Category Archives: Classic Cars
Estimating the Value of a Classic Car Accurately
It is easier to identify a classic car than determining its value. Your friends, family members, and even neighbors would take every chance to at least take a picture of the lovely classic car hanging in your garage but you might have a difficult time deciding the value of the car if peradventure you want to sell. Or maybe you found your dream classic car listed on a car lot but do not know if its price is fair or not. Classic car value estimator Maine can help you get the right estimate of that sweet vintage ride you’d like to sell or buy.
So how do you estimate classic car values? The easiest option is to use the services of a classic car value estimator Maine. These experts are skilled in handling this kind of task and know the tricks to know how much a car’s worth. Check out a few tricks below
Market Research
The first obvious way to determine the value of a classic car is to visit as many dealerships as possible to get updated on the current market value. The results from the research put you a step ahead in determining an accurate estimate for your sweet vintage ride.
Have it in mind that a dealership will always give you a quote higher than the actual market value. Oftentimes, they add 10% extra. Other determinants include demand for the car and personal preference. Amongst all the options, consulting with dealers gives a more accurate price range.
Car Condition
One of the major factors that determine how much a classic car’s worth include the condition of the car. Most classic car appraisers use a five-point system, as follows
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Excellent – indicating the car is as good as new
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Very Good – Car exhibits minor mechanical fault or small scratches but usually drivable
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Good – Car requires a little restoration job, and in perfect shape for commuting.
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Fair: Requires more restoration job with obvious damage. A car with a good exterior look but with a faulty engine or mechanical failure.
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Parts Car: The car is written off and irreparable. Just as apparent in its name, people buy the car to make use of its part not for driving purposes.
Customization Devalues the Car
While ‘pimping’ a ride to your taste can be a great idea, it devalues its worth when you want to sell. One of the reasons behind this notion is that it is hard to find original parts of a classic car on the market. In the same vein, maintaining the original parts doesn’t come cheap. A classic car that hasn’t undergone any form of modification will come with a hefty price tag.
Rare
Classic Dodge Chargers for instance may be expensive on the market, Chargers with a Hemi engine is a jackpot. This is because the latter were manufactured in limited numbers. Rare classic cars command a higher price.
Get to know the value of your precious valuable through the right classic car value estimator Maine.
How to Take Care of Your Old, Classic Car
If you are a true admirer of classic vehicles, you must be already familiar with Oldtimer Magazine. This magazine discusses and provides news related to old, classic automotive. The Oldtimer provides several categories, such as Oldtimer Asia, Oldtimers Africa, Oldtimer Europe, and many more. In this article, we will share tips on how to take care of old and classic cars.
Pay Attention to Component Conditions
Old cars are not as strong as new cars. This is why it is important for you to frequently check the conditions of your car’s component in order to avoid unwanted incidents on the road. Especially, if you still drive your old car. Check the condition of every component, such as the brake, wheels, suspension, and so on.
Regularly Change the Engine Oil
The next is about changing the engine oil. Old cars tend to be more wasteful of oil. You change the engine oil this month, you will likely have to change it again the next month. But, do not be lazy to change the engine oil because if you are, you will worsen the condition of your old car, especially the engine part.
Check the Radiator
The next thing you should be concerned when it comes to taking care of old cars is the radiator. The radiator acts as a temperature cooler on the engine. There is water in the radiator that will run out within certain periods of time. If this happens, your old car will break down when you drive it. So, always check the radiator.
Replace the Timing Belt
A timing belt is also an essential part in a old car. If the timing belt is damaged or cut, your car will not be able to move. So, it will be better if you replace the timing belt when the distance has reached approximately 40 km.
Regularly Clean Your Old Car
Besides the body, you should also clean all parts of your old car that are reachable. Try to clean your car at least once a week with a damp cloth. Avoid using a detergent to wash your old car because the chemicals contained in detergents can damage the paint of your car. Instead, use a car shampoo. Before you wash your old car, make sure there is no leaking part of the car that is prone to water. By regularly cleaning your old car, you can keep driving it with comfort for a long time.
Regularly Tune Up
In order to anticipate severe damages on the engine that will cost you more, you are suggested to regularly tune up your old car in a trusted workshop. Tune up is the process where your car’s engine will be thoroughly maintained. From checking, adjusting, repairing, to replacing components, if necessary. As you know, old cars require special maintenance and attention.
Those are the tips to take care of old, classic cars. If you want to know more about other useful tips, you can check the official website of the Oldtimer Magazine.
Smart Ways to Purchase a Classic Car
Buying classic cars is definitely more complicated than buying the usual used cars. There is something special and timeless about classic car, and it can be hard finding a classic car that has those qualities but are still in good condition. Even though there are so many classic car enthusiasts in Collingwood and you can find people selling their classic vehicle basically all around the town, you need to be very careful and meticulous. You need to pay attention to the car’s quality from the engine down to all the tires. Furthermore, you also need to be aware of scammers, especially if you are just a beginner in the world of classic cars. So, to make sure you can make the best decision and purchase the car that will make you happy, here are some tips to help you.
Decide for What Purpose You Will Use the Car
If you only want to have the car for show purpose only, you definitely want a car that is in its absolute best condition. No scratches, no bubbles, no rust. However, if you want to use the car to commute daily, you can take it a little bit easy on the appearance department. One or two bubbles are to be expected and you can always go to your favorite auto repair shop to restore the condition. But remember, no matter for what purpose you want to use the car, you shouldn’t purchase a car that has plenty of rust on it. Even though it will be cheaper, it will impossible to restore it if it is covered with too much rust.
Join a Club
If you have decided what kind of classic car you want to buy, make sure you join the car’s local club, which you can find easily in Collingwood. Not only you can find trusted seller from the club, once you have purchased the car, you can also share a lot of things with fellow enthusiasts. As we know, finding spare parts for classic car can be very difficult. If you hang out with the right people, it will be easier for you to find information about car maintenance, auto shop to buy spare parts and to have oil change.
Go Bold and Find Rarer Cars
Classic car is not only about hobby, you can also use it as an investment. When you are purchasing a classic car, of course you are thinking of having it for a very long time and you will give it the best care and maintenance. If one day, you are thinking of selling the car, maybe to buy another classic, you can get much more money if you manage to sell a well maintained rare classic car.
Get Help from Professional
Buying classic car can be full with uncertainties, especially since it is hard to find out whether the mechanical condition is good or not. If you are not sure of what you should do, it is best to ask for help from professional mechanic and ask him whether the car is worth buying or not.