You have made up your mind that you are finally going to get the vehicle of your dreams. You are going to get the classic car that you have wanted for years now that you have the money for it. However, as excited as you might be right now, you soon realize that it is not always as easy to find the vehicle you want as you might have hoped. Depending on the rarity of the vehicle, it might be next to impossible to find right away. You might have to put in some time and effort to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Before you even start looking, though, there are a few things you will want to do, so you have a firm idea in your mind of what you want. You aren’t getting just a generic car of the lot. You are looking for the perfect classic that’s right for you.
What’s Your Make and Model Preference?
Everyone has a make and model preference. You don’t want just any classic car. You might want a 1970 Chevy Nova because it was one that your father used to have. You might want a 1967 Chevy Impala because your favorite television show is Supernatural. Everyone has a preference when it comes to the make and model. You might have a few classics that you love, but there will always be one that stands out to you. Keep this in mind as you go forward and don’t settle for another vehicle.
What Condition Do You Want?
You also have to think about the condition of the vehicle that you are going to get. Do you want to buy a vehicle that has already had all of the restoration work done for you? They are available, but they are going to cost quite a bit more than getting one that you have to restore on your own. This leads us to the next question.
What is Your Budget?
Your budget is going to determine the vehicle that you get and there’s no way around that. Look honestly at your budget and remember to factor in the cost of shipping the vehicle if it is not in your area, as well as making sure the vehicle is properly restored, getting it on the road, and getting it insured.
Where to Look
Once you have an idea of what you want for your classic car, you can then start your search. Fortunately, the Internet age has made it easier than ever to find classic cars of all types, as well as parts for them. People are able to shop and browse classic cars through a range of websites right from the comfort of their own home. However, you always need to make sure you are using a reliable and trustworthy website for your searches.
You Should Inspect the Vehicle
When you have found a vehicle that you like, it is a good idea to inspect it. Ideally, you will be able to do the inspection in person to get a sense of the actual value of the vehicle, but that’s not always possible. If you are planning to buy from someone across the country and can’t make the trip on your own, hire someone to inspect it for you.
Consider Using an Escrow Service
Once you have found a vehicle that you love and that is in your budget, it’s time to buy. You might want to use an escrow service for this, though, as it will be a safer option when dealing with private sellers. You will pay the escrow service that will hold the money and release it to the seller after the vehicle arrives. If you are working with a dealer, this should not be an issue.
Now, get out there and find your classic car.
Resources: http://www.goldeagle.com/tips-tools/where-buy-classic-cars-do-s-and-don-ts-private-sales/
Image: http://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/article/5-best-classic-cars-wedding/
