Classic cars have unique styles that you simply can’t buy in the modern market. Whether you simply love the looks or are a collector at hear, it’s a good idea to understand what you’re getting yourself into before buying a classic vehicle. Here are the pitfalls of owning a classic car.
Increased Maintenance
Classic means old, which means there’s a hefty amount of maintenance involved in owning one of these models. You’ll need to change the oil more often than you would with a modern car if you want the engine to function properly, for instance.
You can’t let the car sit for as long, either, because certain parts break down faster than their modern counterparts. Ethanol gasoline is something you’ll need to avoid unless you want to clog up the carburetor. Those are just a few aspects of ongoing maintenance your car will need from you.
The Environmental Factor
Older cars produce higher levels of emissions through their exhaust compared to newer models. Because of this, they also get less gas mileage and are prone to leaks. These three factors combined mean that a classic car is less environmentally friendly than other options, which is something to keep in mind from an environmental and user standpoint.
Lack of Safety Features
You’re not going to fine lane departure warnings, emergency automatic braking, or any of the safety features you’re used to on a classic model. Even some of the simplest safety features didn’t come out until the late 60s, and none of them were required to be installed until the 90s.
A lack of airbags, disc brakes, and anti-lock brakes are the most common safety items missing from older models. Head back far enough, and the classic car you have in mind might not even have seatbelts. You can install most of these features, but it’s a costly endeavor.
The missing safety features also means increased danger on the road. It’s worthwhile to know the number of a legal professional, like this Oakland car accident attorney, before making your purchase. Better safe than sorry.
Reliability
Don’t expect your classic car to be anywhere near as reliable as a modern one. Think back to all the movies and TV shows you’ve watched where people are constantly working on their now-classic cars. The reason for that is a lack of dependability and increased maintenance.
Battery issues, overheating, and trouble starting are common problems you can expect to run into, which might leave you stranded somewhere. If you’re a mechanic at heart, it’s not such a big deal. If you’re not handy under the hood, then you might want to consider something else.
Restrictions
You can register any classic car just like you would a modern one, but many classic owners prefer antique plates to complete the appeal. If that’s your plan, then you need to understand that certain restrictions apply.
It might be cheaper to get the antique plates, but that’s because it places a restriction on your classic car that only allows you to drive it between 3,000 and 5,000 miles each year. This rule varies by state, and your state may have additional restrictions in place. Always do your research on this before making a purchase.
