| It is easier to spot a classic car than to know how | | | | it will fall in this category. |
| much it is worth. You may know that the Oldsmobile | | | | Parts car: A car that cannot be plausibly restored |
| Cutlass hanging out in your garage is a real sweet | | | | because of heavy damage. A parts car, as its name |
| vintage ride, but you might have a difficult time | | | | suggests, is usually bought only for its reusable parts. |
| deciding how much to sell it. Or maybe you have | | | | A car in an excellent condition could be sold for twice |
| spotted that Cutlass, but do not know whether the | | | | or thrice its original price and collectors will still buy it. |
| price is worth it. | | | | Cars in the good or fair condition are the usual ones |
| Worry no more, as here is an easy guide on how to | | | | that you will see in the market. |
| estimate classic car values. | | | | 3. Customization is a Minus |
| 1. Research on Market Values from Dealers | | | | A classic car with an A/C unit, a fuel-efficient engine, |
| Classic car values are almost always fluctuating, as all | | | | and soft seats may be convenient, but these |
| car values are. By researching the market value of a | | | | modifications often bring down the value of a car. |
| classic car sold by professional dealers, you can have | | | | Customized paintjobs may look cool, but they still |
| a clear marker as to how much a vehicle in a certain | | | | decrease the possible price. The reason for this is |
| condition is worth. | | | | simple: original parts are harder to find, and |
| However, remember that this is a dealer's price, so | | | | maintaining them are more difficult too. Expect a car |
| expect that it is overpriced from 10%-20%. There | | | | with almost all original parts (including the wheels) and |
| are many other determinants of price that are | | | | paint color to have a really large price tag attached |
| oftentimes not covered by dealer-based values, such | | | | to it. |
| as your own preference and the demand for that | | | | 4. Rarity is a Plus |
| car. Nonetheless, market values from dealers are still | | | | Classic Dodge Chargers may be valued highly, but |
| a good marker. | | | | Chargers with a Hemi engine is a gold mine. This is |
| 2. Check the Condition of the Car | | | | because Hemi engine-equipped Chargers were made |
| The condition of the car is usually the biggest | | | | in very limited numbers. If you have one in your old |
| determinant of its value. Most classic car enthusiasts | | | | man's garage, you may want to reconsider that |
| use a five-point rating system, as follows: | | | | engine change. |
| Excellent: A car in perfect and near-mint condition, | | | | 5. Original Options are a Plus |
| usually drivable. | | | | Turbo and superchargers might increase a muscle |
| Very Good: A car with some very minor scratches or | | | | car's values, given that they are original parts. |
| engine and mechanism faults, but is still almost | | | | Because the '61 Bullet T-bird is used as a pace car for |
| perfect and drivable. | | | | Indianapolis 500, it has some original era modifications |
| Good: A car with some very repairable damages, but | | | | which increase its value. |
| still needs little effort to restore and is still drivable. | | | | Remember, when buying or selling classic cars, |
| Fair: A car that needs a lot of restoration work, with | | | | consider the condition, the originality, rarity, and the |
| signs of abuse such as dents, scratches, and rust. If | | | | added options. Put this side by side with the market |
| a car is not drivable because of engine, brake, or | | | | value from dealers, and adjust as needed. |
| other mechanical failures, but has a solid exterior look, | | | | |