The 10 Best Places To Find an Affordable Classic Car Pt 1: Introduction

Part I: Introduction

Looking for, finding and eventually buying the right affordable classic car is half the fun of the car hobby as far as I’m concerned. It’s the thrill of the hunt, the possibility of finding something that no one else has yet uncovered, the possibility of getting a great deal on a great car that you’ll drive and enjoy for years to come.

If I look back over the past 10+ years I realize that much of my spare time has been spent scouring different classified ads looking at cars for sale. The internet makes it so easy, many weekend and late night hours have evaporated as I soak in everything I can about all sorts of different cars for sale. A side benefit, something I didn’t even realize was happening, was that I’ve learned a great deal about different makes and models, cars I didn’t even know I was interested in. By reading hundreds, probably thousands of eBay listings, looking at countless pictures, it’s clear that there really is “an ass for every seat”. I mean, someone’s buying the AMC Pacers listed on eBay.

I’ve also uncovered places on the web populated by die hard enthusiasts of specific makes and models where some of the best cars change hands, off the radar of the general public or the casual classified browser.

This is the introduction to a series of articles where I will lay out “The 10 Best Places To Find An Affordable Classic Car”. Each article will discuss specific pros and cons of each source. Some sources are specific publications or websites, others are general categories where very specific information will be provided in the detailed article.

We’ll see that some places are better for research and getting a feel for the true market of a particular affordable classic car while others are better simply because many detailed photos are posted and specific technical information is provided. We’ll eventually find the best place to actually put a deal together and purchase a car to be sure you’re covering all of your bases and getting the best deal you can. Here are the…

“The 10 Best Places To Find An Affordable Classic Car”

10. eBay Motors – The site that changed the classic car market. eBay Motors is one of the best places to research affordable classic cars due to its national and international reach. While it’s a good place to find unusual variants and particularly rare cars you might not find in local classifieds it may not be the place to buy your next affordable classic car at the best price.

9. Hemmings Motor News – Historically the print version of Hemmings Motor News, available on news stands, was the insider’s source for classic and collector car classifieds across the national market. Today Hemmings Motor News is also on the web in the form of a well developed site cultivating a strong online following. Solid classifieds from car hobby insiders covering all types of classic and sports cars, however a majority of the classifieds are dealer listings for cars that are priced at full retail prices.

8. Auto Trader and Auto Trader Classics – These are two solid publications that also boast equally complete online versions. Auto Trader covers cars from 1981 to present, Auto Trader Classics covers anything from 1980 and older. The national market is well represented with these two. A good mix of private party and dealer ads show up here, as a result there are some real bargains to be had.

7. Marque Club Publications – Whether it’s the Mustang Club of America’s “Mustang Times” or The BMW Car Club of America’s “Roundel” the classifieds found in club publications are a great place to find some of the highest quality cars out there. You may pay a premium for them, but chances are they’ve been well cared for by a marque enthusiast who knows the model you’re considering.

6. Market Letters – Perhaps one of the most niche types of publications. Whether the pricey “Porsche Market Letter” or the very specific “SL Market Letter” that specializes specifically in Mercedes-Benz SLs of all years, many of the best cars appear in these types of publications listed by people in the know for people in the know. Rare and unusual models are often easy to find in these types of publications. Again, you may pay a premium price, but chances are you’ll find premium product within these pages.

5. Marque and Model Specific Websites – There are hundreds of such sites out there, many with very active discussion forums attached to them where aficionados of a particular make or model communicate about their cars. The For Sale areas of such websites are a great place to find affordable classics in all states of repair. Parts and projects to complete cars, such sites are a great place to find your next affordable classics. Be fast though, the good deals don’t last long on these sorts of sites.

4. Local, Free, Car Ad Magazines (by the exit at the grocery store) – I’ve had good luck with these types of publications. Patience is key here because you’re usually looking for the diamond in the rough, an affordable classic buried within pages and pages of regular old used cars. If the right car does appear however, it will be near home and surely a great deal.

3. Driving Back Roads on the Weekends – Not the most efficient way to find your next affordable classic or sports car, but one of the most fun. When out on the weekend keep your eyes open. If you come across something good chances are it will be priced right and the owner (or his wife) will be eager to deal to get it off of his front lawn… and if it’s close to home you don’t’ have to worry about shipping hassles.

2. Craigslist – It isn’t the easiest place to navigate, but there are usually lots of ads no matter what you’re looking for. It’s also the first and easiest place the lay person lists a car for sale because it’s free. I see great deals on Craigslist all the time, best of all, they’re local ads so you don’t have to travel to look at the cars. You do have the ability to search other areas besides your own, just in case you want to see what’s available in Northern California or some other part of the country.

1. Word of Mouth – Word of mouth about my interest in affordable classic and sports cars is how I’ve actually had people show up in my driveway with a car for sale… before they even put it on the market. When you’re in the market, or even when you’re not… tell everyone that you’re looking for an interesting classic. When they clean out grandpa’s garage and find the old MG in the corner everyone forgot they just might call you first.