Classic Auto Loans - Classic Car Restoration

How do you find a Financial Service that does loans for all types of Classic, Antique, Muscle, Sports, Luxury, and Exotic Automobiles.With the advent of the internet, classic auto loans has become a lot easier for the classic auto enthusiast to find a loan company to help in financing his purchase of a classic car. The difficulty of finding a lender is as easy as clicking your mouse. Getting yourself a classic vehicle loan is that much easier.

Not every agency offers a classic car loan. However, dealers have reservations about the definition of the classic car model. The loan criteria are the same as in the case of a new car. Approvals for car loans are very quick and simple even with bad credit and as you will soon see there is hope even with challenging credit issues. One needs to understand the exact price being paid for the vehicle ( financing entirely would be costly ) , the components being a) the amount you decide to finance b) the cost of credit borne by you which is called the classic car finance charge c) the Annual Percentage Rate which is the main angle giving you a pinch may be and the d)the total sales price (the summation of the monthly payments with the down payment).

When looking for someone to finance your classic auto, take a look at specialty lenders that deal in classic auto financing. Thus they will have interest rates at a more reasonable rate than those of a regular lender. As well, they will have a better idea of what your car is worth, this will help so you won't need to provide a lot of extra documentation to prove your classic car is worth the amount you want to finance it for. You could also benefit from these lenders in the form of extra loan money for restoration as well.

There are other challenging situations which many people face when trying to get a car loan such as self employment, short job time, unestablished credit, or being a first time buyer. Even though bad credit car loans can help individuals with derogatory credit there are also problems people encounter which are not due to poor credit. Bad credit car loans are available for all automobile types nationwide and getting approved online is the first step to purchasing a new or used vehicle.

With banks approving financing of new cars, its likely their interest rates on classic auto loans are going to be a bit higher than those of a specialty lender. You'll also need to bring in extra paperwork in order to prove that your car is worth the amount that you're borrowing. The blue book value of a very old car is going to be next to nothing, so you will be required to prove that either its improvements or its restoration has raised the value of the car. This will make your loan that much less of a risk having come in well prepared.

Choosing the Best Car Insurance for Classic Cars

If you have a classic there are many things to consider. Of course, insurance should be one of your top priorities. Most people who own a classic spend a lot of money restoring the car and upgrading it. Getting in a wreck without insurance could cost you over 30 thousand dollars in some cases. If you are in search of a new insurance policy consider the following factors.

Do You Own A Classic?

According to the Classic Car Club of America a car is defined as classic if it was manufactured between 1925 and 1948. Antique cars are manufactured before 1916. When you are ready to get car insurance for classic cars quote you need to know the year of your vehicle.

In addition to the year of manufacture there are other standards that must be met for your car to be a classic. In most cases your car will need to be in a certain condition and have specific amenities. However, you can go online to view the guidelines for antique cars today.

Searching for Insurance

Once you have determined that your car is a classic it is time to start your search for car insurance for classic cars. Start by searching online using your zip code. This will provide you with a list of local companies or companies that offer coverage in your area.

You can also visit online insurance comparison sites to view several quotes at once. These sites make it easy to quickly compare coverage. However, when searching for a classic car you may want to search for companies that cater specifically to classics.

What Kind Of Coverage Do You Need?

Car Insurance for classic cars can be very high. After all repairing a classic car can be expensive. However, there are different types of classic car insurance. You can get insurance for the restoration period. This ensures you are covered if anything happens to your partially restored car. Next you can get insurance to cover your car during car shows. If you haul the vehicle your rates are lower than if you drive it. Finally, you can get insurance that covers your car anywhere and everywhere you go.

Classic Coverage Costs

Insurance for classic cars can be expensive. However, there are ways to save on coverage. First, contact your agent and see if you can combine your insurance to save money. Placing your home, health, life, and auto insurance under one roof will greatly reduce your costs. Second, shop around. If your rates are still too high look online for rates that are better. Third, Make sure your driving record is clear. Tickets, at-fault accidents, and negative credit items can send your insurance rates through the roof.

As you can see finding affordable insurance for classic cars doesn't have to be complicated. With just a few phone calls, and internet searches you can find reasonable rates and coverage levels. The secret to success is to search until you find a rate you are comfortable with.

Classic Car Sales - What to Look Out For

Buying a classic car requires as much, if not more work than getting a brand new one from the car dealers. You should always approach the transaction as a very important deal as you would probably be spending thousands of dollars in acquiring this new car.

Follow these guidelines when buying a classic car and you will enjoy getting the best deals from a classic car sale.

