Downtown Autobody

Tips for Buying a Classic Car

Imagine driving down the road in a 1967 Corvette Stingray, wind in your hair, music blaring, not a care in the world and catching the envious glance of every driver you pass by. Don’t wait to make your dream a reality.

Tips for Buying a Classic Car

Define what you want

Start off with defining exactly what car you want and how much time and money you can put toward it. Are you looking for a car to keep in the garage or do you need a daily driver? How much money are you prepared to spend on both the cost of car and the repairs needed? Are you prepared to drive across the country to pick it up? Can you pay for it to be towed to your home if it doesn’t run? Once you have those details hammered out, then you can begin to look for your car.

What to look for

It is a great idea to schedule a phone call with the seller before going to see the car. This will save you time and travel expense on cars that aren’t what you are looking for. Be sure to ask questions about the history of the car and why the owner is selling it. Also, be sure that the title is clear and ready to be signed over if you decide to buy.

Make sure your car will give a good return on your investment, even if you don’t currently have plans to sell it. Rare cars or cars with one of a kind features will automatically be worth more. Also, check your prospects for original VIN numbers on major parts: cars with original engine, transmission and rear axle are more valuable. Get educated on the specifics of the make, model, and year of the car that you want so you will know a rare gem when you see it. Avoid cars with large rust spots that are costly to fix. Try to find a car that originated in a dry state like Arizona or Nevada since it will be less likely to have a rust problem.

Commitment to restoration

With any classic car, you need to be committed to constant upkeep. Find a repair and/or body shop in your area that you can trust to help you with work that you can’t do yourself. We would love to help you achieve your classic car dreams!

Exit mobile version