For a lot of people, owning a car that is either new or just a couple of years old is a point of pride, and a way to keep from worrying about costly repairs and being stranded on the side of the road. But there are those out there who prefer older vehicles, whether they use them for daily drivers, just for show, or some combination in between. Antique cars are a source of excitement for many people, and their level of interest ranges from that of a part-time hobby to a life-consuming passion.
When in the market for an antique car, it’s important to take your time and do the proper research first before sinking a ton of cash into something that may end up being a money pit and a source of disappointment. The first step is to lay out some specific objectives as to the characteristics of the car you want to buy. One of these factors is the level of restoration you want to take on. If you enjoy getting your hands dirty and enjoy (and are capable of) working on mechanical things, you might want to look for a deal on an unrestored vehicle and restore it. For some, the fact that they restored it themselves is a major source of satisfaction and causes them to enjoy the antique car even more.
This can also be an option for someone who doesn’t have a lot of money for an initial outlay, as obviously a vehicle in far-less-than-showroom condition will cost a lot less money than a restored one. For someone with enough cash and who doesn’t want to deal with the restoration however, buying a restored antique car is the way to go. This is also the ideal option for those who want to use the car as a daily driver, and for those who are buying the vehicle for an investment.
It’s also important to research everything you can about the make and model you’re interested in. There are many books available that delve deeply into various types of antique cars, and buying one or two of these might save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. Also, the internet is another excellent place to turn to in order to learn about your desired antique. Countless websites exist on the topic, and more importantly, discussion forums exist where antique auto enthusiasts like you can connect and ask questions, share knowledge, and generally help each other out with their shared passion.
If you’ve gotten as far as locating a car you might want to buy, you are no doubt aware that there are certain questions you should ask the owner before considering purchasing this vehicle. It’s best to arrive with a list of pre-prepared questions so you don’t forget any details. Far too often people will get caught up in the moment at the sight of their dream car, and will throw caution to the wind. You should ask questions about the history of the car, any problems with it, and the identity of the person who does the repairs.
Finally, you should test drive the car (if it’s drivable, that is!), and then assess the condition of the car. You should take what you’ve learned from the previous owner, the test drive, and the car’s overall appearance, and figure out how much money and effort it will take to get the car to the condition where you want it to be, both in terms of the body as well as the mechanical workings of the vehicle. This assessment should then be compared to the asking price to determine if it’s what you’re willing to pay for this particular car.
Buying an antique car can seem daunting, but if it’s approached with a cool, levelheaded approach, the process can be quite a rewarding one. By taking your time with a lot of research and evaluation, you can keep the experience a positive one, which is the way the hobby is supposed to be in the first place.
