Buying a classic car is a great way to get into the hobby without breaking the bank. However, if you’re not careful, you’re likely to end up with a money pit rather than an investment.
The first step in buying a classic car is to get educated. Find out what makes one model different from another and how collectors value them. Learn what makes a car collectible and valuable in today’s market.
The next step is to ensure you know what you’re looking for when shopping for your dream machine. Here are some tips:
The body of any vehicle can be replaced, but the frame cannot. A strong frame keeps your car together and determines whether or not it will stand up to years of use and abuse. Look for rust-free frames that show no signs of previous repairs or damage from accidents, or poor maintenance over time. Also, check for signs that the frame has been modified by previous owners who may have been trying to fix something that wasn’t broken, such as adding roll bars or other modifications designed to improve safety.
This refers to any part of the exterior you can see on the car, including doors, hoods, fenders, and bumpers. All these parts should be in good shape with no dents or scratches and should not have any rust spots, especially where there is exposed metal. They should also fit tightly around their openings, so they don’t rattle when driving down the road, indicating loose joints.
If you’re looking at a car that’s been sitting for years, the first thing to check is the condition of the suspension. If there are any leaks or squeaks, it’s probably time for a rebuild. The same goes for bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends if they’re rubber. You may also want to check out bushings in the wheel wells, as these are more likely to wear out than those on modern cars.
The engine and drivetrain should be in good shape if the car has been well-maintained. If not, there could be problems with oil pressure, power delivery, and other issues that are hard to diagnose without knowing exactly what was done during maintenance campaigns.
The exhaust system should be free of rust and any holes or leaks in the muffler or tailpipe. This is especially true if you plan on driving your classic regularly.
The interior of a car is one of the first things you’ll notice, so it’s important to check out the condition before you buy. If the seats are worn and ripped, don’t expect them to be comfortable. Also, look for any cracks in the dash and other signs of wear. If there’s any doubt about whether the upholstery was replaced at some point, take a sample from inside the door panel and send it to an auto upholstery shop for analysis.
Look over the car carefully, take a good test drive, and have someone you trust look things over. You should also bring a mechanic so they can give their assessment of the car and have that mechanic accompany you when you go to negotiate the price. Overall, being smart while buying your classic car is your best bet for finding a good vehicle in great condition.