So, you’re on the market for a classic or specialty car…congrats! We’ve all had to do our time and buy the “practical” car but we’ll also all admit that there was probably a car that you’ve been dreaming of for years, and now you’ve decided to make that dream come true. However, what should you look for exactly when you’re looking for a car? Here are 6 things to check on a used car before you make the purchase!
1. Car Mileage
This is one is a given…a car with 35,000 miles on it is way better than a car with 250,000 miles. A car with tons of miles on it has seen a lot of roads and has probably hit a bump or two along the way. Even if it was well taken care of, a car with 250,000 miles on it is going to be reaching the end of its life sooner rather than later.
2. Rust/Dry Rot
Rust is a tough one, especially if the car has been in a humid area or if it’s been exposed to snow or salt-covered roads frequently. The best way to check is to put the car on a lift if you have one. However, if that isn’t an option, take a good look under the car to see what the condition is. This is where you will see the most rust. When it comes to dry rot, it’s important to look at the tires for signs of cracking, a faded color, and brittleness. Though this may not be a dealbreaker, it’s important to take note.
3. Drive Time
It’s important to ask the owner if the car was driven often. A car that has been sitting in the garage for the last several years is likely to have a lot of issues. However, a car that was driven occasionally is probably better maintained and in proper driving condition.
4. Rodent Damage
Signs of rodent damage in a car you’re about to purchase is not something you want to see! Some things you can look for are gnawed wires, claw and bite marks on the upholstery, and even droppings around the car. If the car you’re about to purchase has rodent damage, there are likely even more problems that you can’t see yet.
5. Original Parts
This is a big one for classic cars! Are the parts original to the car? This is a very important question to ask and also can change the value of the car. If you’re a car enthusiast, you know just how exciting it is to find a beautiful car that has all of the original parts.
6. Check for Fluids
If you see oil marks on the garage floor under the car you’re about to buy, it’s probably not a good sign. Leaking fluids are not good and it’s something you want to check in on before you make any big decisions.
It’s time for you to make the big purchase so if your dream car meets all of these requirements, it’s your time to make your move! We love classic and specialty cars and are proud to be able to auction off such beautiful cars. Click here to be the first to know about upcoming auctions!