If you grew up idolizing a vehicle that is now a classic car prized by collectors across the country, you may wish to fulfill a childhood dream by purchasing one.
According to one source, approximately 43 million cars in the U.S. fit the collector vehicle profile. That works out to about 16% of the 275 million registered vehicles in the country.
It can be a surreal experience to purchase something you desired growing up. But a dream can become a nightmare if you buy something that turns into a classic money pit.
Here are five things to keep in mind before buying a classic car. When checking off another item on your bucket list, you must do things correctly to avoid buyer's remorse.
1. Look at the Vehicle History
It's best to find a classic car with a documented track record to know how many people owned it, what work has been done, and how the vehicle was used. Otherwise, you'll be taking a major gamble. Depending on the price tag, you may want to avoid rolling the dice and potentially buying a classic car with a history you can't research. It could be a costly mistake.
2. Test Ride Quality
While expecting a classic car to have the same ride quality as a modern vehicle is unrealistic, that doesn't mean you should discount ride quality. Take it for a spin to get a feel for how it rides, how responsive the steering is, how smooth the braking is, and other things.
Once you have initial impressions, get a professional experienced at working on classic cars to give the one you want a once-over. You want to know what you're getting yourself into, after all.
3. Check Exterior and Interior Aesthetics and Build Quality
It's also vital to check out the physical condition of the car. See if there's body damage, structural problems, rust, or other issues. If a previous owner had work done, ensure it was done professionally. You don't want a classic car with more body filler than sheet metal. Common areas for rust formation include floor pans and wheel arches, so you must check such areas carefully. Don't forget to examine the interior to ensure it's in good shape.
Another reason to hire a professional to give the vehicle a once-over is to ensure systems like the suspension, brakes, powertrain, and electrical components are in good shape. It'll cost a pretty penny to fix any of these issues. So, you need to know the overall condition of the classic car. You can then determine what work is required and whether the cost is worth it.
4. Parts Availability
Before deciding whether or not to purchase a classic car, you'll want to check out the availability of parts and the cost of those parts if availability isn't an issue. Simple components might cost an arm and a leg based on availability and the location of the parts. Looking into parts availability can help you avoid a scenario where you can't get or afford parts.
5. Check Valuation
It's also vital to consider how much any classic car you're considering is worth. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. If you think with your heart instead of your head, you could get in over your head and buy a classic car you can't afford.
Once you research and find out what a vehicle is worth and get a mechanic to check the car, you can make an informed offer to the seller. Don't spend more than it's worth.
If you decide to buy the classic car of your dreams, remember these steps so your dream doesn't become a nightmare. When you get the classic vehicle you've always wanted, consider completing the overall look with a license plate that complements the aesthetics.
It could be the icing on the cake when you finally get the vehicle you fell in love with as a kid.
Leave a Comment