Classic Cars - which of us would not have given them a second glance when on the road or in a car show? There's something about a well-kept classic car that appeals to most car enthusiasts, but owning one is not something all of us can aspire to.
According to the some associations like the Classic Car Club of America, a car must be between 20 and 40 years old to be considered a "Classic". But for the spirit of this article, let us assume that I am referring to any car that is older than 20 years, whether Classic, Vintage or Antique. It is not only about spending money to acquire one, but also the specific care and maintenance that a vehicle like this requires that is forbidding for most people. If you want to own one of these, you have to be really serious about maintaining it well, else it is really a crime to possess it!
Some tips when you are thinking of buying a classic car:
- Make sure you have it appraised and examined by an expert in classic cars. A current-day mechanic may not have the expertise for this, and may miss out on some vital points.
- Ensure that you have a covered, ideally indoor area to park the vehicle to be able to keep it shielded from the elements such as rain or snow or even excessively high temperatures.
- Check the papers of the vehicle you plan to buy, and stick to a single-owner vehicle as much as possible. If you are able to check on the history of the vehicle to know if it's been in any accidents or needed body work, make sure what impact it has had on the car's interior gadgetry. Also ascertain how this would impact the price of the vehicle.
- Keep your insurance cover details handy, as this is necessary to go into action as soon as you take possession of the vehicle.
One of the best (and easiest) ways to maintain a classic car would be by taking it for a drive, as this would keep all the parts lubricated and in good condition. It may be that you are hesitant to take it out on the roads into traffic, but even if it is lying in your garage most of the time it still needs the regular tuning and maintenance as you would for any running vehicle. There are many maintenance issues that can come up with owning a classic or vintage car. From engine issues to an annoying oil leak, it's a good idea to decide your servicing plan before you purchase such a vehicle. Even after this, do be prepared for some hefty bills due to difficult-to-source vehicle parts and expert personnel costs.
I think you can understand from some of the points mentioned above that owning a classic car is definitely a luxury from the point of view of money spent. A somewhat hidden aspect is that you also have to be prepared to devote a lot of time to this activity, and to most of us - Time is nearly as much of a luxury as money is!
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