Buyer’s guide – 5 mistakes you should avoid when buying a classic car!

Classic car sellers are creative when it comes to selling a vehicle. The defects are hidden, with a little filler and paint it should get the shine of the best years. What tricks are there? What details should you pay close attention to, so that you do not regret the purchase later? In our article you will get 5 tricks, which will help you not to commit the usual mistakes..

Trick #1 – Prominent description

It is well known from other advertisements, the tire foam provides the new tires and the paint shower provides the shine. Ads use creative approaches to make the description stand out. Words like “optimized” usually indicate a modification, no trace of the original. “Flash rust and spots” are indications of defects in the paint. Even “slight signs of use” can quickly become a full restoration. In principle, the descriptions should be checked carefully and compared with the pictures. More or more accurate pictures can help before going long distances. A meticulous inspection of the overall condition on site is of course mandatory. Here it is advisable to have a specialist with you if possible.

Trick #2 – Oil in the combustion chamber

The heart of the vehicle, e.g. engine and transmission, are difficult to see and are therefore a popular target for manipulation. If a vehicle stands for many years, then all fluids must be replaced. Often, repair is also necessary, for example, when the engine becomes solid and can no longer be turned. The condition of these parts should be based on a visual inspection, test drive or check with tools.
When starting, pay particular attention to the exhaust, bluish smoke indicates the burning of oil. In general, the starting and starting behavior should be observed. If it jerks, shakes and pops, then you can plan a more extensive repair.

Trick #3 – Paint

Holes and dents smeared, freshly showered without primer, done. A sales paint job is a popular vehicle for improving the overall impression. A paint layer measuring device can help here. To check putty or other conspicuous features, a magnet is sufficient in individual cases.

Trick #4 – hidden holes

The classic car has a new paint job and a fresh general inspection stamp. Has the work been done cleanly? A well-known trick to close holes are the sheets of cola cans or strong aluminum foil. The holes are filled with it, filled, sanded and painted. This does not only refer to the outer sheet metal but also to the underbody. At first glance, everything looks wonderful with it and the Announce shines high up in the display list. Often, body sealant is also used to cover up smaller holes. A closer inspection of the body on the lifting platform reveals these defects.

Trick #5 – Who is behind the ad?

On the well-known sites like mobile, autoscout or eBay you can often find very cheap offers. Here you should act with caution! Quickly you get embarrassed and emotional, is the classic car dream closer than you think? Unfortunately no. It is also a well-known trick! Scammers use emotional topics like the classic car passion to get closer to their goal. Real sales ads are copied 1:1 and advertise them with their own contact details. After contacting them, you are asked to transfer the money in advance or send it to trustees. To keep up appearances, professional logos and addresses are used. The goal, of course, is to make money from a vehicle that you do not own. Do not fall for this trick and do not transfer money to sellers you do not know or have ever seen the vehicle.

If you already have a classic car and are looking for spare parts, send us a request or check out our online store!