The Rules of the Road: 7 Rules to Follow When Buying a Classic Car

So, you’ve decided to merge onto the classic car highway. Whether it’s the priceless character and one-of-a-kind style or exclusivity of classic car ownership that revs your mental engine, the pros of vintage vehicles often outweigh the widely-circulating cons.

When you are ready to buy your first classic car, understanding how to do it safely can protect your investment. Classic cars over 20 years of age require more work than late-model vehicles, especially if you want to keep your investment running and looking good for a long time, so don’t take this responsibility lightly.

From the moment you sign on the dotted line to the moment you step into the driver’s seat, there are rules of the road you’ll need to abide by if you want to keep your classic car in pristine condition.

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Opt for enclosed carrier shipping

People who buy classic cars often have to purchase them from dealers or individuals in other states. Rather than putting a classic car on the trailer and towing it through the elements, the best way to get your car home is in an enclosed carrier from professional auto transport services like these that specialize in classic cars.

Despite having 20 or more years of wear and tear, trailering a classic car in the open can cause significant damage from debris on the road and unexpected weather conditions. When you choose enclosed carrier shipping, your investment stays covered and out of the damaging elements.

Do your research

Before buying a classic car, conduct research on the twists and turns of owning a vintage vehicle. As a first step, investigate whether you’ll be able to acquire new parts easily or if finding replacement parts will present a needle-in-a-haystack search. The classic car you want might be inexpensive to buy, but if the upkeep costs too much, then your investment might not be worth it. If you want to save then looking for your next car at an online car auction is the way to go.

Decide why you want the vehicle

Before you shovel your hard-earned money into a classic car, decide why you want to own it. Are you planning on taking it to car shows? Do you want a project in your garage? Would you like to flip it and buy another one?

A classic car can be a labor of love, but they can also be money pits, so having a reason to own one will help you justify the expense and the work involved in maintaining it.

Drive it

One of the joys of owning a classic car is being able to drive it. These vintage vehicles offer a different driving experience than the cars of today. Make it a goal to drive your vehicle when the conditions are ideal so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and allow fellow drivers to feast their eyes on these beautiful machines, without

When you decide to take your prized possession out for a ride, consider the roads you plan to use. Avoid roads with construction projects, so you don’t have to drive your vehicle on dirt or excessively bumpy roads. If you plan to stop and park your car, park far away from other vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about parking lot damage like door dings.

Keep it clean

Cleaning your classic car by hand with appropriate cleansers is usually a better choice than taking it through a commercial car wash. The big steel behemoths do not have the same rust protection and paint sealants as modern vehicles, so dirt, grime, and salt can be more damaging.

Get to know the engine

Taking your classic car to a repair shop can be expensive. The best way to save money is to do repairs yourself. Cruise over to cyberspace and consult Youtube for insights on how to fix your vehicle’s engine yourself. Since vintage vehicles don’t have complicated computer systems like modern cars, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy engine repairs can be.

No drinking, eating, and smoking

If you want to keep your classic car in top condition, do not eat, drink, or smoke inside of it. Getting rid of interior smells can be just as challenging as keeping the exterior free of rust.

Wrap up

Owning a classic car should be fun, not frustrating. Learn about the ups and downs of ownership and take care of it the best you can. With the right attitude, you’ll enjoy owning your classic car for many years to come.