Buying a Vintage Car? Use These Tips to Save Money
Ah, the romance of the vintage car. Whether it's a revamped Mini Cooper, a trusty Beetle or a slick, powerful Mustang, vintage cars never cease to amaze, delight and make y
ou proud. If you're in the market for a car your grandparents used to drool over, you could be looking at spending thousands of dollars not only for the price but also for the restoration and repairs. But don't be turned off. You can still save money buying a vintage car. Here's how:
Never buy what you do not know.
For some purists, a true vintage car is one that was built from 1919 to 1930. If you can find one of these, consider yourself one of the lucky (and rich) few. Vintage cars of this age are extremely rare and extremely expensive and are usually bought by serious collectors.
However, there are some of us who like the appeal of not-so-old classics and in fact, vintage cars from the 60s and 70s are highly sought-after. Regardless, make sure you educate yourself first on which vintage cars are the best buy.
Get a hold of all the information you can get from car shows, price guides, club events, online sites, auctions and vintage car club newsletters. Try SportsCarMarket.com and Hemmings.com, sites that list some really great vintage cars. You can also check out auctions at RMCars.com and DKruseClassic.com. If you know someone who owns vintage cars, talk to them. There's a good chance they can point you in the right direction and save you money in the process.
Establish your budget.
A vintage car will cost you money and even if you find a promising beauty at a junk shop, you will still have to spend a lot in order to restore it. However, if you get the engine and chassis at low prices, you can simply put the car together by buying parts and accessories. But just remember that if you take your vintage car to a restoration shop, it will cost you.
Never buy what you do not know.
For some purists, a true vintage car is one that was built from 1919 to 1930. If you can find one of these, consider yourself one of the lucky (and rich) few. Vintage cars of this age are extremely rare and extremely expensive and are usually bought by serious collectors.
However, there are some of us who like the appeal of not-so-old classics and in fact, vintage cars from the 60s and 70s are highly sought-after. Regardless, make sure you educate yourself first on which vintage cars are the best buy.
Get a hold of all the information you can get from car shows, price guides, club events, online sites, auctions and vintage car club newsletters. Try SportsCarMarket.com and Hemmings.com, sites that list some really great vintage cars. You can also check out auctions at RMCars.com and DKruseClassic.com. If you know someone who owns vintage cars, talk to them. There's a good chance they can point you in the right direction and save you money in the process.
Establish your budget.
A vintage car will cost you money and even if you find a promising beauty at a junk shop, you will still have to spend a lot in order to restore it. However, if you get the engine and chassis at low prices, you can simply put the car together by buying parts and accessories. But just remember that if you take your vintage car to a restoration shop, it will cost you.
For some purists, a true vintage car is one that was built from 1919 to 1930.
