Buying a classic car is making a pleasure purchase or a passion purchase. Ignoring any practical notion, it nonetheless remains an important act and requires that should not be neglected, so that happiness does not turn into an ordeal. Follow our advice for a calm and thoughtful purchase!
A collector’s car is not a lottery, but the risks are greater than for a recent car, particularly in terms of maintenance, but also history. It is important to check a certain number of points when we come across an ad that catches our attention, before considering buying the car. Here are the 3 main tips to follow.
Summary:
- Check the car’s liabilities to secure your purchase
- Who should you turn to to buy a classic car?
- Learn about the additional costs and maintenance conditions
Sale of classic cars between individuals: negotiation is the key
The CapCar service: sell and buy a quality recent used car
- Check the car’s liabilities to secure your purchase
Papers and invoices
A collector’s car is above all a used car, and when you want to buy one, you have to be patient and check everything so as not to have any surprises later. The papers to be checked are classic but inevitable: registration certificate (registration card) in order, up to date and in the name of the owner, maintenance book of the car if the owner is still in possession, as well as the registration file. invoices if it exists.
An invoice file is very important for the sale of a classic car and its absence should alarm you. Since cars are old collectors’ items, service logs were perhaps not democratized at this time or ended up being lost over time. These are the invoices which have a decisive role and allow you to track all recent expenses (at least those from the last 5 years) which have been made. This will allow you to get an idea of the car you have in front of you: a nice car without invoices could be a nice nut shell, in which everything can be rotten, while a good old car that is a little tired visually but the gleaming engine visible on the invoices will be a good sign.
Avoid bad cars to avoid costs and hassle
Even if uncertainty is often required when purchasing a classic vehicle, you should not leave as a loser and tell yourself that you will not find a reliable car. Some classic cars break down no more than our current cars, or even less, thanks to simple designs that make them wonderful driving machines. You simply have to avoid vague models which are breeding grounds for breakdowns: as long as you do not do a complete restoration on them, they will remain cars which could break down at any time.
It’s unpleasant to hit the road without feeling completely calm about your car, especially if you’re not experienced in mechanics. Take care to choose your model carefully based on its history, maintenance and robustness, but also on your skills as a mechanic! If you are more of a toolbox in the trunk type, you will have more choice and cars that are often less expensive, although in less good condition. If you prefer a car in excellent visual and mechanical condition, you will have to pay the price, but you will have the assurance of buying a car that will start like clockwork and be able to cover all distances without incident.
When purchasing, if you are not looking to invest in a rare car with a rising value, you can opt for a repainted model, with a changed engine… it doesn’t make a big difference as long as the car is of quality . On the other hand, if you want to buy a sure value, turn to “matching numbers” and “matching colors” cars: these are cars whose chassis and engine codes correspond to the original values, just like for the color of the bodywork. . These original models are the first to benefit from the price surge when they are coveted.
Who should you turn to to buy a classic car?
To buy a classic car, there are 3 main channels that you can exploit. Each will be explored according to your skills, your budget and your desires! Some cars are rare, while others are in varying condition. You will find what you are looking for from different sellers, choose the type that suits you best.
The details
The sale of used cars is 3 times greater than the sale of new cars each year in France. Sales between individuals represent a large majority, and to buy a collector’s car, it’s a good channel that you will have to explore. Take the time to sort through the ads and select the ones that seem most applicable to you. Then, if you visit the vehicle, trust an expert to accompany you or take on the role: you will have to check everything yourself because you will have no guarantee on the quality of what you buy. This is also where you can get the best prices.
Professionals
Professionals are the best way to obtain a car that meets your needs. Whether you are looking for a car to restore or a car in perfect condition, there are many specialists in the sector who will be able to guide you so that you find the ideal purchase project. On the other hand, this track is the most expensive. Professionals follow classic car courses and align themselves with the market. Some models quickly become inaccessible due to soaring prices. Some recognized professionals (for example GT Spirit) offer a large stock of classic cars which have been fully inspected before sale.