With spring on the horizon, what better time of year is there to enjoy driving a classic car (well, aside from summer perhaps!).
If you already own a classic and have no plans of replacing it soon, then the open road is already yours to enjoy at the drop of a hat.
But some people will be thinking of buying a classic to replace an existing model, or even buying for the very first time. If that’s the case, then here’s a few simple tips to help you when it comes time to splash the cash.
Crunching numbers
Be realistic in what you can afford and stick to a budget.
While you might have dreams of touring Europe in an Aston Martin DB5, the reality might be a bit more harsh.
Also, don’t forget that the cost of the car is just part of your budget when buying and remember to include extras like road tax, insurance (make sure to contact ClassicLine for a great deal www.classiclineinsurance.co.uk) and possible transportation costs to get it home.
If buying it at auction then there could also be fees and premiums to pay to the auction house.
Love at first sight
Though it might be tempting to buy the very first classic you see, try and avoid the urge.
Take some time to research your preferred model and use buying guides in one of the many classic car publications to see what is a fair price.
Many models also have welcoming car clubs, so it can be advisable to make contact with them and speak to members who can share their experiences. They might even be able to tell how easy, or hard, it is to get spare parts, which could make a big difference to your bank balance in the long term.
Dealer or no dealer
As well as buying at auction, (check out ClassicLine’s tips for buying at auction) there are two other obvious ways to buy a classic car. This is either through a private sale or from a dealer.
Buying privately can mean getting a great price and, more often than not, the opportunity to build up an emotional connection with the seller who will have many happy memories of their beloved motor.
Buying from a dealership also has advantages, not least because the car should have a high level of maintenance, giving even greater peace of mind.
The decision is yours!
Check, mate!
Prepare a check list when it’s time to inspect your potential purchase.
Obvious things to look for are rust, rust and more rust! And did we mention corrosion.
If you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself, then ask someone you know who is mechanically minded to come with you. It might even advisable to pay for a qualified mechanic to give the car a once over before signing on the dotted line.
Nuts and bolts
No, we’re not taking about what goes on underneath the bonnet but more mundane matters such as insurance (we promise it’s not as boring as you think).
ClassicLine has been a specialist insurer for more than 30 years, offering great rates and service to thousands of classic car owners.
What we don’t know about classic car insurance isn’t worth knowing about.
So if you’re buying a new classic, or looking for a competitive rate on your existing model, then give the ClassicLine team a call on 01455 639000 or visit www.classiclineinsurance.co.uk
Also, if you have any interesting expeditions or exciting plans for your classic in 2019, then we’d love to hear from you. Make sure to keep in touch with us on Twitter or on Facebook.
