In today’s crisis market, there are more classic cars for sale than ever. Due to extreme circumstances, many classic car owners are forced to sell their prized possessions. Between private sellers classifieds, classic car dealership ads, auto auction ads, it can be almost overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you sort through the process.

1. Focus on what you want or at least in a range of years. For example, before buying my 1962 Corvette, I was looking between 1958 and 1962. That narrowed the field. Then after a while I decided that I wanted the 196262, and it got a lot easier!

2. Decide on the condition of the car.. Show car, car project, solid driver, etc. Formal ratings range from Excellent to Auto Parts, each priced to match. If you want a good looking 1967 GTO convertible, you will get a car that is probably in need of a bit of work, mostly minor, that has been well maintained or had a decent restoration at some point. The car as it is would be a solid driver and it would probably not be too difficult to get it in very good condition (almost perfect, great driver). With this information, go to some of the many sites dedicated to vehicles, just type Pontiac GTO 1967 into Google and start reading. Lots of information on standard options, VIN decoding, and things you should do now. Many of these sites have books for sale that have great detailed information that many professionals don’t even know about. Pick one or two. It will be money well spent. You should have an idea from the various price guides of what the relative values ​​are for your car. If you haven’t posted in any forums looking for your car, now is a good time to start. You will get good information.

3. The next decision is how far geographically you will search your car. Some will only look in their backyard, others will have no problem with distance. Decide on your preferences and plan accordingly. If you come across an ad from a private seller, rejection is your friend. It sounds strange, but you have to qualify it as a legitimate seller quickly or move on.

• How much do they know about the car? It should be armed with VIN, Trim Tag, and rear axle numbers so you can quickly determine how original the car is or what the seller doesn’t really know.
• Do you have a lot of pictures that show details? If not, ask for more. If the seller protects himself, he may not actually have the car. Digital cameras are cheap and there is no reason you can take several more. Your take on the good may not be the same as Hemmings Motor News’.
• Does the vendor have the proper documentation and authentication? For example, GM cars had Protecto or Plates, a metal credit card like a plate affixed to the owner’s manual with VIN, Trim Tag, and Drive Train Decoding. When the car was brought in for repair, the dealer would be in for a good impression. Thus they proved that the car was authentic.
• If the seller wants a deposit or will sell the car to someone else, that’s a red flag. for me anyway. I understand that having skins in the game, but sending someone a few hundred or thousands of dollars to the site without being seen is not realistic. If the car appears fine, arrange to have it inspected. Once you get the inspection, you can make a decision. First, you will know that the seller actually owns the car! Second, you will know what it is worth. It may cost you $ 200 to walk, but it’s better than buying the wrong car.
• When contacting dealers, answer the same questions. They must have all the information at their fingertips. One thing to keep in mind is that many distributors don’t update their inventory on purpose. They may show your car for sale and when you call, go, it’s already sold. However, they will offer to find one for you. Your call. If you have a good feeling, it may be worth it. DO NOT enter into any exclusive agreement that you are bound by. Bad idea.
• If you use eBay, all of the above apply. There are scams everywhere and you have to be careful.

If you don’t want to waste time dealing with flakes and scammers, let Your Dream Car Finder do the heavy lifting. We know the cars, where they are, and we can find and deliver it without problems.