Buying a classic car can be really challenging and a newbie will probably make several mistakes too. Falling for the looks without looking at the upkeep costs is just one of these rookie mistakes.

Keep these tips in mind so you don’t regret your purchase decisions afterwards.

Rust is critical

Whenever you want to buy a classic car, always check out for any rust above and below the vehicle. It is stupid to buy a car that has been eaten out by rust. Eventually, you will have to put in money to restore that problem and your car will never turn back to an “original”.

Nobody wants a bad deal and rust should be of foremost concern in saving yourself from one. Now that does not mean that you ignore a car for an inch of rust stain. It can be corrected with little effort but a huge rusted surface is a straight no.

Drive before any payment

It will be senseless to buy an age-old car before driving it, as that beats the whole idea of having a classic car. Roll it for a long drive before making a decision as most problems occur when the car is pushed to its limit. Be alert for any red signal like jammed gears, engine noise, underperforming AC or uncomfortable seats.

If possible, always have a trusted professional by your side. It can save you from little problems that can be annoying in the future. Remember you will be buying a vehicle that demands high maintenance and it’s not intelligent to have one that’s broken to its core.

Match the numbers

You should always check out cars VIN number. This number should match the numbers imprinted on the, gearbox, frame and the engine. It is very easy and can give you the authenticity of the parts in the car. Some people do not want to match numbers as it can inflate the price of the car as a “matching numbers” car is highly valued.

On the other hand, some buyers don’t care about matching numbers as they only want to enjoy the feeling of owning a beautiful vintage. It’s logical to own a “mismatched number” car that runs well rather than a “matched numbers” car that is rusty and nondurable.

European vs. American

Car collectors have always been coming up with mixed reactions about this comparison. In general, it is believed that European cars have higher ceilings and higher costs with a less chance of finding replacement parts. American cars have better availability but their value doesn’t improve as quickly as their European counterparts. The older your car, the harder it will be to find parts. Therefore, the risks often even out.

Don’t be impatient

A search for a classic car will test your patience. Most of the times, customers finalize a car in a hurry without checking other available options. Do not make the same mistake and give yourself time for making a decision.

Our suggestion is to take your time, check out every available model and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t match your demands.