How to choose the right classic car

While naming this blog post, we had something of a dilemma. Should it be a guide to choosing the right classic car, or the best classic car? We settled on the former, because there isn’t really any such thing as the best classic car - you need to find one that’s right for you. Sure, it may become one of your most treasured possessions, but by their very nature, classics come in so many forms and conditions that defining the best is incredibly difficult. So, with the semantics out of the way and realistic expectations set, we’ve got five super-simple tips for choosing a classic car that is right for you:

1. Decide how much you want to pay road tax

There’s no getting away from it - owning a classic car isn’t particularly cheap, therefore it makes sense to make savings wherever you can. Start by considering how much you can stomach paying more road tax for something that will probably only be used occasionally. Pick a car built before 1st January 1973, and you won’t have to pay a penny!

2. Think very carefully about a convertible

There’s nothing like the wind rushing through your hair as you blast down a country road in your classic car on a warm summer’s evening. Only, in reality - and, certainly, in the UK - the chances to do that are few and far between. Classic convertibles generally leak like sieves, too, therefore if you don’t have a garage in which to store yours or the stomach for continually fixing the roof, think carefully before taking the plunge.

3. Think insurance and parts for the rare stuff

Owning an incredibly rare classic is fantastic, but it does have it’s downsides - namely in how hard it’ll hit your pocket. Insurance and the availability (and pricing) of spare parts could become something of a financial burden, so make sure you do your sums before going for something that’s rare as rocking horse sh…

4. If you want something usable, go 80s or 90s

Remember - there’s such a thing as a classic 90s car, and if you choose something a little younger, you’ll be able to use it far more often. Many people buy classics with the intention to use them regularly, and if that’s what you’re after, plumping for something that was around at the time of the Second World War might not be the most sensible thing you’ve ever done.

5. Budget for fun, off-beat, mainstream or practical

The beauty of classic car shopping is the wealth of choice you have available, therefore it’s vital that you decide exactly what you’re budgeting for. Do you want something fun? What about a mainstream classic? Does it need to be practical? Are you desperate for an eyebrow-raising off-beat set of wheels? Budget for exactly what you want, and set yourself some realistic expectations.

Wrapping up

Have we fired you up to find the perfect classic car? Go get it - it’s out there!