So you've always been a fan of the classic muscle car -- with its sleek, power-packed engine housed in a body that's still too cool for school. The only difference between the way you feel now when you walk up to a lean, mean Ford or Chevy and the way you felt back in high school is that today you can actually afford to make that life long dream come true. But should you? Is owning a classic car a savvy way to invest your extra cash? Or is it just an indulgent whim that could turn into an endless money pit down the road? Before you take the plunge, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with all the responsibilities that come along with this particular hobby. Only then can you make an informed decision on whether classic car ownership is the right move for you.
Purchasing Classic Car Insurance
If your classic muscle car ever reaches the point where it's actually able to be driven out of your garage, you'll need to purchase car insurance. All in all, this is one of the lesser expenses involved in owning an older model car. Unless you've purchased something that's worth six figures -- and who has that much extra cash lying around -- the cost of insuring a classic is usually negligible, meaning it runs less then the cost of insuring the family roadster. Partly this is due to the resale value of the car, and the other part is due to the fact that people who own classic cars tend to drive them very little.
Finding a Classic Car Mechanic
This next part can become a bit tricky, however. Finding a mechanic who's knowledgeable about vehicles that feature carburetors instead of fuel injection might not be as easy as you think. Fixing an old car isn't as simple as hooking it up to a diagnostic computer and reading to find out where the problem lies. Fixing older model cars takes specialization. If you're not capable of making repairs yourself, make sure you check with the local garages in town to ensure that they even work on the type of classic car you're planning to buy.
Caring for and Storing Your Classic Car
Just like horses, classic muscle cars need to be "exercised" routinely. Otherwise, you'll end up with a stuck clutch and seized brakes. Additionally, this type of car must be kept indoors. And if you don't own your own garage, storage fees can mount up quickly.
Talk with your mechanic about the best maintenance and care schedule for keeping your classic car looking and running its best. If you can follow these easy tips for care and storage, then classic car ownership just might be right for you.
Share6 January 2016
When is the last time you had your brakes checked? Are you waiting until you hear the brake pads grinding into the rotors before you do anything to replace them? Does your car pull to one side when you press on the brakes? Do you feel a shimmying in your steering wheel and brake pedal as you press the pedal to stop? If you have any of these issues, it is time for you to learn how to care for the brakes on your car effectively. Taking preventative measures and getting repair work done before serious problems arise will save you money over the years.
