There is no greater feeling for an auto fanatic than owning a classic car. The style, elegance, and class of such a car set it apart from all the modern ones. However, you should make a to do list before going to see that dream car. In past posts we have discussed a variety of topics to save you the grief of buying your next vintage car.
Other Classic Car Buying to Do Lists
Before setting out on your quest to buy you dream classic car there are a variety of topics to consider that we have covered previously:
If you are looking to purchase your car at an auction, then understanding the process is key to getting to the right bid price on a vintage car.
Looking for a classic car via the computer and online services has some tricks as well for your to do list.
There also plenty of scammers out there so knowing some the tricks of these sellers is also helpful.
It is important to buy what you like so that hitting the road in you vintage car is an enjoyable experience.
Insuring a classic car is also different than your daily driver so you should know what you want before getting into the market.
Now that you have prepared yourself for the field trip to see the dream car purchase here is the short form of the to do list when inspecting prior to making you offer on the car.
Have a Drive First Before Diving Into The To Do List
This is an obvious one, but there are a few reasons why this is so important and should be first on your to do list.
First, you want to make sure that the car is in good condition and safe to drive. Make sure it starts up and stays running smoothly. If not, find out why. Is it just old age, or are there any other issues with the vehicle that needs addressing? Also, check whether you feel comfortable driving it.
You should also check how well everything else works in your potential purchase, specifically the sound system, windows, and the air-conditioning unit. A quick check of all the electronics will not hurt you either.
Look for Signs of Rust
Rust can be difficult to spot. It is not always red or crumbling. It can be brown and look like it is part of the car. So, how do you know if your potential purchase has hidden rust?
The best thing to do is take a close look at the car and feel its body panels with your hands. If they are smooth and clean, most likely, there is no rust underneath them. If they feel bumpy or rough, it is a sign there is some corrosion going on under there.
If you find some signs of corrosion, do not let it put you off from buying the car. You just need to be a bit careful when driving it around so as not to cause any further damage by making holes in those places.
Look for signs of prior body work and paint overspray that may give a hint of hidden issues.
Check Out the Seats
It is necessary to inspect the seats. Vintage cars often do not have their seats or upholstery replaced in ages. Do they seem worn? Are there stains on them? Does the padding feel off, either too hard or too soft? These are all the details you need to observe. You might want to reupholster the seats, even if they were well-maintained. Reupholstering is especially needed if you want the vintage car to look and feel brand new.
The seat belts can be another indicator of whether the seats are in decent shape. If they look like they have been used a bit, it could be a sign that the car has had an extensive amount of use and wear over time. That means less value for you as an owner. You should also check to see how securely fastened the belts are. If they are loose or not tightened enough, this is another sign of serious usage by previous owners and could indicate more problems with maintenance later down the road.
Inspect the Interior Trim
The interior trim of a car is more prone to wear than other parts of a vehicle. That is because it gets touched by people every day. If you are buying a vintage car, you need to check for signs of damage in the following areas.
- The dashboard and steering wheel: Check for signs of discoloration or water damage. If there are any, run your hand around them to feel for cracks or chips that might indicate rusting.
- Trim around doors: Check here as well as on windowsills and floorboards for signs of wear and tear. If they are damaged or uneven in any way, it could mean they have been repaired before, which means they will not hold up as well over time.
Look at the Odometer
When you buy a vintage car, you must make sure that the odometer has not been tampered with. A car with low mileage may be nice, but if its odometer has been changed, you will never know how much it has been used. Also inspect the brake pedal for wear; if the rubber on the pedal shows significant wear and the seller reports low mileage there is clearly a disconnect on the actual car mileage.
Odometers can be repaired or replaced in fairly uncomplicated ways. They are usually not difficult to understand if they are in good condition. If you notice anything unusual about your car’s odometer—for example, if it is covered in dust, there might be something wrong with it. Does it look brand new then there should be no doubt that the previous owners have tampered with it.
Read the Service Receipts
Reading the service logbook or binder of service repair receipts is crucial when buying a vintage car. The book will show you how many miles the car has been driven and when it was last serviced. This can help determine whether the car had regular maintenance performed.
Also, keep in mind that if there is no service book for your classic car, it is not necessary that the previous owners never took it for servicing. Perhaps they never kept track of maintenance. You can even ask for maintenance receipts to clear your doubts. However, there is a chance that they might not have kept those as well. In such cases, you will have to make the judgment based on personal observation only. Reading thee receipts may also open up more questions to ask as part of your to do list.
Finally
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in the classic car world and there are plenty of scammers out there, but our goal is to give you all the necessary tools so that you can be the educated consumer in the classic car world. Remember to make you own car buying to do list before heading out to see your prospective classic car purchase.
