What You Should Know Before You Buy a Classic Car

Are you considering purchasing your first classic car? Before you do, explore our guide that explains some of the vital things every classic car owner should know before buying.

Upkeep Isn’t Cheap

Before buying your first classic car, you should know that maintenance won’t be like upkeep for your everyday vehicles. Since vintage cars are older with more fragile components and machinery, care will include more than the occasional oil change.

With older vehicles, problems always seem to arise, even if you seemingly do everything right. Older cars require special parts and specialized labor, which will cost more than a typical trip to the auto shop.

Pro Tip: Before buying, check the VIN on the car and engine. If they don’t match, the engine’s been replaced—a red flag for older vehicles.

Professional Inspections Are a Must

Before signing any paperwork gaining ownership of a classic car, you’ll want to have it inspected by a professional. Even if you consider yourself a gearhead and expert on the vehicle you’re purchasing, it can’t hurt to have another set of eyes on the car.

A classic car is like an investment, and you wouldn’t jump into a substantial investment without as much information as possible. At the very least, an inspection will provide peace of mind as you confirm the purchase and potentially negotiate.

You Can’t Bring It to Any Mechanic

Classic cars are special—that’s why you want to buy them first! Because vintage vehicles are special, they require a particular set of skills for upkeep and any potential repairs.

You may have a favored auto shop you trust near your home, but they may not be equipped or skilled enough to work on your vintage vehicle. Ensure that you know a mechanic or auto shop nearby you could go to for repairs and maintenance before making the final purchase.

You’ll Need Special Insurance

Insuring a classic car isn’t as simple as adding another vehicle to your existing policy. You likely won’t be driving your vintage ride every day. Since it’s older and more vulnerable to damage, you’ll need a special insurance policy.

You can either get a collector vehicle policy from a specialty insurance provider or a traditional auto insurer. Either way, it’s another expense to consider and add to your classic car budget.

Now that you know the vital aspects of classic car ownership, are you ready to get your first vintage ride? At Ideal Classic Cars, we’ve got all kinds of beautiful and exciting custom vintage cars for sale. Stop by and pick out your new dream car!