Best Tips to Buy Classic Autos

The first question you must ask yourself before buying a classic car is what are you planning to do with it, and make sure you are willing to dedicate the time it will take to maintain it at its best. Classic car enthusiasts buy them for different purposes, and these can be as follows:

1. Car Passion: You are a car enthusiast and love classic cars. You will buy it as the first car in your collection or as an addition to it.

2. Driving: Driving it in classic car parades or vintage car races.

Before buying a classic car, it is important that you have an estimate of how much money you want to invest on it. Many people buy a classic car and then when restoration works start, they get surprised because the costs go way higher than what they thought.

Your estimate should include the following:
- Buying the car
- Transportation or towing fees, in case the car doesn't work
- Import and export fees if you're buying from a foreign country
- Restoration (work/hour), accessories and parts, electrical and body work
- Insurance and Taxes as applicable

Click on the link to get a full downloadable list of the most important features to check when buying a classic or used car PDF Complete Guide to Buy Classic or Used Cars.

2012 Collector Car Price Guide [Paperback]

This fabulous guide is the favorite of experienced classic car collectors worldwide.

It will provide you with all the information about classic cars, prices, dealers, restoration and everything you need to buy your classic car.

If you would like to import a vehicle into the United States from a foreign country, the car must meet very specific requirements, established by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The fees to import foreign cars into the United Kingdom or any other European Country, may vary depending on the car model, year, etc. To get an estimate, please visit Car Import Duty Calculator.

Classic car taxes in the United States: Classic cars or collectible cars are not exempt from tax payments. Taxes will depend on the car value.

Taxes for classic cars in the United Kingdom: According to the Historic Vehicle legislation, cars built and manufactured before January 1st, 1973 do not have to pay the annual road tax and can get a free vehicle license.

For more information about classic car taxes in your country contact your local tax revenue office.

The Performing Art of the American Automobile: The Hendricks Collection on Exhibit at the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum

by: Jonathan A. Stein

Million-Dollar Muscle Cars: The Rarest and Most Collectible Cars of the Performance Era

by: Colin Comer

American Auto Legends: Classics of Style and Design (Auto Legends Series)

by: Tracey Powell

British Sport Cars

by: Rainer Schlegelmilch, Hartmut Lehbrink

This is a very important factor when you decide to buy a classic car.

Does it still work? If the car is in a very poor condition, like the one on this image, the restoration costs will be very high and auto parts might not be easy to get.

When you find the car to buy, get as much information as possible. Ask the owner about all previous restorations. If possible, ask for a photo journal, most classic car owners usually have one with the whole restoration process.

As I mentioned above, one of the most important things you must check before buying and restoring a classic car, is how easy would it be to get original auto parts, accessories and other products for you new acquisition.

Rare cars are more valuable but also parts can be harder to get and only distributed by specific part dealers. Of course, if you get them all, you will have a jewel once all restorations are done.

As you can see buying a classic automobile requires time, dedication and patience. It can also be fun, like going on a treasure hunt.

One last recommendation would be that if you buy cars online, make sure you get real photographs and all information about the car. If possible, ask to visit the seller to check on the car's condition. You must be very, very careful, there are many fraudulent sellers.