Some Great Classic Car Inspection Tips

When buying classic cars, there is always a danger that you will get less than what you pay for. Vintage vehicles may appreciate in value, but always remember that these cars are ten to twenty years old--and that means there is a great possibility that there are some damages and scratches that will lessen its value.

As a general reminder, do not buy a car hastily. Take the time to inspect everything, from the exterior to the upholstery, and even the tires. Here are a few quick inspection tips when buying classic cars.

1. If you don't know a thing about cars, contact an expert.

If you think you don't have enough knowledge about classic cars, it is best to contact a professional for a vehicle inspections before you purchase. If you inspect the car without the proper knowledge, it is almost similar to not inspecting it at all. And even if you do have a car geek side, it might still be best to contact a professional to assist you. They might even give you a tip as to how much the vehicle is really worth.

2. Make sure you see all the paperwork and documents.

Always look for all the paperwork, from repair records to Vehicle Identification Numbers. Be suspicious of sellers who could not show all the proper documents, especially if the deal is too sweet. You would not want to risk buying a stolen car.

3. Inspect every inch of the exterior.

Check everywhere for rust. If you see one, see to it that it's just surface rust that could be wiped off. Also look for signs of repair, and cross-check with the paperwork. If you see a repair made that's not in the documents, ask the seller about it. Make sure that all the repairs have been made properly.

Inspect the mirrors, hinges, and all of the hard-to-inspect spots, like the space in between doors. And of course, check the body for any scratches or bumps. Don't forget to bring a magnet, as that may help in detecting iron fillings used to makeshift-repairs for dents.

4. Inspect every inch of the interior.

Check out the upholstery. Look for cracks, stains, and loose threads. Inspect the dashboard, the door, and headliner for any damage or watermarks. If the classic car is a convertible, check out the convertible top, especially if it's made of textile. Make sure that there are no tears. Look at all the glove compartments. Dust is okay, but hard to remove sticky stains are not.

5. Check under the hood and all other mechanisms.

Look for leaks, loose wirings, and rust. Check for water in the oil and fuel filter. Inspect the belts for tears and possible stress. Do know the history of the particular car, and make sure that the engine is original (unless the owner says that it's modified). Honk the horns, operate the wipers, and check the handbrakes.

6. Go for a test drive.

Ask the owner to start the car. Black or blue smoke out of the exhaust is not a good sign. Start the car yourself and listen to how the motor hums when idle, as well as when revved. Take the car for a ride, and observe the car's performance. How well does it accelerate? Is the suspension handling high-speed stresses well? Are the brakes too light or too strong? Is the steering wheel responsive enough? And finally, check the tachometer, speedometer, and odometer.

Correct vehicle inspections may help you save a few bucks, especially if you know what to look for.

Pre-Purchase Inspection for Used Vehicles

When people are doing research on how to buy a used vehicle, they often see information encouraging them to have an independent pre-purchase inspection done of the vehicle before purchasing it, but people may wonder whether or not it’s worth the money. It is almost always a good investment.

It is generally a good idea to have this vehicle inspection done even if the vehicle has been certified and inspected by the dealer. Ask your regular car mechanic to do the inspection for you. If you don’t have a regular car mechanic ask family and friends for their recommendations. Or look for certified facilities.

There are also companies that specialize in vehicle inspections. Their services often include an estimate of what the vehicle is worth so you’ll know whether or not you’re being asked to pay too much money for the vehicle.

A company specializing in vehicle inspections may be your best bet if a dealer won’t allow you to take a used vehicle you’re looking at off the lot (maybe because of insurance reasons). Companies specializing in pre-purchase inspections usually will come to where the vehicle is. They will do a fairly thorough job of inspecting the vehicle and find obvious problems that could cost you a lot of money down the road.

Make sure to get a written copy of the inspection report, including the estimated costs for any necessary repairs the vehicle needs. Make sure the report includes the make, model and VIN of the vehicle. If the vehicle needs repairs done and you still want to purchase it, you can use the inspection report to help negotiate a better purchase price.

Having vehicle inspections done can help you avoid buying someone else’s problem or lemon. Almost everyone knows of someone who has had a bad experience when buying a used vehicle – both private party and from a dealer. People may unknowingly buy a vehicle that was in a major accident, didn’t show the accurate mileage, was in a flood, or was a salvage vehicle – all things that can cost major repair dollars down the road and major headaches. Having a pre-purchase inspection done can help you avoid having your own horror story to share.

Used Vehicle Inspection

Purchasing a used vehicle can be risky. When excited buyers get emotionally caught up in the vehicle purchase, they often miss mechanical, cosmetic, and safety issues during visual inspections and test drives. These problems are compounded if the vehicle being purchased is located in another city and is purchased prior to being seen in person. To eliminate much of the anxiety and get an accurate picture of the condition of the vehicle, many buyers choose to have vehicle inspections done before the sale is final.

What is a Vehicle Inspections?

A vehicle inspection is a detailed assessment by a qualified individual to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of a vehicle before completing the purchase. Most pre-purchase inspections are done by a certified mechanic or automotive technician who is knowledgeable in the make and model of the vehicle being inspected. The intent of the vehicle inspections is to uncover existing conditions or to reveal maintenance shortcomings that may become potential safety or financial issues for the buyer in the future.

When should I get a vehicle inspection?

A vehicle inspection is highly recommended when purchasing a vehicle without a warranty, or when the vehicle is located in another city. When there is no warranty, the buyer is immediately assuming all the risk in the event of a breakdown or major mechanical issue. For this reason, a qualified vehicle inspection makes financial sense. Vehicles in other cities present additional challenges when the purchaser is unable to take a test drive. With just a few phone calls, you can often arrange a vehicle inspection with a local shop where the seller can drop the vehicle off for a few hours. The resulting vehicle inspections report gives the buyer added security during a long-distance transaction.

Where can I get a Vehicle Inspection?

Automobile dealerships and independent specialty shops are excellent resources for thorough vehicle inspections, and they will be familiar with the process. You can conduct an online search for “Vehicle Inspections” to find larger operations.

What should be inspected?

Unfortunately, there isn’t an industry-wide accepted standard or schedule for Vehicle Inspections. The cost of the inspection generally determines the depth and detail of the inspection. A basic inspection will be mostly visual, which includes putting the car on a hydraulic lift and checking for leaks or broken components. A more involved inspection will include a detailed road test where components such as steering and brakes can be assessed.

The vehicle inspections are usually completed before the sale; however, in some negotiations, the sale is contingent on the completion of a satisfactory vehicle inspection. A clean report is an excellent sales tool, while a questionable inspection can end the deal. To be fair to both parties, both the buyer and the seller should agree on the terms of the Vehicle Inspections before the inspection takes place