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Is it worth looking through used classic car classifieds?

When looking to buy a used classic car, buyers should seek as much assistance and advice from as many sources as possible. There is infinite information provided about used classic cars and buyers should try to learn as much as they can.

Some used classic cars need more work and maintenance than others, while some just need regularly scheduled maintenance. Some used classic cars are lemons that need to be completely redone, and some can be fast and fun to drive with just a few additions or replacements.

A buyer can end up wasting a lot of money on a poor quality vehicle if he or she is not very careful and selective about purchasing a used classic car. Save money on classic car insurance by entering your ZIP code into our FREE insurance comparison comparison tool above!

Tips to know before shopping for a used classic car

Buyers should imagine their dream classic cars and use these tips to start their searches there. Once a buyer knows what he or she wants to find, the search can begin. As mentioned before, buying a used classic car can be a huge risk, but it could be just as big a reward. Having the knowledge to calculate the total cost of a used classic car will end up being the most important time commitment a buyer can make.

For instance, some used classic cars may not contain their original parts and interior, which would cause the value of the vehicle to shrink. Additionally, if the car does contain all original parts, they may not be in good condition and therefore need to be replaced or repaired either way. In some instances, a used classic car has most or all of its original interior and is in working or semi-working condition. A buyer can buy a used classic car in any condition they wish, as long as he or she understands the consequences either way the purchase could go.

• Some used classic cars may not contain all or any original parts and are therefore valued less.
• When shopping for a used classic car, a buyer should understand that the fewer working parts already in the car, the more expensive the rebuilding project will be.
• There is less demand for newly manufactured parts for classic cars, therefore replacing these can be very pricey.

History of a used classic car

There are ways for buyers to find out the recent history of a used classic car including past owners, accidents or any other instances in which an insurance claim was filed. Though these records do not go back as long as the car has most likely been in existence, they can still help aid in the decision making process about a certain used classic car. For instance, a used classic car that has been renovated in the last ten or fifteen years, but was in an accident during that time, will be valued far less. This is because after an accident, new parts and body paneling have to be added to the used classic car, thus decreasing its market worth.

Here are a few tips to tell if a used classic car has been damaged or improperly cared for in the past:

• The VIN numbers on the car, engine and chassis should all be matching. If not, this means one or more of the three is not original, decreasing the value of the car.
• If the car has been repainted, it is usually because it was not taken care of or it was in an accident. Most owners of classic cars take care of the paint very well.
• The history report on the car is available and checks out (i.e. if the car looks like it has been repainted but there is no accident listed on the history report, a buyer should look into this.)

Shopping for used classic cars

Buyers looking to purchased a used classic cars have a lot of tools at their fingertips. They can research all about their favorite cars online, then do Internet searches to narrow down their choices. Then buyers can look up tips on how to rebuild their used classic car if necessary, and how much their car will be worth after repairs.

Checking out used classic car classifieds

After a buyer has learned all this information, it is time to search used classic car classifieds. There are some great sources of used classic car classifieds. These sources include newspapers and used classic car websites. Newspapers are always a great sources for auto classifieds, and often times there are some used classic cars listed. These newspaper classifieds might list the name and type of used classic car, but may not go into many details due to the nature of newspapers and their limited space.

Buyers looking into used classic cars found in newspapers should definitely call the owners and set up times to meet and inspect the car in person. Also, what can be very beneficial to buyers is having an appraiser take a look at a used classic car if the buyers do not know if they are getting a good deal. Appraisers will always have the best information in these instances and can save some buyers from making huge financial mistakes.

• Always meet with the owner in person to inspect a used classic car for purchase.
• Make sure to inspect a used classic car thoroughly at a scheduled appointment or higher an appraiser if not able determine the worth of the car.
• Do not feel pressured to buy at a schedule appointment with an individual buyer: Make sure you are getting a deal, not getting ripped off!

Online used classic car classifieds

Another option for shopping for used classic cars, and also classic car parts, is online used classic car classifieds. These websites offer hundreds of listings of used classic cars for sale by dealer or by individuals. The search tools on these websites make it simple for buyers to find what they are looking for and contact the dealers or individuals to discuss the purchase. Some great websites for used classic car classifieds are listed here:

• Hemmings
• Auto Trader Classics
• Old Ride
• Classic Cars

The search for the perfect used classic car begins with buyers deciding how much time and money they are willing to spend, and how much the car is worth to them. Following these helpful tips and doing thorough research will yield the best results. Don’t forget to enter your ZIP code into our FREE car insurance comparison tool above to save money on car insurance!