Classic Car or Collector Car Inspections

When shopping for a classic Corvette, or any collector car for that matter, make sure that you first have the vehicle inspected. This is not your typical State inspection, this is a Collector Car Inspection. This is critical when buying a collector car.  If you buy the car over the internet, you will want to ensure an independent inspector is allowed to do a full inspection. You will want to ensure you are getting the exact car you pay for, and there are many unscrupulous people out there who make clones of originals and try to sell them.

Specialty car inspection helps authenticate the car, and can provide you important details regarding the health of the car. If a seller does not allow you to have an inspection done, look for another car to buy. You should not buy a classic car, hot rod, or collector car if the seller is not willing to let an independent inspector and appraiser review the car before the purchase, as they should have no problem allowing this if they have nothing to hide. Of course, you will be responsible for the cost of the inspection, which is usually anywhere from $100 - $500, as well as the cost of hiring an appraisor to appraise the car. An appraiser can help ensure the car is in good condition, or at least in the condition you expect it to be based on the ad to which you responded, and ensure you are paying a fair price for the car in its current condition. The appraiser can also authenticate the car based on the VIN number, check if the numbers match, verify the engine and transmission are correct, verify the title history, ensure it is not a stolen vehicle, etc. If the car has been modified in any way, this should also be noted at this time. If the seller claims it to be original, this should verify or negate that claim. This is the best way to ensure the car is exactly what you believe you are buying, and to get the best deal. If the car is a completely custom car, such as a kit car, this will also help authenticate the quality of the car, and if the car is street legal in your area.

If you are willing to pay the amount of money many collector cars, classic cars, and hot rods demand, I feel a pre-purchase classic car inspection is absolutely necessary before you plunk down your hard earned cash. If you have the car inspected and appraised before you purchase, you can save yourself a lot of headaches down the road. This step is also required from many financing companies that specialize in classic car loans.

Anytime you buy a used car, regardless of any other inspection, you will want to get a history report to check for accidents!