#1: Price Change

If you are a true lover of classic cars, you would probably be aware that the value of the car changes significantly within one or two years. For instance, the classic Mercedes Benz can easily pick up a cool $7000 for a 25 year old version but the price would greatly drop for one that is 23 years old. Make sure you know how much the car really is worth and what others are paying for the same model and make.

#2: Check for Rust

Do check for the presence of rust in important areas such as the wheels, the trunk and the joints .Different models rust in different ways and it helps to do a little research to find out what is common for the model you are interested in. It helps to get online and read reviews where possible so you can get a good idea of what to expect when dealing with a classic car

#3: Sunny Classic Cars

Are you aware that the experts recommend getting a classic car from those sunny areas of the country such as California as these cars are free from snow, which means that it tends to rust slowly than those being subjected to the harsh changing weather throughout the year. California classic cars are more expensive than classic cars from other locations.

#4: Restoration Job

Always check to see how much you have to pay for the restoration job. Sometimes, it is possible to get a car at a really low price but the restoration job to get it fixed is way higher than what you would need to pay for a classic car in good condition. Sometimes, what seems like a good deal may not be as enticing down the road when you realize just how much you have to pay to get the car restored to a workable condition.

#5: Project Car

Some cars are really beyond repairs and the owner just wants to get rid of those to avoid cluttering up their home. These cars are fun to get as they are really cheap and you can use it to create a new car project that attempt to restore the old car into a workable condition.

#6: Replacement Parts

Some classic cars are easily replaced when any of the components need to be changed. Mustang and Chevrolets are great examples and you can easily order the replacement part online or through a catalog.

Above all makes sure you know about the type and model of the classic car you are getting, Understanding how it works and how much you expect to pay for it gives you an added advantage when dealing for the best prices with your car d ealer.

How To Buy and Restore a Classic Car

For many people classic cars are luxury. Hence it is only a dream for most of us. If you can't afford to buy a new one due to its cost, be assured it is going to be a costlier affair to restore one as well. There are many questions to answer before you buy a classic car. Your budget situation as well as your willingness to spend on it to restore it are some the most important.

Spending the saving on a vintage vehicle is also done by many people. It is seen as an investment for many. After you restore a vehicle, the market value of it would be better than you imagined. Depending on its model and condition, classic cars can be a great potential profit maker. Car auctions are the place to look for classics. There are many classic auto enthusiasts out there willing to spend a fortune on these cars. However, before buying such a car you should consider the following:

Remember that what you want to buy would be described as a collector car.

Decide what vehicle fits your budget.

This will probably eliminate those vintages you drool about in major car shows, unless you are very rich. Just one of those cars you see in major car shows can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Researching on where to buy classic cars is not easy though.

You need to spend a lot of time and effort just by searching one of these cars. Keep in mind that these cars are not manufactured anymore and you do not often see these on your regular used car dealership. You can even be lucky and find one on junk yards or on old people's houses. They do sell or throw these classic cars away. You can even get such vehicles with a bargain price. Cars covered with rust with engines in bad shape are not new to people who look for the vintage ones. Vehicle auctions are a place to look for classics and you can even travel to get one in the auctions. Here you will get a chance to offer a bargain for it.

If you want to spend less in restoration you have to look for a classic vehicle that is in good condition. Comparison of the models should absolutely be done before you decide to buy the one you like. If you are a amateur mechanic you can probably do the comparison yourself. Otherwise you can take a professional mechanic along to help you decide which one to buy. Always remember that the less vehicle restoration required the better.

Next step after you purchase your classic vehicle is restoring it. Be prepared to spend a lot of time as well as some money on this phase, since good car parts for classic cars are hard to come by and are usually very expensive to manufacture. During restoration getting the parts for the old car can be a tedious task. You should be prepared to make many calls to the auto parts shop to get all you want. One way of easily obtaining classic car parts though, is by searching on the Internet.

Finding the hard to find parts for your classic automobile is made easy through a web search. If you can't find it online, you can always ask a manufacturer to produce one for your classic. To do so, they may need to have the old part for reference. It is very smart not to do those repairs yourself unless you absolutely know what you do. There are great auto mechanics for this purpose and you can avail their service almost anytime. That is the absolutely best way to do it. Restoration of cars is a costly affair in the mechanic shops and hence it is avoided. If you purchase your classic for investment purpose then it is wise not to go for restoration since restored cars are valued less in the future. Also notice that the cost of restoration would be higher than the value of the car at the time of restoration. However, restored cars can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.

A Guide To Owning Your First Classic Car

Classic Car owners tend to invest in their first classic car for one of two reasons. Many buy the more rare marques and more expensive models as collectors looking to earn a return on their investment at a future date. This is particularly true when the prevailing economic conditions make the price of money cheap, with low interest rates.

