There are a great many reasons for buying a classic car or vintage car: love for the history of a specific brand, the experience of driving an old car, and the possible investment potential that many best vintage cars can offer.
There is no doubt that the classic and vintage car buying and selling business is one of the most profitable in the auto industry.
When shopping for a classic car, you may think you still need to go to a dealership in person. Fortunately, the modern age of the Internet allows you to buy antique cars online and even have them delivered to your front door by using vehicle transport services.
Not sure where to buy classic cars online? Here is a list of top online places to buy classic cars & vintage cars online.
Key Highlights
Classic cars can be a good investment, but it’s important to do your research before buying one (e.g., know common problems, get an inspection).
There are many online resources for buying classic cars, including auction sites, dealer websites, and classifieds (e.g., Hemmings, eBay Motors, Craigslist).
When buying a classic car online, be sure to get a professional inspection and check the car’s history to avoid scams (e.g., verify title, mileage, rust damage).
The United States is one of the biggest vintage vehicle and classic car auction markets which has a billion-dollar business in the world.
Indeed During 2020, there were more than 1.3 Billion in deals on US classic vehicle auction websites with an average sale of $49,529. Even though this was the year of COVID-19, where many businesses were affected the classic car business finds its way out of the pandemic.
Many people on the road figured out how to get the keys to their favorite vehicle, whether it’s a brand new vehicle or an old top choice.
For a few, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of a Cool Classic Car.
Getting Vintage cars is not as difficult if you have the assets and the enthusiasm, you can get in the driver’s seat of a Classic vehicle, as well.
Till now it is necessary and important to know about the best places to buy classic cars and the best Vintage cars alongside the dos and don’ts for a private deal.
Which are the best places to buy classic cars?
Following are the best places to buy classic cars:
1. Manheim.com
Google Rating: 4.1 Stars
Manheim, Inc. is a classic car auction company in the USA and the world’s biggest discount auto auction network situated in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As per their report in 2021, an average of 20,000 vehicles are sold in a day, and it has 168,466+ vehicles for sale until now.
Mecum is one of the world’s biggest collector Car Auction and automobile auction companies. Mecum is an auction place of classic cars, antique cars, and vintage tractors across the US.
Mecum Auctions’ headquarters is in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been one of the top-ranked in the world with several collector cars offered and sold at auction.
It has the U.S. with several auction venues, is No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the world’s largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas.
3. Copart.com
Google Rating: 3.7 Stars
Copart.com is another leading online vehicle auction company where you can find many classic cars, trucks, SUVs, Vintage Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Cadillac, and many more makes and models. Many classic vehicles are accessible from vintage car collectors and are much of the time up for offer in Copart online sales.
Regardless of whether you’re searching for your next project vehicle, a day-by-day driver for your collection, or stock for your auto business, search Vintage Car Collector’s Copart stock for your next vintage car.
Winning a classic or vintage car auction is only the first step. Make sure you can get your car home if you win. Known as an industry leader in handling classic, luxury, rare, exotic, and collector cars, AutoStar Transport Express, one of the best car shipping companies has been serving enthusiasts since 2007.
Related Resources: Copart reviews: Is buying from Copart worth it?
4. Hemmings.com
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
Hemmings one of the most established classic car dealers offers several vintage car postings from around the United States. Here you can find a vehicle listing of vintage cars for sale. Mostly this site is loved by old car enthusiasts.
ClassicCars.com has probably the most extensive choice of any of the sources referenced in US classic cars with 32,147 listings as of today.
ClassicCars is one of the best online places to buy classic cars, vintage cars, collectors cars, and vintage muscle cars.
6. Dyler
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
Dyler is one of the newest sites which are more modern and have an easily accessible interface. It’s getting popular in the market is the classic vehicle posting site called Tyler.
7. eBay Motors
Google Rating: 4.6 Stars
eBay Motors is the best station where people can find the idea of selling classic cars. And here you can find classic car buyers from around the world.
eBay Motorslist is the most remarkable Vintage vehicle available to be purchased in the United States. Here you can do free local listings and national listings are just $60-$125.
Craigslist Auctions is exploding amid vintage and classic car buyers. Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, and the sky are the limit from there.
They list the best vintage and classic cars for sale online around the United States. They have additionally dispatched their online sale to great fanfare.
MyClassicGarage.com is the newer site on the list that is the ultimate Tool for Car Collectors and is fast growing among US classic car sellers. It has class and vintage cars for sale for all car collectors to buy.
You can find all types of old American antique cars for sale here.. Currently, on MyClassicGarage there are more than 19,108 old and classic cars listed
What are the best vintage sports cars for sale in 2024?
It depends on your choice and love for great sports classic cars to buy and the following are a few best old car-buying options.
Ferrari 250 GT
AC Cobra
MGB
Porsche 911
BMW 507
Lotus Seven
Jaguar E-Type
Ferrari Daytona
Top Most Reliable Classic Cars
When it comes to the reliability of vintage cars, I found these options the best for old cars.
VW Golf GTI Mk1
VW Beetle
Mazda MX5
Saab 900 Turbo
Volvo P1800
Porsche 944
BMW E30
Mercedes-Benz E Class (W124)
What is the Easiest Classic Car to Maintain?
When it comes vintage cars that have easy maintenance compared to the others are;
Classic cars, in general, gain in value more than other types of collectibles, although cars are more high-maintenance and more complicated to store than stamps or comic books. The right classic cars can be valued at several millions of dollars.
