Classic Car Inspection: Fact or Myth

Buyers have been having classic cars, and others, inspected prior to purchase for decades. However, in the past it was for well-heeled folks that could afford to shop out-of-state, or country. With the advent of online sites like Bring-A-Trailer and Cars and Bids, and even live auctions, inspections have become much more important. It's too easy to hide imperfections in photos and videos. 

So, with the increasing popularity of classic car inspections (and even newer model car inspections) I thought I'd address some of the questions I regularly get regarding the service. And, do it in the more "interesting" form of facts and myths.

Here we go:

1. Myth: Professional auto inspectors cost an arm and a leg. The truth is professionals generally cost a lot less than a plane flight, rental car, maybe hotel room and your time. In actuality inspections can cost as low as $250, upwards of $800 or $1,000 for a specialist in certain vehicles. In reality, it's a small price to pay to have an unattached party put a set of eyes on a vehicle. A classic car inspector definitely costs less than finding out a pristine restoration was actually a crappy paint job and the underside of the car is all rusty. 

2. Myth: This dealer looks reputable, has a whole selection of cars and is saying the right things on the phone. I can trust them. Fact: Maybe. There are plenty of honest dealerships out there. But, differentiating them from the scams when you can't swing by is a different thing. It seems to be increasing, but I get a number of calls regarding a car with a price that's a little too good at a dealer I've never heard of. Sure enough, upon further research the scam artist has copied pictures and videos from a car that was really for sale. They've picked an address that is or was a dealership and has created a fake website. Hiring an inspector before sending a deposit has saved a number of my customers from sending money to a scammer.

3. Myth: I've been around the block, I can judge a car good enough from the pictures online. Truth: It's probably true that you can judge a car. But from pictures online? Just like models look better in photographs than real life, car photographers have become adept at getting the "good side" and hiding the flaws. Getting a set of "eyes" on a car can save you from a really big headache. Or worse. I've seen countless numbers of cars that aren't what they were represented to be by the photos.

4. Myth: That salesman isn't going to con me, I know what I'm looking for! Fact: it's not the salesman that does the conning, it's the shiny paint job, the chrome under the hood, the rumble of the exhaust. Having someone who is completely impartial to whether or not the car is bought is invaluable.

5. Myth: Hiring an inspector will guarantee that I will get a perfect car. Well, not quite. A professional inspection can only go so far. Most of the time doing compression checks or fluid tests are beyond the scope of what is possible. And, I've seen undercoat so thick on the bottom of cars, it's impossible to tell what the metal looks like underneath. But, having a professional inspect the car will go a long ways toward assuring a better buy. And, when shopping for a classic car we need to understand there is an old car underneath, even if it has been completely restored. 

6. Myth: An inspector can verify that his one of 33 (or whatever rarity) ever built car is genuine. Fact; There are professional scammers out there. They aren't common, but do exist. It is possible to change trim tags, change whole bodies to fake certain cars. People sometimes put a fastback rear end on a hardtop Mustang. I've seen forged engine numbers, and some I suspected were but couldn't prove. Yes, man times an inspector can spot issues, but there aren't guarantees. Inspection and authentication are two different things. In order to verify a rare vehicle is what it says it is, a specialist should be called in, such as NCRS or SAAC (or other marque specific group/person) certified inspector.

7. Fact: An inspector will keep me from paying too much. Fact: No one can stop you from paying how ever much you feel a car is worth, or how ever much you feel you want to spend. In fact, inspecting and appraising are two different services. Auto Appraisal Network does frequently provide comps for similar cars to help you not make a mistake, but it's just that. Comps or guidance. Not a negotiating service. Or a guaranteed "correct price".

In summary, a classic car inspector can many times save a buyer from a severe headache in a car purchase. Especially if the buyer is out of town. The cost of the inspector is almost always worth way more than the cost to go see the car yourself (if out of state) and definitely good insurance against a much bigger problem than you had before you plunked down your hard-earned money.

Auto Appraisal Network of Allen is part of a national group of professional auto appraisers. Our appraisals are the most comprehensive and complete reports available in the industry.  Our appraisers are certified and have the experience and knowledge to fairly and accurately asses the value of your vehicle. 

For more information on any of the services we offer, call us today at (469) 804-5201.