Where to look for?

The first question that you would ask is that where exactly can I find rare, classic cars. The good news is that there are ample old cars available in the market, whether you are looking for a restored one or you want one to restore yourself. The fist place is to buy a few magazines dedicated to classic and vintage cars such as “Practical Classics” and “Classics.” You will find a lot of information there. And the obvious next step is to search the web for old cars in your locality. There are many sites that allow postings from sellers. You can finalize the model you want to buy, but do your homework before you proceed.

What to ask in the initial telephonic conversation?

It is usually better to buy from a trader than from a private seller. When you talk with the seller ask the following questions:
-    What is the reason behind selling this car?
-    How many owners has the car had? How long has it been with you?
-    What’s the condition of the body work?
-    Is there any rust on the body?
-    Do you use the car? How is the functioning of the engine and transmission?
-    Do you have any spare parts of this car?
-    Does this car have a history?

How to assess the car?

Apart from how it looks from the outside, it is very necessary to check it from the inside. If you do not have knowledge in this area, then take professional help. The best way is to take a torch and get underneath the car and check for tell-tale signs of corrosion. Here is a list of things that you can look for:
-    The panel gaps
-    The doors, bonnet, and the boot and how well they shut
-    Are all the tyres of the same type?
-    Check the suspension
-    Is the paintwork consistent or there are different shades?
-    Check each and every inch of the body for cracks, corrosions, rot, dents, etc.
-    Lift the carpets and assess the floor
-    Start the engine when it’s cold and listen for the sound it creates
-    Check the smoke that comes out
-    Open the bonnet and assess all the parts
-    Check which parts are original and which have been changed
Take the car for a test drive and gauge your experience with it.

How much to pay?

Call a few people before making a decision and find out what’s the market rate. If you are 100% satisfied with the car, negotiate a price considering the flaws in the car.

How to take it home?

The best way is to get a trailer as the car might not move at the defined speed and might get you in trouble. Also check for the insurance before taking it away.