Classic Cars vs Newer Models: Issue To Consider Before You Buy
No matter what we drive on a day to day basis, we still have that little pocket way deep in the back of our mind that is devoted that one shining example of automotive engineering. Of course, I’m talking about the car we see as our dream vehicle, an issue that can be a little divisive when it comes to choosing a modern or classic model. In fact, before you put your hand in your pocket to pay for the wheels that you most desire, check out my guide below.
Safety
Number one on the list when it comes to considering your dream car is safety. After all, speed and power can be fun, but you’ll want to make sure that you and your passengers will be well protected so you can keep enjoying your dream car well into your golden years.
Of course, there is one may conflict that stands out here and it whether your dream wheels are a brand new car with all the additional safety features added, or white you are going for a more classic vehicle. Something that may look and drive like a dream but may not have the modern safety features that we come to expect.
Now, I’m not advising you to go either way with your choice. In fact, when all is said and done, the final decision will come down to you. However, it is worth noting some of the difference between classic cars and modern ones that you can come to expect concerning safety.
First of all, while classic vehicles are often heavier and appear to be built of sturdier material such as steel, their lack of crumple zone, an area that protects the driver and passenger can be devastating when it comes to a crash.
Add to this that many classic vehicles won’t have ABS fitted either. Something that is essential to maintain control of your steering even when you are making an emergency stop, and it’s easy to see why you should think twice before giving in to your urge to buy a more classic vehicle. Even if it is one that you have dreamed of for a long time.
Purchase cost
Next, before you take the plunge and purchase your dream car, you need to think carefully about the price you can expect to pay, as well as the condition your vehicle will arrive in for that price, and the types of warranties that are on offer.
Now, this can be an issue that will take a little research and investigation before you make your financial decision as it’s not as clear-cut as it often looks.
What I mean is that classic cars can often seem like they are cheaper than a more modern vehicle. Therefore they may be more attractive to potential buyers, especially when they have been renovated on the outside and are trimmed in soft leather and chrome.
However, unless you have the cash outright to buy a classic car, and you know about their working inside and out, what can seem like a good deal may cost you in the long run. After all, it’s easy enough to do up an old car to make it look great on the outside and still leave the internal workings such as the engine and breaks untouched.
What this means is that if you don’t know what you’re looking for when you pop the hood, you could be paying for a lemon that will give you nothing but trouble. Of course, classic cars rarely come with a comprehensive warranty unless you are buying items from a registered dealer or stockist. An issue that is worth bearing in mind, because when something does go wrong, you will need to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.
Of course, it is often the cost that puts people off going for a newer model because of the increased cost involved. For the most part, modern cars are more expensive, partly because of all the additional safety features that we have discussed above, but also due to their desirability on the market and other factors like fuel efficiency.
However, it is worth noting that even if you can go and buy a newer model completely outright like you may be able to with a more classic car, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t afford one. In fact, there are options such as vehicle finance to consider, as well as hire purchase too. Many of which will mean that a newer vehicle is well within in you grasp financially.
Running costs
Of course, it not just the ticket price of the vehicle that you must consider before you buy, but the actual running costs involved as well.
Firstly, if we look at classic cars you have a more significant risk of breakdown, and so an increased risk of having to pay for repairs. Then there’s the issue of fuel, and as our knowledge of the fossil fuel crisis was less well developed in previous eras, few classic cars were manufactured with much concerned about efficiency and economy. Such vehicles are also likely to use diesel fuel instead of unleaded, and they certainly won’t be hybrid or electric. Something that means they could be costing the environment just as much as your wallet.
An area where you may win on a classic car concerning running costs is Tax. Although some countries have recently changed their policy from charging only minimally for cars over 30 years old to basing it on emissions. Which as previously mentioned, are not going to win out in a classic vehicle unless it had some extensive and expensive work completed on it.
Of course, just buying a new car is no guarantee of perfect fuel efficiency either, as the type of vehicle you pick will also have a great deal to do with this. In fact, the popular SUV models are often gas guzzlers compared to the smaller cities cars, so if day to day running cost is important when it comes to your vehicle choice it is wise to look into this area in more detail before making your purchase.
Lastly, when it comes to cost, don’t forget that insurance makes up a large of part of this. Sadly, as a rule, most classic cars will lose out once again here because they just don’t measure up to the safety features offered in a more modern vehicle. Just look at the road death statistics over time for the evidence.
Practicality
There are, of course, other issues that you need to consider before you decide to buy a classic over a new car. In particular, it’s crucial to think about how practical the car you choose will be for your lifestyle.
Now, you may want to run a classic car for weekend trips and meets and therefore don’t have to worry too much about getting the whole family and the dog in there on the school run. However, if you are going to be driving it every, single day then a two-seater classic isn’t going to be much good.
While gorgeous, it is possible to sometime bite off more than you can chew when it comes to Cadillacs.
Then there are the practical issues associated with parking. Especially noticeable with classic cars like the old Cadillac, which while hugely popular for their retro streamlined styling, are way longer than most of the modern vehicles that we deal with today. What that means is trying to get them into a city residential parking spot, or even on a standard drive can be something of a challenge. Of course, it may be something that you are happy to take on, for the love and honor of driving the vehicle itself.
Enjoyment
Lastly, but certainly not a factor that should be overlooked it the actual enjoyment that you want to get out of the car. In fact, this is probably the category that the classic vehicles do the best in because while many modern cars are easy to handle, some folks just can’t get enough of the power and feel of an older model.
In fact, there are enthusiastic groups all over the world, that despite the issues discussed in the sections above, love nothing better than hopping into their classic motors, or even just polishing them until they shine like the Sun.
Yes, there some pretty sweet and dare we say sexy new cars on the marketing like the Alfa Romeo 5 Series, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and the Audi A6, but compared with the sleek line of an E-type Jaguar or the classic styling of a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud they can’t seem to all but pale into comparison.
In fact, perhaps that is the most important thing to grasp here, despite all the information to the contrary, if you have set your heart on a classic vehicle, then little else is likely to measure up. With that in mind, those looking for a classic may well be unmoved by safety and cost issues and so mostly make their call purely on the enjoyment of the vehicle itself. Something that perhaps we cannot, in the end blame them for.