Classic Car Evaluation - Purchase

"Search me," Buddy says. "Want to go for a ride—"


"I'd rather see if you already have," you reply. "Open the hood."


Needless to say, Buddy's pride and joy is a pile. He traded his inheritance for a Bondo Biscayne with a Nova engine, a cheap-o repro interior, and a salvage title. It's easy for a real car guy to laugh at poor Buddy, but everyone's vulnerable when they're outside their area of expertise. Though every car is different, it's still wise to have planned ahead when you're looking at a used classic. While it's impossible to include complete advice in a short column, here are some ideas that might help.

Do Due Diligence
Before you go see your new objet du dé, do some research. Find books or magazine tests on the model in question. Locate experts and ask them what to look for. Be clear about what features and equipment the car should have, and what its weaknesses are.

Bring an Expert
It doesn't matter whether you're shopping for Buddy's Bel Air, a Dodge Sweptside pickup or a Porsche 356. If you don't know that model, find someone who does and bring him with you. Even if you have to pay for his time, it's better than investing in a cheap pile of scarp.