Tips for buying a classic carBuying a classic car differs – despite many parallels – from buying a young used car. What it depends on, we show here:
The right model
First of all, it is important that you find the right model that suits you. This can be a long way..
"Which classic car is the right one for me??". Once you have made up your mind and have a suitable model in mind, here are a few tips so that you do not regret your purchase.
Finding the right car and getting to know it
So that you can make a good purchase, inform yourself well about the vehicle type. Thereby are esp. Typical weak points, current market values and reputable sources are relevant. Take enough time for it! There are plenty of offers on the relevant online platforms such as mobile.De and autoscout24.De, in classified ads and via advertisements in trade magazines. Also nationally known, renowned classic car dealers, sales fairs and auctions offer opportunities. Model-typical weak points of the vehicle series you can find out over purchase councellors, test reports, mark clubs, forums or specialists. Market values as well as their development are best determined via classic car magazines or databases like Classic Analytics. This gives you a good picture of what to look out for and how to find vehicles. Now you can proceed to the next step. Look at different concrete cars. And there are also some things to consider..
The history
Important for the value of a classic car and thus for value stability and, if necessary, for the quality of the vehicle. -to grow is a well-documented vehicle history. It is also a good indicator of the technical care in the past. Are km stand and maintenance consistently and credibly documented? Ideally a well kept original service booklet and/or original invoices as well as further documents such as old sales contracts and car letters. With larger repairs or restoration an appropriate photo documentation is important. Do the seller's statements match the documents and is the information credible? Also the mileage flows into the vehicle value. However, a classic must also be moved – too few km. Long idle times can also be disadvantageous.
Original condition
Often there is talk of "unmodified original condition". And indeed, original vehicles are valued more highly than repainted cars with questionable conversions or even tuning sins. If changes have been made, they should be contemporary, not least when it comes to a
later H-plate acceptance goes. Accident-free can z.B. Be checked by inspecting the paintwork and bolted connections of the bodywork and add-on parts. Re-painting or filler work after rusting can be traced by measuring the paint density. Color codes and markings on the vehicle should match the color documentation in the papers. Repainting to non-original colors are usually value-reducing. That were insb. Optical components – but original technical components also count. Even if it is not a classic "matching-numbers" vehicle (d.H., that the numbers of engine/transmission with that of the body correspond and are the same as with the delivery), then one should set also with mechanics and electronics on original parts. The desired car must be. Very closely scrutinized. Is it complete. In a good general condition? Spare parts, no matter how small, can be out of stock or incredibly expensive. What about the body, paint, interior and technology?? Everything works (switches, lights, ventilation, etc.).)? Don't just look at it from the top, look at the underbody as well! During the test drive the car must feel and sound good. Use your "popometer" to develop a feeling. Rattling or unusual noises can be indicators for technical defects. Small compromises in optics or technology can be made if necessary. To be taken into account and gradually optimized. If serious defects are visible on several "fronts", the car will quickly become a piggy bank and will most likely never become the dream car you envisioned. Best you look around for a better representative of your desired model. Check the engine compartment: Is it in honest condition or polished up?? This could be concealment tactics. Are there oil leaks or missing components? In the interior: Are all switches present and working? Pay attention to details and check the model-typical weak points, which you have found out through your research. For future classic car owners, especially if they are not hobbyists, a well-maintained condition is recommended (condition 2 – d.H. Good, flawless condition with at most slight traces of use and technically flawless). At the very least, there should be no major visual or technical defects and the vehicle must be fully operational.
Is everything legal?
Does the condition match the data in the documentation? Z.B. 100.000 km on the clock do not fit heavily worn steering wheel and pedals. Noticeably new parts that do not match the degree of wear of the rest of the vehicle can also be indicators. Are all necessary papers available and correct?? Check the chassis/vehicle identification number (VIN) in the various documents and on the body – is there a match on the papers with old invoices and in the various places on the vehicle and are they not tampered with? In the case of US vehicles, a so-called. Carfax help to determine the accident-free. Is the car actually owned by the seller?
Objective evaluation
Buying a classic is an emotional act. In order not to be blinded by anticipation and miss important information, it is best to take an expert with you to the inspection. Experts can also carry out the evaluation much more qualified than laymen. If none is available, at least another neutral pair of eyes with an unbiased view will help. Also a report of an expert (e.G.B. Via Classic Data) can reassure when buying.
This does not cost much and may be. Anyway required by the insurer to determine the value of the vehicle. If necessary. Still additionally a used car check make (this aims less at value and optical condition, but checks the technology). The best thing to do is to make sure that your car with fresh main inspection (TÜV, Dekra, GTÜ etc.), this ensures that a certain technical condition is present and the car is immediately usable.
Do not buy immediately
First test drive, then think carefully and only then decide and buy! Advantage: You do not make a hasty impulse purchase, which may later turn out to be a bad buy. Supposed bargains usually have a catch. Sleep on it once. A second, fresh look at the vehicle before purchase often reveals further details and defects. With a commercial dealer there is warranty. Sometimes even a warranty is possible. Often classics are offered on commission, by intermediaries and under exclusion of warranty by dealers. You must consider whether this is okay for you. With the private purchase there is not anyway. Basically, the trustworthiness of the seller plays an important role. Check the purchase contract in peace. Do not let yourself be rushed. If everything fits, close the bag! Cash payment is the classic. Usually the best option for both parties. Transfer is to be regarded critically. A fiduciary purchase administration is possible, however no standard has become generally accepted here yet. Clarify before the handover date, how you can transfer the car. If the car is still registered, you have a red number or a tag available? Otherwise a short-term license plate is useful, with which you can transfer the car. Examine the vehicle again before the takeover finally. Best you take someone with you as a witness to the handover. Have the seller confirm receipt of the purchase price in writing. Against the payment necessarily papers incl. Hand over the original letter!
Checklist
– The right car: Use different sources to find suitable vehicles and inform yourself well! Vehicle History/Originality: good documentation. A condition as original as possible are valuable. Vehicle check/ test drive: Look closely. Use your "popometer. Even better is a neutral look. A professional appraisal. – Do not be deceived: Are the vehicle, the seller and his information credible?? – Patience: Don't buy right away, think twice before you buy! Bargains often turn out to be bad buys. – Payment and transfer: clarify transfer beforehand. Vehicle. Papers for money!