tips on buying a classic car

[lance.christoph]

Im looking a buying a 1969 camaro from a classic car dealer in Michigan. I live in Las Vegas and was thinking on purchasing the car from the dealers video. Travaling to Mich is difficult to inspect the car. Do you think this is a good decision or do you reccomend going to Mich to inspect the car. The thing I worry about is that the car wont be available depending when I can get there. Also when getting a classic what sort of things to you reccomend what to look for on an inspection. I read the article about the camaro that the guy got ripped off. How can I make sure that the car isnt all bondoed up and straight. I would appreciate any advise you can offer. Thank you

[1984 camaro]

[QUOTE=lance.christoph;222559]Im looking a buying a 1969 camaro from a classic car dealer in Michigan. I live in Las Vegas and was thinking on purchasing the car from the dealers video. Travaling to Mich is difficult to inspect the car. Do you think this is a good decision or do you reccomend going to Mich to inspect the car. The thing I worry about is that the car wont be available depending when I can get there. Also when getting a classic what sort of things to you reccomend what to look for on an inspection. I read the article about the camaro that the guy got ripped off. How can I make sure that the car isnt all bondoed up and straight. I would appreciate any advise you can offer. Thank you[/QUOTE
Get a private inspection. If the camaro is a northern car it is most shure to have rust issues. Keep in mind a clean northern car needs floor pans, trunk floor, doors, rear quarters, front fenders,core support and rockers.
Randy

[ProTouring442]

1st: Go look at the car. Unless of course you have large quantities of money to blow, at which point you should give the money to me so I can finish my project!

2nd: Make yourself a check list (on the computer) and bring it when you go look at the car. The check list should name every panel and major part with a list of conditions and a line to write in other observations.

Example:

Left Front Fender

• rust
• dings
• dents
• paint problems
• moldings/emblems
• comments: __________________________________________________ _________________________________________

Then, you can make an informed decision and not an emotional one because it "looked so good."

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by 1984 camaro

Get a private inspection. If the camaro is a northern car it is most shure to have rust issues. Keep in mind a clean northern car needs floor pans, trunk floor, doors, rear quarters, front fenders,core support and rockers.
Randy

What he said. Hire someone, someone with a good reputation to go look at the car for you then. I'm not sure how much that would run you, but it's ALWAYS a good idea to have yourself/someone look at the car before you buy it.
GOOD LUCK!

[Vegas69]

Never,ever,ever,ever..haha...buy a classic car sight unseen. Fly out there or pay someone to look at it. End of story. If you lose it, next. You can make a pile of dog crap look decent in a picture.

[chr2002ca]

Exactly what the last guy said. Never ever believe a single word a seller of a classic car tells you. Most of them lie, especially dealers who have a business and it's how they put food on the table. They want that car out the door and they'll tell you just about anything to make that happen. Sorry to be so negative, but it's just reality unfortunately. Some are honest, but it's rare.

Go inspect the car yourself and bring a long checklist and a magnet to check for bondo. And don't do a quick inspection because you're shy or want to 'believe' believe the car is as good as it looks or what the seller has to say. Be thorough and don't be shy about it. Bring a towel so you can lay down on the ground. Feel around inside the trunk on the undersides and back sides of all the metal everywhere you possibly can throughout the car. Look up under the dash with a flash light, etc. Inspect the paint all over looking for bondo cracks or rust bubbles. If you feel you won't be able to give the car an accurate inspection, bring someone who can. Be patient and wait for a solid car. You'll be happier in the long run.

Best of luck to you.

[clill]

First off...post a link to the car and get our opinion. That might save alot of grief.

[70rs]

Best advice? Listen to what all the other guys have posted. There are A LOT of cars out there. If you miss this one, there will be many others to choose from. With ANY car you may buy, do a personal inspection. Pictures, videos and dealer testimonials are usually worthless. There are honest dealers, just very very few.
Good luck!

[BBC69Camaro]

I'd pay and have someone else do the inspection. Its almost like being your own Lawyer, you are too emotionally involved to do a good job.