Classic Car advice, Scott Huntington advice, dailycarblog
5 Easy Ways To Find The Perfect Classic Car Without Burning Cash
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Some fantastic new cars are coming out next year, but when it comes right down to it, there’s nothing quite like climbing behind the wheel of a classic car. The only thing better than taking a classic car for a spin is having one of your own to drive whenever you want.

But how can you be sure you’re buying a classic and not just an old car? If you’re looking into picking up a unique classic car for your collection, here are a few things you should keep in mind. 1. What Makes a Classic? What makes a car classic instead of just antique? It varies depending on where you live, but in general, a classic is any car that is at least 20 years old and has enough historical interest that makes it collectible.  Any vehicle can be antique, but it takes a particular car to be considered a classic. Some cars you might think of as classic aren’t considered collectible because of when they were made. Lenders may not consider a car from the 1970s or 1980s as a classic because they were not produced to the same level of quality as the cars before or since. That shouldn’t discourage you from buying a ’70s or ’80s model, but keep that in mind as you shop. 2. Look for Matching Numbers Every car has a VIN or vehicle identification number assigned to it at the factory. Check the VIN and make sure it matches the make and model of the vehicle you’re purchasing. Knowing the VIN is also useful for finding out if the car has its original engine, rear end or transmission. Engine blocks almost always have a stamp with the last six digits of the car’s VIN. The transmission and rear end usually have date codes stamped on them, too, which you can compare to the VIN to see if the dates match up. If the numbers don’t match, it isn’t necessarily a deal breaker — older cars need replacement parts periodically, after all. If you’re looking for an all-original show car, though, you will need to make sure those numbers match. 2. Have Somewhere to Store It The last thing you want to do is bring home your classic car and leave it out on the driveway. Older cars are popular theft targets, partially because of their value and partly because they aren’t equipped with the same security features that protect modern vehicles. Make sure you have room in your garage to store your car before you bring it home. Not only will this protect your new investment from theft, but it also keeps it safe from the elements. This is vital if you live in areas where the weather reaches hot or cold extremes. A well-insulated garage with an insulated door can help to keep your car cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 4. Run Away From Rust Old cars, unless they were incredibly well-cared-for, will inevitably have a bit of rust on them. A couple of spots of rust here and there isn’t really a problem — it’s large sections of body rust or rust on the frame you should avoid at all costs. Body rust might end up being more trouble than it’s worth, not to mention expensive, and frame rust can be downright dangerous. Rusty frames can buckle or collapse in the event of an accident, causing more damage and putting the driver or passengers at risk. If you see a spot or two of rust, look carefully for more. If you see a lot of rust, run away. 5. Do Your Research and Ask Questions Classic cars are a significant investment, especially if you find an extraordinary one. However, while all classic cars are old, not all old cars are classics. Do your research and make sure you have somewhere safe to store it when you finally bring it home, and you’ll have a great time cruising your classic around town.  Classic Car advice, Scott Huntington advice, dailycarblog
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