If you want to drive something special then nothing beats a classic car it seems says, Geraldine Herbert
A stylish classic car needn’t cost a fortune so if you fancy taking the plunge remember a little homework and patience will save you money in the long run.
Here are our top ten tips for buying a vintage/classic car
1) Set yourself a budget and consult price guides in classic car magazines to determine what you can afford to buy.
2) Be patient, sometimes the hunt can be more thrilling than the kill, so take your time and look around. A better deal may be just around the corner.
3) Remember the history of a classic car may not only make it more interesting but it can also increase its value.
4) As with buying any used car, buying an old car is a risk so do your research to find out what common issues may arise with that model.
5) Check for obvious alterations or flaws and be on the lookout for specific rust areas and mechanical concerns.
6) Have the car checked ideally by a mechanic who specialises in classic as it is not always easy to spot a poor restoration from a good one.
7) Another consideration with classic car ownership is to ensure you have a suitable garage, the car must be stored somewhere warm and dry.
8) Insure your investment for the full value of what it is worth.
9) Consider also the availability of spare parts, finding a rare classic at the right price may be tempting but keeping it on the road could well become a headache if parts are equally rare.
10) Be prepared for repair bills and maintenance and investigate running costs on the make and model you are considering.
Geraldine Herbert
22nd February 2020