Nowadays People vintage and buy classic cars. Maybe they think now is a good time to go shopping for one because their value gradually increases, and the reason behind classic cars’ supply is inherently limited.
Indeed, even before the current crisis, vintage and classic muscle vehicle costs were so high they estimated most normal individuals were out of the market.
6 Things to Know Before Buying a Classic Car
Classic cars can be purchased in a variety of ways. It is, however, wise to think about what’s right for you before getting your checkbook out.
1. Do Your Research First
Be sure to research the car you wish to buy. Identify any problem areas with the vehicle and see if they have been resolved. Depending on the car’s model or age, finding parts to maintain it could be a hassle.
For a benchmark price, make sure to check the average retail value. Find out as much as you can. You can check auto auctions and price guides to find out what your car is worth.
Do you plan to drive it daily or only on weekends? Would you like to show it? Are you interested in adding it to your collection? Based on your answers, you’ll know what to buy.
3. Get the Opinions of Other Car Enthusiasts
It’s worth listening to the opinions of hobbyists all over the world about cars. Many classic car sellers have forums or blogs that attract car enthusiasts. Look for owners of the type of classic you are interested in among local classic car clubs.
You can benefit from their expertise by knowing what to buy and what to avoid.
4. Never Buy Anything Without an Inspection
When you see a car in person, it might look good online, but it might have many problems. Consider arranging a meeting to see the car on your own. It would be wise to have your car inspected by a professional since it will ultimately save you time and money.
5. Prepare Your Budget in Advance
It is important to know the price range of classic cars. You can easily fall in love with a car you can’t afford. Set an affordable budget and stick to it. Keeping a budget in mind helps you avoid overspending.
Look at your monthly income and expenses to develop a budget. Find a budget that will not require you to sacrifice other important parts of your life, such as eating!
6. Don’t Trust Blindly
If you plan to buy classic cars from a private seller, then you should be wary of the traps they might have waiting. Do not buy anything if the price seems too good to be true, and if something seems suspicious, contact experts you trust.
Furthermore, an Escrow service can help you avoid scams. Escrow.com protects buyers by releasing funds only if the seller delivers exactly what you paid for. You will receive a full refund if it is not.
Classic Car Inspection Checklist
Drive the car before buying it. This is an excellent opportunity to identify any problems. Make sure you pay special attention to anything that sounds unusual. It’s not good to hear squeaking, grinding, and clunking!
A professional appraisal is important when buying a car. When they examine the vehicle, they may be able to tell if it was in an accident and whether the engine and other vital components are original. This will affect the value of the vehicle.
Check the car’s title. Run a VIN check and obtain a used vehicle history report to determine if the car is registered to the seller, whether it has unpaid debts, and whether it is legitimately registered to the seller.
Check for rust damage. Rust is to be expected on cars, but significant rust suggests the car has not been properly maintained. It can also be an indication there may be more serious problems with the vehicle.
Interior: Ensure that all seats, upholstery, badges, radio, dashboard, and emblems are in good condition, or if they aren’t factory originals. These things can be expensive to find and replace.
Exterior: Take a look at the car in daylight. You should check the paint, look for obvious dents, and welding marks, and check for misaligned or mismatched panels.
Do a mileage check. It’s best to have the lowest mileage possible but watch out for mileage scams. Be alert to mileage scams. There are sellers out there who try to trick buyers by saying a car has fewer miles than it does.
Get It Professionally Inspected! Make sure that you always get the car inspected by a professional since you may save a considerable amount of time and money if you do.
In conclusion, with a little research and preparation, buying a classic car online can be an exciting and rewarding experience. From established dealer websites to online auctions, there are many reputable resources to find your dream car. By following the tips above, such as getting a professional inspection and understanding market value, you can increase your chances of finding a classic car that brings you joy and holds its value for years to come.
The best old cars to buy include the 1964-1969 Porsche 911, 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar, 1955-1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, and 1964-1967 Ford Mustang.
What are the best affordable classic cars?
Although it is safer than an open-air carrier, it is also more expensive. You should consider an enclosed carrier if you are shipping a vintage, luxury, or rare car, or if your car has sentimental value.
Where can I find classic cars for sale under $5000?
Classic cars for sale under $5000 include the 1970-1979 Chevrolet Camaro, 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar, 1960-1966 Chevrolet C10 pickup, and 1970-1979 Ford Mustang.
What is the best website to buy old cars?
Some of the best websites to buy old cars include ClassicCars.com and Hemmings.com.
What are the best classic car insurance companies?
Some of the best classic car insurance companies include Hagerty, Grundy, and American Collectors Insurance.
What is the best daily driver classic car?
Some of the best daily driver classic cars include the 1967-1970 Mercury Cougar, 1965-1970 Ford Mustang, and 1955-1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.
What should I look for when buying a classic car?
Buyers should consider the vehicle’s condition, history, authenticity, and market value before purchasing a classic car. A thorough inspection and a test drive are also recommended.
Bilal Ahmed is a dedicated auto transport researcher, blogger, and digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience. Holding a degree from MIT, Bilal passionately shares his insights and knowledge with a global audience. He began blogging to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and his honest, relatable writing style quickly earned him a loyal following. Renowned for his candid discussions on complex topics, Bilal is committed to empowering others to find their voice through his platform.
