winter. as long as the cylinders are ok and i can use new seal kits, the whole lot should cost less than £50 as i will be making all my own pipes and only pay for materials.

these cars are very cheap to run and insure, and are great fun to drive once you adjust to the variomatic gearbox.

let us know where you are living. someone must be close to you and could help with buying a daf.

if you are in south wales you are welcome to take my 44 for a test drive after i have done the brakes.

let us know how you get on.

paul44

[veeruk]

Hi Onne, welcome to DAF heaven. I'm Dutch and live currently in Luton, Bedfordshire. Where in the UK are you? I have at the moment 2 DAF 33's and 1 DAF 66 Marathon 1300. I also own a 2 CV which is safely stored away for the winter.

[howard]

I already know Onne - it's amazing who you bump into on these boards!

Maybe I can sort him out with a DAF

I can't say which I prefer out of the 33 and 44. To me, the 33 and Daffodils have been what I instantly think of when I hear the word "DAF" and I've only recently got my first 44 and haven't exactly driven it very far (and won't until it's MOT'd, obviously!).

I am delighted to own a 66 Coupe (that Onne helped me collect!) which again is a lovely, lovely car.

Why don't I just admit I love them all equally? Whichever your favourite is - buy, if you can find one!

[Onne]

you are trying to have one of each though aren't you

[spunkymonkey]

Nov 18, 2008 13:36:55 GMT daf44 said:

... the styling is different to the 33 which comes down to personal preference....

paul44

Good point on the personal prefs, Paul. Which is why I'm hoping to get myself a Triumph 1300 in the Spring. Also styled by Michelotti, and is it my imagination or did he use the nose off a 44 with the roof-line / boot off a 33 (plus 2 spare doors to join them) Best of both worlds...... ;D

[stefan]

Alot of daf owners find out that they want one of each after they get the first one

I have had a few triumph heralds and few dolomites and a spitfire but never a 1300, I aways liked the way they looked.

[Onne]

I used to have all the 4 series of Morris Minors complete... only have three now!

[howard]

I don't have a 55 or 46 yet. Waaaaah!!!!

Or a 30 or 31 - and I'd LOVE a pick up or a van. I'm off to buy some lottery tickets for tomorrow!

[Onne]

Me too... I need a small garage like yours...

[howard]

Shame you don't live closer - you'd be welcome to share! In fact, I've been offered a splendid place but it's too big and too much money for just me alone - but I am trying to sort something out!

[Onne]

I will be stuck up here for two years by contract (looking after a house)

I do miss good old Brizzle though.

[spunkymonkey]

Nov 18, 2008 21:53:01 GMT stefan said:

Alot of daf owners find out that they want one of each after they get the first one

I have had a few triumph heralds and few dolomites and a spitfire but never a 1300, I aways liked the way they looked.

My first car was a 1300 - like the Dafs (but in different ways) they were very advanced for their time. Height-adjustable drivers seat, rake adjustable steering, clutch changes on a front wheel drive in about 35 mins anyone? Even strip the gearbox, in-situ, from inside the car???

Oh, and an engine originally designed as an 848cc which got stretched to 1500 and can give over 100HP. With a very little DIY work, mine used to regularly beat (then new) Escort 1600s away from the lights

Given the styling similarities (and Michelotti connection) I think one of each parked up outside will be a nice combination - on looks, a lot of people will assume they're from the same stable

[pyoorkate]

'ello Onne,

Clearly talking to me is dangerous

Next time you're passing, if the DAF's sorted by then then I'll take you out in it... and see if I can get you more hooked

[Onne]

I hope to have one soon If all goes well (and why not!)

I'll come and visit you in the Western Very Greater London area!

[veeruk]

If you are passing the Northern Very Greater London area then let me know lol. You can try the 33 too.

[Onne]

Will do

I really can't wait to get my hands on one now!

[stefan]

I don't have a 55 or 46 yet. Waaaaah!!!!

Funny thats the 2 daf's that I do have. I will not buy anymore till I have finished my garage extention.