How Does One Shop for a Classic Car?

"Money Hustard" (moneyhustard)
03/03/2015 at 11:04 • Filed to: Car Shopping, Classic Cars

My Dad keeps buying long bodied BMW 7-Series and they keep being total disappointments. So we went car shopping together and I got to the root of his problem. He wants a car that he likes to drive, but also one that can accommodate passengers comfortably.

I have him considering a two-car solution instead: a comfy big SUV and a fun classic car. For what he's spending on 7-serieses (about $90K) he could get a fine example of both.

He's not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, so he's going to be looking for cars in decent condition from reputable sources.

Other than your eBays and Lists of Craig, where does one look for a great classic car?

DISCUSSION (17)

505Turbeaux > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 11:08

dealing with most classic dealers is just as much of a bitch as it is shopping private or ebay, and there are alot of crooks out there. Is he paying cash?

crowmolly > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 11:09

Well, what is he looking for? Typically enthusiast forums have some type of classified section, and you can even search by the selling member to see what questions/issues they raised while owning the car.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 11:10

Autotrader Classic , cars.com , Hemmings , Bring a Trailer , or for international searches (UK based, US cars also available), CarandClassic.

bob and john > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 11:11

something he likes to drive? best driving experiance there is is a motorcycle. Dont matter if its a 900lbs harley or a 200lbs CBR125. they will always be more fun then even a miata

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > bob and john
03/03/2015 at 11:13

While that may be true, it's also not for everyone.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
03/03/2015 at 11:14

Bring a Trailer is a great option. They always have really nice vehicles on there.

That being said, I'd still stick to Craigslist for the most part.

However, a former neighbor of mine in AZ ended up buying a really clean '65 Mustang from a guy at Barrett Jackson a few years ago. He got the car for $5k, which is what the owner had originally paid before doing some restoration work (his wife apparently thought he had too many cars and just wanted the Mustang gone). There are great deals out there if you take your time.

stuttgartobsessed > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
03/03/2015 at 11:16

Forums, Forums, Forums.

Also do your research. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to bug the local expert mechanic for whatever you are looking for.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

bob and john > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
03/03/2015 at 11:16

agreed. Just saying, it something to look into

Cherry_man1 > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 11:43

Really I found my Gran Torino on CL. Forums, sm70 more or less listed it all off. On rare occasion they have them on cars.com as well.

I say look for a Torino cause that's one of Dom's hero cars in the new FF movie. 68-69 body would be the one to look for and in fastback.

Money Hustard > 505Turbeaux
03/03/2015 at 12:03

Yeah, cash, probably looking to spend $30-$50K.

505Turbeaux > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 12:05

you are always going to get a better buy private, but I dont know what exactly is on his shopping list. The SUV is easy, any car lot around can suit his needs for new or used, the classics I would figure out what he has his eyeballs on, or even a general sense, then I can steer you in if it HAS TO BE a dealer job

Money Hustard > 505Turbeaux
03/03/2015 at 15:36

It's difficult, because he's not that aware/knowledgeable about the market (but has owned a few great classics in the past and enjoyed them), but will likely know the right car when he sees it.

Money Hustard > crowmolly
03/03/2015 at 15:38

He doesn't know, but he'll know when he sees it. I want to give him some good tools to understand what is available out there and how much it realistically costs.

505Turbeaux > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 15:39

gotcha, get that man the classifieds. Summers a coming

crowmolly > Money Hustard
03/03/2015 at 15:51

Yeah, just asking since there are plenty of people on here with "specialties" in particular makes/models, etc and can help him get a good deal. If he goes classic GM, post up.

Money Hustard > crowmolly
03/03/2015 at 15:58

I will, despite the Iso Grifo image above, I am pushing him domestic. He's got a shop one of the best mechanics I've ever experienced about a block away that could handle just about anything domestic.

Money Hustard > 505Turbeaux
03/03/2015 at 15:58

Not a bad idea.