WE WILL ASSIST YOU WHEN BUYING YOUR CLASSIC CAR
Buying a classic car is not so different from purchasing a typical car. It requires a good amount of research and inspection to make sure you are getting a good-quality vehicle. Buying a classic car has the added challenge of it being used and being a collector’s item, so there is much more to look for ahead of time. Additionally, classic cars are often much larger investments than normal cars, so it is important to get it right. By doing your research, diligently examining the car, and having realistic buying expectations, you can find the classic car of your dreams.
You should be prepared for hidden costs. A classic car will cost a lot more than its original price. Insurance is very reasonable. But storing the car can also cost a lot if you don’t have your own garage. Storage in an auto facility or motor club can cost $500+/month. Classic cars generally require a lot of upkeep, and unexpected repairs can cost $1000+. Make sure to factor all costs into its price so that you have enough money to maintain your car.
Be prepared to pay more for parts. If you buy something rare, be prepared to pay more not only for the car, but also for its parts. In many cases you'll have to get parts custom-made, which can be very expensive. You may also be able to buy used parts from someone who is "chopping" up a similar model. You can check online auctions for general availability of such parts
We will learn about the classic you are interested in. Research what problem areas the vehicle may have and check if the problem has been resolved. For example, many European classics have electrical problems, so we will check that the components are in working order.
We will drive the car before buying it. This is not only to make sure that you like it, but also to test for any problems. Look for anything out of the ordinary and pay special attention to how it sounds. Squeaking, grinding, and clunking are not good signs!
We will have a vehicle appraiser look at the car. They may be able to tell if it has been in an accident and whether the engine, transmission, and other vital components are original. This will alter the value of the vehicle. They will determine a price by looking at the value of comparable cars that are sold to ensure a fair market value. They are experts in the car market and highly knowledgeable about classic cars. Having a car professionally appraised is important when making a big investment. Yes there is a separate charge for this service but well spent money!
We have an appraiser that adheres to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
We will check the car’s title. Make sure it is registered to the seller. This will help you to avoid fees and avoid buying a stolen car. You can check with the DMV or vehiclehistory.gov by the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which can be found on its registration. There is usually a small fee of a couple of dollars to check the title.
We will look carefully at the interior and exterior. Does it have its original parts? What damage is there? Each little repair will quickly add up. Look for welding marks, which can signal a clip job. We pay attention to the quality of the paint and notice any dents or misaligned panels. Missing trim and odd smells are another cause for concern.
We will check the car’s mileage. The lower the mileage, the less it has been used, the more valuable it is. There is nothing wrong with high-mileage cars, but low-mileage is important if you want your car to be an investment. Additionally, low-mileage cars often require less upkeep than high-mileage cars. But since they are in newer condition, they will likely cost you more.
A low-mileage car would be one with 40,000 miles, for example, while a high-mileage car might have 200,000 miles.
We are aware that there are mileage scams. Some sellers try to trick buyers by claiming a car has lower miles than it actually has. Any car that has been around for at least 15 years is likely to have significant mileage. Since the odometer can be changed, pay attention to other parts of the car such as the carpets, headliner, gearshift knob, spare wheel, tires, and brake pads. If these have significant wear or damage but the mileage is under 50,000, then something is askew. Low-mileage classics are very rare but are often faked
We will look for rust damage. Expect some rust, but if an entire panel is rusted, this is cause for concern. Significant rust means the car has not been properly maintained. It can also indicate more serious problems with the car. A little rust around the edges is to be expected in an old car, but significant rust means you should look elsewhere.
Our appraiser will check that the VINs (Vehicle Identification Number) match. Check that the VIN on the car's title matches the official VIN tag. If they do not match then the vehicle may have been in a severe accident, stolen, or counterfeit.
VIN numbers were first used in 1954 and the numbers and letters used, as well as the length, varied by manufacturer until they became standardized in the 80s
We may be able to locate VIN or serial numbers on a sticker on the driver's side door, on the firewall, or elsewhere in the engine compartment.
Our Appriser will check the engine, transmission, and rear axle to make sure they have the same VIN number as well. The last six numbers of the VIN should be on the engine, and matching dates should be on the transmission and rear axle
