ASK QUENTIN

M3 dilemma

I am considering buying a BMW E46 M3. Do you consider this a good investment, are prices rising or have they reached their peak?

Lee Boyle

The E46 M3 is an epic motor but prices have moved up significantly of late. It’s not unusual to see low-mileage M3s in the mid-20s now. I don’t think you should consider an E46 as a sure fire investment. But if you learn which spec, colour and condition is the most desirable and, critically, don’t pay too much – then you won’t lose money. Quentin Willson

Kadett SR to grow?

I have a 1981 Opel Kadett 1.3SR in rare yellow with 88,000km on the clock and one family owner. These appear to be very rare now. Do you think it will continue to appreciate in value? Richard Arthur

Your SR Kadett is a really rare survivor, yellow is one of the most desirable colours and the mileage makes it ultra desirable. It will keep rising in value because of its scarcity, condition and specification. I’d hang onto it and keep it as immaculate as you can. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were greeted with offers of £5k-£6k. Quentin Willson

GDPR to kill car histories?

Soon after the introduction of the GDPR, you wrote a peturbed column about how it would be no longer possible to sell cars with ownership or maintenance histories unless so redacted as to be virtually useless. However, in reality, this seems to be universally ignored by dealers and private sellers across the spectrum.

Only the DVLA seems to be adhering to the GDPR rules, which is annoying because I’d like to trace the history and original registration number of my MGB V8. What’s going on? Is everybody just ignoring the rules and hoping not to get challenged?

Chris Silver

I remember writing that gloomy column. As you point out, many sellers and auction houses are, fortunately, still allowing buyers to see bills and invoices from previous owners without redactions. I agree, it’s a shame about the DVLA because they hold much precious, undiscovered data that belongs with the classics it pertains to. Maybe we should start a campaign? Quentin Willson