If you're a vintage car enthusiast looking to make your first purchase, you may be wondering where to begin. While an antique car is an enjoyable hobby and an excellent investment, it can also be difficult to find a reputable dealer or seller, navigate pricing, or validate a vehicle's condition. A little bit of know-how can go a long way when it comes to negotiating a fair deal on a car you love. With this in mind, here are three helpful tips for investing in a classic.

Useful Tips for Purchasing an Antique Car

1. Do Some Due Diligence

Verifiable documentation on an antique car can help you validate its authenticity and value while also ensuring you get a fair price. Research all available documentation on the vehicle, beginning with its maker and ending with the current owner. Check documents such as titles, bill of sale, original window stickers, the owner's manual, and any original paperwork that might have come with the car. 

2. Buy the Best Car You Can Afford

While you might be tempted to consider an antique car that comes in well below your budget, it’s also wise to consider the reason behind the low sticker price. Like all antiques, vintage cars come with a history.

In some cases, it might be features that make the vehicle more valuable, while in others, it could include a history of body damage or accidents, requiring excessive or costly repairs. When shopping for a vintage car, it’s ideal to purchase the best vehicle you can within your budget to ensure you're getting a top-rate vehicle with as little maintenance and restoration work as possible.

3. Use an Inspector When Possible

Whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller, it’s wise to bring a second set of eyes with you—ideally, someone with experience inspecting antique and vintage cars. Inspectors can provide a valuable reality check, making sure a vehicle is exactly as described in the paperwork without letting emotions get involved.

While you may be willing to go a little over budget for the car of your dreams, an inspector will use their extensive knowledge and neutral position to provide insight that may save you money or heartache on a vehicle that needs more work than you realized. A reputable antique car inspector can be found through local car clubs, restoration shops, or classic car dealers.

If you're looking to purchase a classic car, visit the Charlotte AutoFair. This Mecklenburg County, NC, gathering of over 10,000 car collectors, buyers, and sellers is the most famous and celebrated auto fair destination in the Southeast. Bringing car collectors and enthusiasts together for over 30 years, this four-day event is the perfect opportunity to find the antique car of your dreams. Call (704) 841-1990 or visit their website for more details about upcoming events and registration.