Classic Car Buying 101

You love the look and the feel of a classic car. From their old-school bodywork to their bright, bold colors, some of the vintage and classic cars simply strike your fancy. You have been mulling this decision over for years now, and you have finally decided—you must own a classic car. But before you put down thousands of dollars into this kind of investment, where do you begin? What makes a car a classic?
Well, the Classic Car Club of America states that to be considered a classic car the car had to be built between 1936 and 1948. It also had to be high-priced and in sold in limited quantities when first sold. But more commonly, many people simply state that a classic car is over 25 years old.

Where do I go to purchase a classic car?
As you know, not just every neighborhood car dealership sells classic cars. You have to know where to look in order to find the particular classic car you want to buy.

• Auctions—Classic and vintage car auctions provide potential buyers with a great opportunity to view a large number of classic collector cars and trucks in a single location. Classic car auctions are held all over the country—locally, nationally, and even internationally. If you are serious about owning a classic car, and have the money to travel, you may want to check out a national or international shows that are not in your area. It may be worth the trip because you might find a great deal.

• Classifieds—You can check your local paper in the “Classified” section to see which cars are available. Many local papers have a spot dedicated to classic cars. There are also magazines on the market, such as Collector Car Market Guide, that are specifically devoted to classic collector cars. Hundreds of people buy and sell through this print source every day. There are also a lot of web sites available through the Internet that specialize in listing classic cars for sale. Try Buy Classic Cars.com at www.buyclassiccars.com and ClassicCars.com at www.classiccars.com. You just might find the classic car of your dreams in the classified section.

• Join a Club—Join a classic car club that focuses on all classic cars or is specifically devoted to the car of your choice. This way, you can meet other people who not only share your inertest in classic cars, but may also be able to answer some of your important questions. For example, if you plan on purchasing a 1935 Chevy Roadster, join a Chevy Roadster Club. Members will be able to advice you on the car itself, and may even know of an available Roaster for you to purchase. It is all about networking.

How much do classic cars cost?
This is a very difficult question to answer. There are so many various classic cars out there, and they are all priced differently. But just like modern used cars, the better condition the classic car is in, the more money it will cost you off the bat. Also, we don’t mean to burst your bubble, but you know those breath-taking exotic vintage cars you always see at auto shows? Well, unless you have money to burn, those beauties are unbelievably expensive.

Buying a classic car is fun and exciting. But just like with any expensive purchase, do your research before you buy so that you know exactly what to look for regarding quality and price. Then, you will enjoy your classic car for years to come.

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