| Buying a new car, or even a late model used car, is a | | | | electrical systems, for example, so when you find |
| relatively simple process. You go to the dealer or lot | | | | one, be sure everything is in working order. You |
| knowing that you're buying a vehicle for daily use, | | | | might also want to find a classic car club or owners |
| and armed with a list of financing options, and | | | | group for the model you're in search of, and seek |
| features you cannot (or will not) live without. You | | | | their advice. People who actually have experience |
| might haggle a bit with the salesperson, just to be | | | | with the same car you are looking for can be |
| sure you're getting the best deal available, but in the | | | | invaluable assets when shopping for an antique |
| end you'll walk out - or drive away - with pretty | | | | vehicle or vintage car. |
| much exactly what you planned. | | | | Check it Out |
| Purchasing a classic car is not quite as simple. Oh, | | | | You've determined the purpose of your classic car, |
| there's still the list of features, and there are still | | | | and you've researched the model you really want, |
| financing options to consider (generally cash, check or | | | | and finally you've identified a car you're willing to buy. |
| charge), and there may even be some haggling, but | | | | Now what? Well, you should definitely run a vehicle |
| before you do that, there are certain key factors | | | | history report on it, to assure yourself that it is not a |
| that must be decided in advance. Let's discuss them. | | | | stolen vehicle, and to find out how many owners it |
| Purpose | | | | has had. You can do this online, for anywhere from |
| Before you look at any cars, make a list of why | | | | $29 to $75 dollars, depending on the services you |
| you're buying a classic vehicle. Are you going to drive | | | | choose, and the depth of the search. You will need |
| it every day, or only once in a while? Will this be an | | | | the VIN number for this. You should ALSO have a |
| investment, or mere transportation? Do you want | | | | vehicle appraiser look at the car, not just to certify |
| something you can restore yourself, or do you want | | | | that you are paying a fair price, but to determine if |
| a car that has already been fixed up and tricked out? | | | | there is evidence of an accident, or if the |
| Do you plan to enter competition? If you do, bear in | | | | transmission or engine (or any number of other |
| mind that you'll have to find a vehicle that is | | | | important components) are original or not. |
| completely original, and you'll be spending more | | | | Replacement parts greatly affect the value of the |
| money for it, than for something you just want to | | | | car, but knowing the condition and having it gone |
| drive on Sunday afternoons. It's important to address | | | | over by an expert is equally important, and may save |
| all these issues before you even narrow down your | | | | you money down the line. |
| choices, because they may impact what you spend | | | | Owning a classic car can be both fun and lucrative (if |
| and where you look. If you have a specific model | | | | you resell, or enter competitions), so please keep this |
| you're dying to have, great - try to focus on a | | | | advice in mind whether you are looking for your first |
| specific year for that model (for example, the 1978 | | | | antique auto or if you have a garage full of vintage |
| MG B). This will not only help your search for vehicles | | | | vehicles. One final piece of advice, though? Trust |
| but it will also help you in your research. | | | | your gut. If at any time something feels wrong, stop |
| Research | | | | any negotiations, and step away. No car is worth |
| Once you've chosen your dream car (that 1978 MG B | | | | more than your own peace of mind. |
| again), research it to death. Learn if there are any | | | | With the 2007 car models fast being cleared make |
| known issues, or recalls associated with the model in | | | | sure you know the latest New Car Prices when you |
| general. Were they resolved? If so, how? Many | | | | visit your car dealer. |
| classic European cars had problems with their | | | | |