59 Questions to Ask When Buying a Classic Car

Do you have your heart set on owning a classic car? There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving down the open road in a beautiful vehicle that’s been meticulously taken care of. But before you start shopping for your dream car, there are a few things you need to know.

In this blog post, we’ll run through these essential questions you should ask when buying a classic car.

59 Questions you can when buying a classic car:

  1. What is the historical significance of the car? 
  2. How well has the car been maintained? 
  3. Is the car complete and in good working order? 
  4. What is the current market value of the car? 
  5. What kind of restoration work has been done on the car? 
  6. Is the paint original or has it been redone? 
  7. Are there any dents, rust spots, or other damage? 
  8. What type of engine does the car have? 
  9. Does the engine run well? 
  10. What is the mileage on the car? 
  11. How does the car handle the road? 
  12. Are there any squeaks or rattles when driving? 
  13. Have all recall notices been addressed? 
  14. Does the car come with its original documentation, such as the owner’s manual, warranty information, and repair records? 
  15. Is there anything else I should know about the car before making a purchase? 
  16. Can I afford the initial purchase price?
  17. Can I afford the increased insurance costs?
  18. Can I afford the ongoing maintenance costs?
  19. Where will I store the car when I’m not driving it?
  20. Do I have a place to work on the car if it needs repairs?
  21. Do I have the time to devote to caring for a classic car?
  22. Am I prepared to deal with unexpected breakdowns?
  23. What type of Classics am I interested in?
  24. What size Classic do I want/need?
  25. What is my goal for this vehicle?
  26. What is the going price for the type of Classic I’m interested in?  
  27. What is the recent auction history for this type of Classic?
  28. Have there been any major changes or events (such as new legislation) that could affect my ability to enjoy my Classic?
  29. What is the estimated replacement value of this vehicle?
  30. Have there been any recalls or other safety issues associated with this model/make/year of the vehicle?
  31. What is the make and model of the car?
  32. What is the year of the car?
  33. How many miles are on the car?
  34. What is the condition of the car?
  35. Is the car still under warranty?
  36. What is included in the sale?
  37. What kind of financing is available?
  38. Can I take a test drive?
  39. When will the car be available?
  40. Can I have the car inspected by a mechanic?
  41. What is the history of the car?
  42. Has the car been in any accidents?
  43. Has the car been modified in any way?
  44. Does the car have a clean title?
  45. Is there a lien on the car?
  46. Who is the current owner of the car?
  47. How long has the current owner had the car?
  48. Why is the current owner selling the car?
  49. Is the price negotiable?
  50. Are there any mechanical problems with the car?
  51. Who was the previous owner of the car?
  52. Why are you selling the car?
  53. Where did you purchase the car?
  54. Have you had any work done on the car?
  55. When was the last time the car was serviced?
  56. What type of fuel does the car use?
  57. Do you have a title for the vehicle?
  58. Do you have a bill of sale for the vehicle?
  59. When can I take possession of the vehicle?

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a classic car be driven?

A classic car should be driven at least once a week to keep the engine lubricated and prevent any corrosion from developing.

Is buying classic cars a good investment?

It is difficult to make a blanket statement about whether or not buying classic cars is a good investment, as this will depend on a number of factors specific to each vehicle and each buyer.

However, in general, classic cars can be a good investment if they are well-maintained and if the buyer has a clear idea of what they are doing. It is important to do your research before buying any classic car, as prices can vary greatly depending on the condition and rarity of the model.

Do classic cars need more maintenance?

In general, however, it is probably safe to say that classic cars do require more maintenance than newer cars. This is because older cars tend to have more problems, and they often need specific parts that are no longer manufactured.

Conclusion

Before rushing into buying a classic car, it’s important to do your due diligence and ask some key questions about both the vehicle and its history. In this blog post, we went over these essential questions to ask when considering purchasing a classic car.

By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a better sense of what you’re getting yourself into and whether or not the vehicle is truly worth its price tag.

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