However, the majority of classic car owners invest in their first vehicle as their only car, which they put to daily use. Owing your first classic car should be more about the pleasure you obtain from driving it than the pain that they can sometimes bring you, due to their age.

If you rely on a classic car to do the school run and pick up the weekly shopping, and it breaks down every five minutes, the enjoyment and pleasure obtained from driving a cool car with character will soon be tempered by the hours you may spend in a lay-by, waiting for a breakdown truck to arrive.

So investing in your first classic may be a lottery and you may well end up with a 'lemon' and regrets if you do not follow certain basic guidelines when buying your first older vehicle. The secret is in choosing the right model for your needs and budget, and then locating a vehicle that has been well cared for and has already been someone else's 'pride and joy'.

Do not jump in with your heart ruling your head and buy the first model of the make of car you want that you see advertised on your local forecourt or trader magazine. Look for a car that is in keeping with your taste and style and if you do your research and pick wisely there is no reason why a well looked after classic car cannot give you as many years of trouble free motoring as a modern motor.

There are many considerations when you take your first steps towards buying a classic car, not least the purchase price but also the ongoing costs of keeping the car roadworthy. Some models of classic car are sold cheap and may at first appear to be a bargain, but a closer look often reveals that these particular models have known faults, prohibitive running costs or very expensive spare parts.

Running costs should always be a primary consideration for those who wish to use a classic car on a daily basis. A large 4 litre gas guzzler may be cheaper to buy initially, however it soon becomes clear when you visit a filling station why the 2 litre version of the same model commands a much higher purchase price and is more in demand by classic collectors.

In the case of classic cars that have been imported from abroad, the potential buyer should be aware that replacement parts are usually either much more expensive than their domestic counterparts, and in some cases of manufacturers that no longer exist, completely unavailable.

Once you have decided on the make and model of your preferred classic, ensure that you thoroughly research all the known problems for the car. Most classic cars have owners clubs online and a quick visit to these and related forums can provide invaluable assistance in helping you determine potential problems you might have and an indication of running and maintenance costs of the model. Furthermore, these enthusiasts are the people you will meet if you intend to show your classic or attend rallies or obtain rare spare parts, so it pays to introduce yourself to the community at an early stage.

One final consideration that must not be overlooked is the cost of Insurance. This really should not be a worry as Classic Car Insurance polices are often extremely competitive, especially if the classic is to be your second car or you choose a limited mileage policy. Even for young drivers most car insurance underwriters realise that you are not going to wrap your classic motor into the nearest tree at the earliest convenience, however classic cover for larger models is usually restricted to drivers over the age of twenty three. Insurers will now consider any car over tens years old as a 'modern classic' and younger drivers can obtain cover for these by visiting a specialist car insurance broker or provider. When searching for classic or collectors cover online, it is now possible to compare car insurance quotes at many of the major car insurance comparison websites. However if you require tailored cover or have unusual driving requirements, visit a specialist insurer who offers schemes for your particular make and model of classic car.

What to Consider When Buying a Classic Car

Buying a classic car is, for many, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Whether buying a prize example of their first car 30 years on or reliving childhood holidays in a fine example of dad's old saloon, classic car ownership is about enjoyment and relaxation. But the sheer enthusiasm with which many people enter into the purchase can sometimes blind them to the harsh realities of owning and running a classic car.

I have bought and sold many cars in my years running the UK's largest classic car hire company. In that time I have learnt the hard way how to buy classic cars well. I bought my first classic car in 1993, a rare Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti in black. It was my dream car, having cycled past an identical example every day while at school. I did my research, buying copies of all available Buyers' Guides and I knew exactly what to look for and what to avoid. Unfortunately, what none of these guides told me was the cardinal rule - buy with your head not your heart. I particularly wanted a black Alfasud and when I clapped eyes on the car this was the over-riding thought in my head. It blinded me to the reality of the car's obvious flaws, including suspect electrics and typically Alfa-esque rust holes. Floating on a wave of dream fulfillment I convinced myself that these were idle matters and coughed up the asking price to a probably flabbergasted owner.

When you go to buy a classic car bear in mind two simple rules. Firstly, it is not the only example of its kind in the world. Regardless of how closely its specification matches your desires, there will be another one out there. Secondly, picture the asking price as money in your hand - this will help you to appreciate the value of the purchase. Very often cars are bought and then paid for later, which gives plenty of time for circumspection! I strongly recommend that anyone buying a classic car takes along a friend who can be relied upon to be objective - they can reign you back when your enthusiasm takes ov er.

