| Guys who buy classic cars face two challenges: these | | | | ask about warranties and guarantees. A seller knows |
| cars are often purchased sight unseen from | | | | that a purchase is a big deal and will be glad to |
| someone halfway across the state or across the | | | | answer all of your questions. Be careful about any |
| country, and the money outlay for classic cars can | | | | seller who is vague with answers or asks for upfront |
| be great while the warranties and guarantees are | | | | payment or payment to a third party. |
| scanty. This is not like buying a new car, where you | | | | 4. Get someone to look at the classic car before you |
| get to test ride it and get lots of warranties from a | | | | buy. Ideally, get out to see the car yourself. Another |
| dealer who is practically sweating for you to take a | | | | option is to hire a qualified appraiser who works near |
| car off the lot. Sure, a classic car is cooler, but you | | | | the seller and also have an inspector look at the car |
| do need to follow some basic buying tips to get it | | | | for you. Buying sight unseen is a big risk, so you |
| into your garage safely: | | | | want some expert opinions about whether a car is a |
| 1. Do your research. Your best bet is to join a classic | | | | good deal or a real dud. |
| car club before you buy your car. This gives you lots | | | | 5. Find safe ways to pay. If you pay by credit card, |
| of enthusiasts who can vouch for a retailer (or not). | | | | your credit card company can stop payment if your |
| In addition, you might want to ask the local classic | | | | car is not delivered as promised. You can also pay a |
| car mechanic about vendors you can trust. If you | | | | small amount for an escrow service, which will also |
| find a classic car and need to check out the guy who | | | | keep your money safe until you are sure you haven't |
| is selling it, ask for references or past customers | | | | been ripped off. |
| who can tell you what their purchase experience was | | | | 6. Get everything in writing. You should have a |
| like. You will also want to run the retailer's name | | | | contract that states exactly what you are buying |
| through a local Chamber of Commerce, Better | | | | and for how much. The contract should also outline |
| Business Bureau, and local police department to make | | | | what happens to your deposit money if you don't |
| sure that the person or company has not been | | | | buy the car. In most cases, you should get your |
| involved in any scams. Googling the company or | | | | deposit money back, unless you have placed a |
| retailers name doesn't hurt, either. | | | | burden on the seller. Finally, be sure that you have a |
| 2. Try to meet in person. If you are dealing with a | | | | contract that outlines what happens if you are not |
| classic car retailer, vendor, or enthusiast, chances are | | | | happy with the car. You should have in writing the |
| that the person travels a lot to car shows, meets, | | | | details of any fees, the details of who pays for |
| and other events. Ask when the person will be in | | | | shipping, and any time limits on returns and refunds. |
| your area and ask to meet up. The retailer might | | | | 7. Stay away from any deals that seem too good to |
| even be able to travel with your car or car parts so | | | | be true. There are many great classic cars out there |
| that you do not have to buy something you haven't | | | | at very good prices and you will find one eventually. |
| seen. | | | | Don't give into the temptation to skip an inspection |
| 3. Ask lots of questions. Ask about the pricing, | | | | or a contract because the price is low. |
| quality, condition, authenticity, and age of the classic | | | | Following these simple tips should keep you safer |
| car you are buying. Ask to see lots of pictures and | | | | while you hunt for that perfect car. |