Scam-proof classic cars for sale
AutoClassic cars for sale are big business these days. There is no shortage of unscrupulous people who will take your money and disappear!
To be an informed shopper, most of your time will be spent in what I call the homework or preparation stage. Probably 70 percent of your time will be spent studying classic car sales information, doing research, and consulting with friends or trusted experts about the authenticity and details of the car. Once you’ve done your homework, the rest is a simple purchase transaction. The more prepared a buyer is, the smoother and faster the transaction will be.
What this means is that you will need to invest the time and money necessary to thoroughly research what you are buying. It’s about preparation. The only thing that rings true is that you will either spend time or money researching your potential purchase or hire an expert to handle the transaction from start to finish.
Three Tips to Prevent Classic Car Scams
1. Know what you want to buy
The main details for clarity are knowing what you are looking for, how much you have to spend, and how far you are willing to travel. Buying a classic car or vintage muscle car is an exercise in search and elimination. Think of yourself as a modern day Sherlock Holmes. There’s no point looking at a show car if you can realistically only afford a project car or a weekend cruise. Because the internet has made our world smaller, don’t waste time if the buyer lives across the country and you’re only willing to buy locally.
Check out NADA’s pricing guide for a rough idea of what the car will cost based on condition. If the deal is too good to be true (are you really going to buy a 1969 Camaro in excellent condition for $ 5000?), Then it could be a scam. If you contact the seller and insist on transferring a deposit, you will know for sure that it is a scam. We guarantee you will never see cash again!
2. Research your vehicle
Buying a classic car has become serious business. Classic cars for sale are now selling for what I paid for my first home. Would you buy a home without having a home inspection? Probably not. The same goes for buying a muscle car for sale. Do your research. Get as much information as you can about the car’s make, model, year, and options. The more knowledgeable you are about the car, the better you will be able to negotiate if necessary. And it also tells the salesperson that you know what you’re talking about.
The Internet makes searching easy. Join a forum that focuses on the type of car you want to buy. I know serious car collectors who won’t buy a car unless they bring in an expert or guru to look at it first. If it’s good enough for them, it’s probably an idea that you might want to consider. There is nothing wrong with not knowing everything about a car. You definitely want to avoid paying for what seems like a highly desirable car only to find out that it is a clone.
Many people have saved thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars just by paying an expert to inspect and document a car. If the car is extremely desirable and rare, the old adage that you can pay me now or you can pay me later applies. Hire an expert or talk to someone you trust who can help you check the car. Online car clubs and forums are excellent resources for this type of information.
3) Make sure all your questions are answered
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Being clear gives you the confidence to make a purchasing decision. This serves many purposes. Before physically looking at the car, contact the seller and ask the important questions. Here are a number of key questions to ask the seller even if the details are not mentioned in the ad (this can check the credibility of the seller if you really know the details about your car). I find asking questions in categories helpful in organizing information.
Engine, drive train, options
* What is original of the car? (Engine, transmission, differential)
* Drivetrain specifications (hp, engine size, rear axle ratio, transmission type)
* Options: A / C PS, PB, Vinyl Roof, Trim Packages
* How does it work?
Body and Interior
* Color and condition of the interior?
* Original body panels, some accident, damage to the frame, paint and condition of the body panel
* Currently inspected and roadworthy car or restoration project?
* Known mileage and mechanical issues?
Title and price
* Does the car have a clean title?
* What is the sale price or at least an approximate figure?
How does it look?
* Can you get detailed digital images? If so, get A LOT so you can see every detail.
* Submit to experts or post to a forum for feedback. The seller may think the car is all original, but they may not know it. An expert can spot the obvious.
Logistics
* Will they allow you to bring in an expert or an independent third party to inspect and verify the car? (Otherwise RUN the deal. Don’t walk)
* Is there a place locally where I can arrange to put the car on a lift and do a visual and physical inspection?
This may seem like a lot of work, but it is critical to a solid transaction where you get exactly what you want.
The best advice I can offer is to remember that you are in control of the transaction. If there’s something that doesn’t feel right about the car or the seller or anything related to the transaction, let it go. This includes being pressured by a salesperson to make a quick decision. If a deal is to work, it must be natural and a win-win situation for both parties. Usually something suspicious happens if a seller starts to close a deal with difficulty. There is no use trying to force an agreement to work with either party.
The Dream Car Finder makes finding, authenticating and delivering the car of your dreams easy!