Relive Your Youth With The Car You Always Wanted

If you are in the market for a secondhand ride and want to drive something that’ll take you back to your high school days, here are some great tips on how to find the best custom cars so you can relive your youth with the classic car or hot rod you always wanted.

Know What You Want

Your first step should be to decide what type of car you want to buy. Do you want a vintage coupe, a classic convertible, a high-end Restomod, or maybe a trail blazing 4×4? Do you want a fuel-efficient commuter car with lots of space, or something with a bit more power (or a LOT of Power ~ over 1000hp) ? By knowing exactly what you want, you’ll have a better chance of finding the perfect customized car for you. You should also consider where you’ll keep the car and what maintenance is required for the model you’re interested in.

Consider A Classic Car Warranty

If you’re thinking of buying a classic car and want to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident, it may be worth considering getting a warranty. These provide peace of mind and can help you recoup any expenses incurred if the car is deemed a write-off after an accident. Be careful, though, as warranties may not be a good deal. For instance, a warranty with a cheaper rate may not be worth the cost, as the policy will probably be limited to repair or replacement of specific [stock] parts rather than offering full coverage, as you may get from a reputable third-party warranty provider. Shop around and see what’s available and what coverage you get for the price.

Find A Reputable Dealer or Private Seller

Old cars come with a certain amount of risk, so it’s important to do your research and find a reputable seller. Start by checking the seller’s company profile, number of vehicles sold, on-site mechanics, transportation services, and reputation online. You can also use services such as CARFAX to find out a late-model vehicle history and see if it’s been reported stolen or involved in an accident. Be sure to also check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen. You can do this online by searching for the car’s make, model, and year on the National Motor Vehicle Title Information website.

Finance Your Dream Car

If you have bad credit, you’re not automatically disqualified from financing a typical used car. Many car financing companies specialize in helping people with bad credit get a car loan. However, purchasing a classic car, hot rod, or Restomod has higher standards!

Classic Car Financing Credit Score

As with traditional auto loans, the loan amount and interest rate offered through a classic car loan will vary depending on your financial situation. Lenders will look at your credit score to help them get an idea of your credit worthiness and how likely you are to pay back your loan on time. The higher your score, the better the terms and interest rates you’ll likely be offered. If you have a low score, lenders will worry you are at greater risk of defaulting on your loan. To offset some of this risk, your lender will likely offer you a loan with a higher interest rate.

Generally speaking, classic car financing with bad credit is a challenge. Credit score requirements will vary by lender. Favorable classic car financing rates may require a credit score of 700 or higher.

Classic Car Financing Rates and Terms

Depending on your financial situation, you can expect to find rates anywhere from about 2.48% on the low end to upward of 10% from some of the major classic car lenders. Only people with the best credit scores will qualify for the lowest rates in financing a classic or customized car.

You can also try applying for a car loan through your credit card company if you have a rewards card with a decent interest rate. It may be worth applying for a car loan that you know you won’t be able to repay. Once you’ve found the dream car you want, you can then resell it to a dealer and use the profit to pay off the loan. The same applies if you have a friend who’s an auto dealer. Just make sure you offer them a good deal so that you don’t get ripped off.