| Most of us have a love affair with our car. And if | | | | Realize up front that some collector cars are just |
| you happen to own a classic car (or a collector | | | | worth more: Be prepared to spend a bit more for |
| car) then you are among the truly blessed. And if | | | | a collector car than what is listed in the price |
| you own a muscle car, well what can I say, that | | | | guides. Remember that price guides are just that: |
| is the cream of the crop! This comes from | | | | a guide. If the car you are looking at has the color |
| someone who actually owned a Buick Wildcat and | | | | you want, all the engine options you desire, and if |
| a 1960 Nomad. It is the dream of most guys and | | | | the restoration job is just what you were looking |
| gals to own the car they've always pictured | | | | for - well, you might want to pay more than the |
| themselves driving. Nothing looks better on a | | | | price guide suggests that it is worth. Also you |
| person than a classic car. Online auctions are the | | | | going to be saving some money on shipping if you |
| perfect places to find the car you gotta have. | | | | live close to the seller, consider adding that money |
| Why pay a dealer when you can buy that | | | | to your final bid. |
| awesome machine on an auction? Buying a | | | | Do your homework before you fall in love: Do |
| Collector Car is seldom a spur of the moment | | | | your homework before placing a bid on a collector |
| act, so it requires some thought and planning. And | | | | car, especially an American muscle car. We have |
| here are some tips on buying that dream car. | | | | a love affair with muscle cars that makes a lot of |
| Decide a head of time just how much you are | | | | our normal thinking go right out the window when |
| willing to spend on your collector car. This is | | | | we see the one we have always wanted. Know |
| probably the most important decision you have to | | | | what engine and transmission should be in the car. |
| make. Collector cars are a love affair waiting to | | | | (Homework) Ask the seller if the correct engine |
| happen and paying more for a collector car than | | | | and transmission are in it. Also ask if the seller has |
| you can afford nips the love affair in the bud | | | | the paperwork to back it up. A car having the |
| before you ever start. You'll start thinking about | | | | wrong engine or transmission should not sell for |
| how to sell it and get your money back instead | | | | as much as a car with all the right parts. Part of |
| of driving it, enjoying it and falling in love with it. | | | | your homework is checking to see what the VIN |
| When you are deciding what your budget can | | | | and engine numbers are for a particular car. The |
| afford, don't forget to factor in transportation | | | | collector car seller should be able to provide you |
| costs plus 10% of the final price. That 10% is | | | | with the VIN and engine numbers. If they can't, |
| important. This collector car is going to be your | | | | consider going with a different seller or buying a |
| "baby", your "girl", or whatever endearment you | | | | different car unless this car is the car of your |
| want to use for this new love. Like any new love, | | | | dreams. If the seller does provide them, then the |
| there are things about it you'll just have to "fix" or | | | | merry search begins. This all takes time but the |
| change. And there are always little things that you | | | | information is available to those who want to do |
| will want to do to make "her" (or "him") yours and | | | | the research. If you don't care, then simply don't |
| yours alone. Unfortunately those "fixes" are never | | | | do the research and love your car as she is! |
| free! | | | | |