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Assess That Classic—Before You Buy

Knowledge and other ways to safeguard your purchase

Created by John Stein

"When did you get this?" you ask Buddy, your car buddy, while eyeing his glistening '58 Chevy in your driveway one Saturday morning.

"I got it over in East Fishbait," he answers. "Saw it last Sunday, cashed in my inheritance on Wednesday, and picked it up yesterday."

"It's certainly shiny," you say supportively, noting the new paint and fresh whitewalls. "What do you know about it?"

"What do you mean? It's a '58 Bel Air."

"I mean, what's its history? Who owned it? Did you check for rust? How's the engine and trans?"

"Search me," Buddy says. "Want to go for a ride?"

"I'd rather see if you already have," you reply. "Open the hood."

Needless to say, Buddy's pride and joy is a pile. He traded his inheritance for a Bondo Biscayne with a Nova engine, a cheap-o repro interior, and a salvage title. It's easy for a real car guy to laugh at poor Buddy, but everyone's vulnerable when they're outside their area of expertise. Though every car is different, it's still wise to have planned ahead when you're looking at a used classic. While it's impossible to include complete advice in a short column, here are some ideas that might help.

Do Due Diligence

Before you go see your new objet du dé, do some research. Find books or magazine tests on the model in question. Locate experts and ask them what to look for. Be clear about what features and equipment the car should have, and what its weaknesses are.

Bring an Expert

It doesn't matter whether you're shopping for Buddy's Bel Air, a Dodge Sweptside pickup or a Porsche 356. If you don't know that model, find someone who does and bring him with you. Even if you have to pay for his time, it's better than investing in a cheap pile of scarp.

Learn the History

Make sure to examine any service or repair records the seller has. They can tell you much about the car's history and help you verify that you're getting the model you think you are.

Investigate Thoroughly

Take the time necessary to determine its condition. If circumstances allow, ask the seller to drive it to a shop with a lift and then pay to have it inspected.

If you're capable of doing so safely, here are some specific things you can check during an inspection and test drive.

Exterior

Check along the body sides and look for waviness, paint flaws and poorly aligned panels.

Inspect body trim, badges and window gaskets for condition. Overspray may reveal how well the car has been repainted.

Check all windows for cracks, delamination and pitting. Glass is expensive to replace.

From a distance, check how the car sits generally. Are the bumpers straight? Does it sit correctly, or does it look like it's been whacked?

Interior

Years of sunlight and heat can fade and crack interiors. Check the condition of the upholstery, instrument panel, consoles and door panels.

Verify whether the lights, audio and HVAC systems work properly.

Is the mileage accurate? This may not matter to you, but it may to the guy who eventually buys the car from you. Go through the service and repair records to confirm how the mileage and years have added up.

Make sure the options, features and trim are right for the model you're shopping.

Engine

Only an expert will be able to verify that such things as carburetors, manifolds, heads and block are correct. If you don't have that help available ask the seller to explain the features.

You can't do engine testing without tools, but you can look for leaks and general disrepair. And examining the tailpipe (with the engine off!) may tell you if the engine's an oil burner. You want a nice, dry exhaust tip.

Assess the overall condition visually. An engine compartment is like someone's closet- If it's shipshape, chances are the rest of the vehicle is too.

Ask where the car is generally parked and look on the ground there. An oily nest can only mean one thing- the car's a leaker.

Test Drive

Have the owner start the car for you while you stand off to the side. Look for smoke and listen for clattering upon startup, which may indicate bearing or lifter problems.

On the test drive, consider engine smoothness and power, clutch and/or transmission action, steering precision, suspension compliance, braking response and feel. Odd characteristics are sometimes part of an old vehicle's DNA, but be alert for any aberrations.

Listen and feel for clunks, rattles and shudders. And then ask for explanations.

Finally, keep track of the gauges. The car should hold steady oil pressure, coolant temperature, and battery charge.

While these tips may not save you from duplicating your buddy Buddy's misfortune, they should help send you down the right track. How do we know? Been there, bought that.