Things to Consider Before Buying a Classic Car
The rush of breezing through the city or skidding at the beach in a classic vintage car seems nothing less than a fantasy. It happens to be one of the biggest dreams of automobile fans, but the hard reality is that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Vintage cars are a luxury and they do take a handsome amount out of your banks. Regardless of the expense, some people would pay all it takes just for the exclusive craftsmanship. Above all, it is hard to ignore the seductive lure of ’66 Shelby 427 Cobra or ’57 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. You can also check VehicleFreak’s 25 greatest cars of all time.
Now, because these classic auto-beauties are quite expensive to procure and maintain, we have just the right tips for you to consider before making this ginormous investment.
1. Stick to The Model of Your Dreams…
Well, this is important because if you are not sticking to the model that you have in mind, you may end up purchasing something that you didn’t want. Ferrari 330GTC and 330GT are quite similar but have different top-speeds and engines. So, you need to jot down what specs in a classic car matter most to you. At the end of the day, it is undoubtedly a hefty investment you’re going to make and you would want to have exactly what you desire.
2. Who Would You Deal With…?
Are you thinking of going to a private seller or car dealer for the classic car of your dreams? Whether it crossed your mind or not, this is the very first decision you must make when stepping out to invest in that dream car. Both have their pros and cons, but the car dealers happen to be a much safer bargain because you get to have better legal coverage (in case you need it). Another benefit of going to a car dealer is that you can take your pick from a variety of options. On the other hand, professionals at beverlyhillscarclub.com believe that private sellers comparatively offer lower prices, but you skip on the above-mentioned benefits of the dealership. This is why it’s important that you are sure that whoever it is you’re dealing with is reliable in their information.
3. Talk to a Specialist
As an automobile fan, it is easy to discount the importance of consulting an automobile specialist because you may assume you can decipher it all. You undoubtedly have your research done on the dream classic car but getting an ‘expert’ opinion would hardly cause any harm. You can work with the auto-specialist to ensure that you are considering all the important factors that would justify this investment. Your auto-specialist might want to look at the transmission, VIN, car’s engine, rear axle, etc. It would help to also consult with restoration service providers because you would, then, have a clear repair budget on paper.
4. Say No to a Rusty Deal
This should be a non-negotiable factor. Rust is something that is the peskiest issue that classic car owners have to deal with. If your classic car has rust on it (even a little bit), the maintenance costs and hassle just doubles. You would have to invest a lot more, than the initial cost, in replacements! So, inspect the vehicle thoroughly and if you find any rusty or corrosive parts, reject that vehicle. You can always find another one.
5. Are You Road-Ready to Roll?
What good would it do, if after making a hefty investment your vintage auto-beauty lacks road-ready tires? So, checking this aspect should be on your checklist of things to do. You must inspect all the tires carefully, instead of just doing the “kick-test” (it’s classic and simple but doesn’t test anything!). You should also have options to purchase replacements. Take into consideration the tire sizes because old tires are quite peculiar in dimensions and may not match with recent models.
6. Is Mileage Your Thing?
If you are only a collector of expensive classic cars then this shouldn’t be something you would worry about. However, for others, this may be a dealbreaker. If you go for an option with low mileage, you’ll be able to enjoy a longer shelf life. So, double-check the odometer.
7. An Extra Tip!
You may not give it importance but even a minor change in a classic car (that’s unique to it) may double its value. It could be anything from power windows to comfort aspects etc. During the 50s until the ’70s, people can order ‘custom cars’, so if you come across a ‘one of a kind” car, it ought to be praised as such.
Upgrading to new accessories from seat covers to mats not only transforms the look of your classic car but also adds value to it
All the tips mentioned here should help you make the best decision after you have narrowed down the classic car that’s just perfect for you! The most important thing is to enjoy this selection process and not rush things up.