When I bought the Alfasud I managed to bring it back to a respectable standard, but it cost me to do so. That taught me another rule of car buying - objectively assess the cost of repairing the car before you buy it. Know the market value of any car you plan to buy - what is it worth in average condition and what is it worth in excellent condition? Objectively assess the value of repairing the car's faults by researching the cost of trim, bodywork, mechanical work and so on. Do not under-estimate the cost of apparently minor work - scuffs and scrapes on the paintwork can cost hundreds of pounds to put right. If a seller says something is an 'easy fix' you have to wonder why they haven't done it themselves.

When you go to view a classic car do your research first. Check the buying guides. Visit web forums and ask questions that are not immediately answered by your research - generally forum contributors are very happy to help. Talk to the experts - marque experts who repair cars on a daily basis are often very happy to offer advice because you may become a customer. Talk to people who own similar cars - a good place to start is with classic car hire companies who run classic cars over several thousand miles every year. I often get asked by would-be owners about the cars I run and I am always very happy to offer advice based on living with classic cars day in and day out. Before you view the car ring the owner first and run through a checklist of questions - this will save you a wasted journey.

Besides the actual car itself, there are two other areas to pay particular attention to when you view a car. Firstly, the owner - the old adage about buying a used car from a man like this obviously applies. If the owner is genuine, the chances are that the car is too. And of course, the reverse is true too. Secondly, have a look at the paperwork thoroughly - check that the contents back up the description of the car in the advertisement and from the owner. The paperwork should be well presented rather than a jumble of paperwork that is difficult to decipher - if the owner can't be bothered to organise this detail, what else has he skimped on?

Your test should include full inspection inside and out and underneath, ideally using a ramp (local garages are often happy to arrange this - the seller should be able to sort this out).

On the test drive you should start the car from cold - insist before arrival that the seller allows you to do this - and you should drive at least 5-10 miles at the wheel. Check for unusual noises on start up - particularly knocking - and monitor the dials throughout the test. Check that the oil pressure and water temperature perform as expected. Check the brakes - do an emergency stop. Rev the engine through the gears and test rapid gear changing. Drive the car quickly around a corner to test the suspension and steering. Test all of the switches, particularly the heating - failed heaters can be a costly and very inconvenient expense.

if you like the car you're looking at, buy yourself some thinking time. Don't be railroaded into a quick decision by the vendor. Often the seller will genuinely have a lot of interest in the car - if so, depending on how you feel you should ask for either overnight or at least a few hours to think about it. if you are serious you could offer a small deposit as a demonstration of good faith. It is better to lose £100 than several thousand through a rushed decision. I would recommend viewing the car at least twice in daylight.

This is inevitably not an exhaustive assessment of what to consider when buying a classic car but if you follow these simple rules you will stand a much better chance of buying the right car for you. Buy with your head not your heart and buy with a closed wallet.

Classic Car Parts For Ford Cars

Classic usually means something that possesses lasting worth and significance. It is commonly appended to things with values that survived the test of time. All classics are considered a worthy catch and held in high esteem.

Classic car is a given term to refer to an older automobile model. Those more than 25 years old already could fall under this type of car. One group named the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) is a leading authority for such collectibles. Classic vehicles to them are those produced between 1925 and 1949, be it local or foreign. This is the pre-war period.

These cars are sold at a very steep price because they are out of production already. The parts are more difficult to find since a few shops will continue to manufacture such parts.

There are things you could look at to see if a car is classic. First, you could check the engine. It is usually replaced to a higher power for greater speed and faster pull on the road. You could also look into accessories used that seem very luxurious, with a custom coachwork even. The original power brakes, automatic or one-time lubrication systems, and power clutch were most likely upgraded in class cars.

There is a gray area however in the definition of these cars. Some which are younger than 25 years are referred to as modern classics, although the popular associations will not accept it. The Porsche 944 is a modern classic.

The different definitions stem from the fact that people classify these cars in several ways. The CCCA will base it on the year of manufacture. But if this is the case, then those Porsche 1980 models will immediately be disqualified. Some will look into the availability of parts. It is classic if the parts are scant in the market. If you gather a consensus, the majority will however agree that 25 years is just right to make for a classic car since these machines normally go beyond their design life within 10 to 15 years.

Owning classic cars can be a benefit and a nuisance depending on how you look at it. They are great investments and excellent properties for like antiques, the value of the cars will get higher as time goes by. They are rare and most expensive next to latest models.

The self-satisfaction and fulfillment of owning one outweigh all the disadvantages. Maintaining classic cars especially by car enthusiasts is a valuable investment. Obviously, some car parts are not available even in specialty parts stores for it is out of production but there are still parts that are still available in the market. The growing community of classic car enthusiasts ensures future classic car owners that classic car parts will eventually flourish and boom once again. Parts of classic cars vary in price depending on the rareness and age of the vehicle. It is ideal to consult leading authorities when it comes to classic car dealings.