Buying a classic car is very different from buying a common vehicle.
Steps
Step 1. Evaluate what the use of the car will be
If you want to use it every day, there is no need to find a vehicle in "show" condition. If, on the other hand, you want to participate in rallies or competitions, you will have to find something original and spend a little more money. If you know which model you want, narrow it down to a couple of vintages (for example, you can look for a 1963-1965 Corvette). This will be of great help for research. If you don't know what to choose, get some information about the changes that have been made over the years and find the ones that best suit your needs.
Step 2. Study the model you are interested in, know its "problematic aspects" so that you can do some checks and understand if a repair is possible (for example, old European cars have an unreliable electrical system, so check that the parts are available replacement)
Step 3. Contact classic and vintage car clubs or people who have owned / own the model you are interested in
They can help you understand what to buy and what to discard.
Step 4. Have the car appraised by an expert
He will be able to tell you if he has had an accident or if the engine, transmission or other vital components are not original. In this case the value of the vehicle changes.
Step 5. Check the vehicle documents to make sure it is not stolen and see how many previous owners were
In some states it is possible to make these inquiries directly online, in Italy you can contact the PRA. Remember that classic cars are very expensive, don't go into debt to buy one. If you can't afford it, buy a normal car.
Advice
- Try to buy a vehicle that has the opportunity to prove all the coupons carried out. This will give you some peace of mind.
- Be careful with the car, do not break anything that you will then have to pay back!
- If you buy a rare piece, be prepared to spend even more on parts. In many cases it will be necessary to build the pieces by hand to fit the car. You can also buy used parts from someone who is selling their car "in pieces".
- Take a test drive, make sure you like it!
Warnings
- Remember that classic cars need a lot of maintenance to stay efficient. Many buy them thinking that, "It would be a lot of fun to drive it every day after work." But to be realistic, there is always something to fix.
- This is the situation, unless you buy a fully restored vehicle from a professional, which will cost you several hundred thousand euros: you will have to be careful with every single screw and bolt. A car of this type travels as if it were new and perhaps better. It would be a car that needs regular maintenance to keep its performance at its best.
- Check that the vehicle identification number matches that of the documents. This code is usually printed inside the driver's door or in the engine compartment. If the numbers do not match, it means that the car has suffered a serious accident, that it is not original or that it is stolen. Be very cautious at this stage of the negotiation.
