Before You Buy A Classic Car, Check These 15 Things

Falling for a classic car takes about four seconds. Checking it over properly takes a lot longer, and that gap is where buyers get burned.

A red classic car parked in a garage next to another car.

The good news is that you do not need to be a mechanic to spot most red flags. Hagerty’s pre-purchase inspection guide, published in 2022, walks buyers through a simple order of checks, and we have pulled out the 15 that matter most.

Hagerty suggests bringing a notebook, a flashlight and paper towels, and having a professional look the car over whenever possible. Here is what to check, in the order a smart buyer would do it.

1. Make Sure The Seller Has The Title In Hand And It Is Clear Of Debt

Hagerty’s first step is paperwork. Confirm the seller actually has the title, and that it is free of any loan.

Also ask for the maintenance records, and find out when the car last passed an emissions or smog test and when the next one is due.

2. Look At The Tires And Rims Before You Look At Anything Else

Hagerty says to check the tread depth and whether the tires match one another. Mismatched or worn rubber can hint at how the car has been treated.

Scratched or scuffed rims are worth noting too.

3. Paint That Does Not Match Can Mean A Panel Was Replaced

Walk around the car and look for paint that differs from the rest. Hagerty says that can point to a replaced panel.

Bring that up with the seller, because it often leads to the story of an accident.

4. Uneven Gaps Between Body Panels Can Point To Past Damage

Run your eye along the doors, hood and trunk. Hagerty advises checking whether the gaps between body panels are even.

Uneven gaps may indicate that the car has been damaged and repaired at some point.

5. Glass, Mirrors And Every Single Light Should Work

Check that the glass and mirrors are intact, per Hagerty’s guide. Then confirm all the lights work, including the blinkers and brake lights.

Have a friend stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal.

6. A Musty Smell Inside Can Signal Water Damage

Hagerty tells buyers to note any musty, moldy or damp odors. Those smells may indicate water damage or poor storage.

Your nose is one of the cheapest inspection tools you own.

7. Compare The Wear Inside To The Miles On The Odometer

Hagerty says to judge the interior against the mileage. Worn upholstery on a low-mileage car, or a pristine interior on a high-mileage one, can suggest how the car was driven.

When the story and the seats do not match, ask more questions.

8. Open Every Door And Window, Then Test The Gauges And Wipers

Work through the cabin one control at a time. Hagerty lists doors, windows, gauges, dials, indicator lights, windshield wipers and seatbelts.

It is tedious, but a dead gauge or a stuck window is much easier to negotiate over before you own the car.

9. Check The Fluids And Hunt For Leaks Under The Hood

Hagerty recommends learning the engine layout beforehand using online resources. Then check the coolant, transmission and brake fluid levels and look for leaks.

A clean engine bay is nice, but fresh drips tell you more.

10. Brown And Smooth Oil Is Good, Gritty Or Milky Oil Is Not

Pull the dipstick and look closely. Hagerty says “brown and smooth is good,” while gritty, black or milky oil is a warning sign.

Milky oil in particular is a flag to walk away or bring in a professional.

11. Start The Engine And Listen For Squeals, Rattles And Knocks

With the engine running, Hagerty says to listen for squealing belts, unusual vibration, rattling, squeaking or knocking. Do not tune it out, and do not let the seller talk over it.

Turn it off and ask what each sound is.

12. Run The Heater And Air Conditioning And Listen For Added Noises

Hagerty’s guide includes running the heater and the A/C and listening for extra noises. It is easy to forget on a sunny test day.

A new rattle when the A/C kicks on is worth writing in your notebook.

13. Shift Through Every Gear Before You Leave The Parking Spot

With the owner’s permission, Hagerty says to shift through each gear before pulling out. Listen and feel for resistance, grinding or clunking.

Trouble here can be expensive, so take it seriously.

14. Turn The Wheel Lock To Lock And Test The Brakes Early

Turn the wheel fully in each direction. Hagerty says to check for excess play and for the whine of a power steering pump.

Then test the brakes before you test the acceleration, and make sure the pedal does not sink to the floor. Listen for grinding, scraping or squealing, and feel for vibration.

15. Know The Car’s Value Before You Talk About Price

Hagerty puts valuation last, after the inspection. If problems turn up, you want to know what the car is worth before you start negotiating.

The guide points to Hagerty’s own valuation tools as a place to start, and a list of faults in your notebook gives you real talking points.

None of this guarantees a perfect car, but it keeps you from buying with your heart alone. A good classic is worth waiting for, and a careful hour with a flashlight is a small price to pay.

Steel Horse Rides