Top tips to consider before buying a classic car

Investing in a classic car can be a big step, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. This is especially true if this is your first step into the world of classic cars.

Here are some key tips to help make sure you buy the right car for you.

Be patient, but don’t dawdle

It can be easy to get carried away when you see your dream car listed. It’s important to avoid making a decision too quickly, however, as you might make a costly mistake through impulse-buying. When you see a car that interests you, sleep on it. If you’re still excited in the morning, make the phone call and take steps to making it your own. But don’t wait too long, otherwise you’ll still be dithering back and forth while someone else is enjoying driving the car of your dreams.

Budget for ongoing maintenance

If you can just about afford to buy the car you’re looking at, you might not be able to afford to run it. Do your research about the ongoing maintenance required to keep the vehicle running right. This is where owners’ clubs become invaluable – talk to people who actually own and drive the car in question. It makes no sense to empty your bank account to buy the car only to have to take it off the road the first time an expensive bill comes along. All cars need maintenance, so plan ahead.

Check your storage options

Where are you going to put your classic car? It’s never a good idea to leave classics sitting out in the elements long term, unless you enjoy dealing with rust, so you need a space under cover. If you have a garage, make sure your chosen classic will fit comfortably. It’s better to do it early than wait until the car is sat on your drive to find out it won’t fit. If you’re going to rent storage, make sure you have a backup plan in case you lose it. Many classifieds have “for sale due to lack of storage” in the listing, so learn from this mistake.

Photo: Classic Cars by Ed Bierman licensed under Creative commons 4

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