Classic Car Buying Errors To Avoid

Phrasing a question to a seller properly is important to get a positive answer you can use. Asking “What work needs to be done? will infer there is always something to be attended to on an automoblie and could get a helpful reply, but asking  “What is wrong with the car? puts the seller on the defensive and will most likely get “nothing” as an answer.

© Sprokop | Dreamstime.com – Rusty Car By Gas Station Photo

• Paying too much and exceeding your budget, be patient the right deal will come around, at the price you can handle.
• Not negotiating objectively-don’t be too enthusiastic over the car, particularly if you know it is the one you want, Think it over take your time it is a buyer’s market
• Not thoroughly researching target vehicles– the make, model and year are all important as are the production numbers. Well informed buyers will make their own luck, in a good way.
• Settling for less than you really want or buying something unsuitable for your purpose.
• Insufficient research for the particular car you are buying-reported accidents-mechanic liens or other legal claims on the car, also whether it has been stolen-all this information can be obtained easily and quickly.
• Too short a test drive–try all conditions and road surfaces, at low and high speeds for a half hour or longer to get a feel for the car.
• Buying a poorly “restored” vehicle, sheet metal welded over rusted out surfaces and often freshly painted for a quick sale. These can be difficult for even a trained specialist to spot, at least for the first year. A freshly painted vehicle should raise red flags.
• Buying a rust bucket-too rusty a vehicle cannot be brought back to new without a huge investment of time money or both. Many coveted cars will have reproduction or original body panels available, but you really have no way of knowing how far gone it is and is most likely best to just walk away.
• Water or flood damaged vehicle– wiring and most other electrical will have to be replaced, but any mechanical systems including the engine have also suffered damage that will have to be assessed. Even if the vehicle has been detailed, there will be lingering moisture or mold.

Online buying

• Check the seller for previous deals made on line and a credit check might also be of some help.
• Scrutinize photos of the car posted on line.
• Lots of questions prepared. Use the list at the end of the chapter.
• Research the car-service records if available.
• Inspect in person if possible or hire a professional to do an inspection.
• Online-pay in escrow-third party holds the cash until you receive the car.

Have a check list similar to the one below, then make copies and use one for each prospective car. If your restoration requires that all original metal (plastic/pot metal, chromed or stainless)) badging, trim and grill work be as original, then make certain your classic is the most complete car you can find. Numbers matching is desirable, as long as you check VIN to registration plus body tags for a perfect match. There may be identification marks stamped on the block, such as part or all of the VIN number. You really should buy what you like, but will lose bargaining power if you get excited about a vehicle; stay as calm, controlled and objective as possible to get the best response from the seller.  Checking the car over with a mechanic is a good idea and becomes more important as the price range you are looking for goes up.;  The money charged for a professional inspection could be recouped if something you missed is found and could also be a good negotiation tool to reduce the asking price . Mileage does count on a vehicle to some extent, but what matters most is how well the vehicle has been maintained. You will not go wrong if the classic you buy has a rare option or has a large fuel consuming engine it will be well received where ever you go. Make certain to ask the seller if there are any extra parts or a service manual that might be included with the sale. Find out about any insurance or licensing fees that may be at a reduced rate for a classic car. The 80’s and 90’s vehicles are tomorrows collector cars, get yours at the lowest price today for a long term investment

 

Muscle car Particulars                                                                      Details

Make/model

Value Blue book

Asking price

Contact info

Legal description, VIN, registration number etc.

Location

Questions-have many such as:

How long have you owned car?

Who was previous owner?

Why are you selling the car?

Do you have service records?

What work needs to be done?

Do you have any extra parts or service manuals?

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