Classic and vintage cars have always been considered a status symbol. They are often associated with wealth and power and are highly prized by collectors.
There are several places online to shop for classic automobiles. Some of these sites allow you to browse through their inventory or sell your own vehicle. Others offer financing options and other additional services.
Here's a guide to some of the best sites to buy classic and vintage cars in 2024
1) Manheim.com
Manheim is a vehicle auction company that was established in 1945. The company has been buying and selling pre-owned automobiles for over 75 years.
Manheim Inc. is one of the world's largest online automotive marketplaces. They offer auctions for cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, boats, RVs, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, trailers, and more.
Manheim offers nearly 6 million used vehicles, including classic and vintage cars. If you have classic cars for sale, you can also sell them on this site. In addition, Manheim offers financing options for buyers.
If you are looking for a trusted site where you can buy classic and vintage cars, Manheim is worth considering.
2) Mecum.com
Mecum is one of the world's biggest collector automobile auction houses. It holds auctions in different locations around the United States, but its headquarters is in Walworth, Wisconsin.
Since 2011, Mecum has been ranked among the top three auction houses in the United States. They have one of the largest online collections of collector cars.
3) Copart.com
Copart is an online platform that specializes in selling used cars. The company has rapidly expanded over the years to become a major online source for pre-owned vehicles. Today, they hold more than 10 million vehicles in their inventory. The company uses auctions to sell their cars.
If you want to buy any vehicle, all you have to do is sign up, and you can start bidding for your favorite classic or vintage car. You can also use the "buy it now" method to purchase any vehicle of your choosing.
Visitors don't have to be interested in buying a car to benefit from this website. Dealers, dismantlers, and body shops can also find whatever they need on the site.
4) eBay Motors
Although eBay is a popular site for buying goods, most people are unaware they can buy cars or trucks from the website. The site has a wide variety of classic cars available, from various manufacturers like Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, and Land Rover.
Many sellers on eBay Motors specialize in classic cars. These sellers usually list their cars at very low prices. If you buy from such sellers, you will not be disappointed.
5) ClassicCars.com
ClassicCars.com is one of the most popular websites to buy and sell classic vintage cars. Muscle cars, antiques, sports vehicles, hot rods, trucks, and more are all available on the site. You can search through their classic car database and narrow your search based on make, model, price range, and location.
You can access all the available listings when you create an account at ClassicCars.com. Then, when you see anything you like, click "Buy Now." You can also use the "Sell Your Car" option if you want to sell your car.
6) Craigslist.org
Craigslist.org is an excellent website for buying and selling classic vehicles. This website has millions of users worldwide.
You can search for cars using keywords and filters. You can also choose a specific year, brand, model, and price range. Then, when you find the vehicle that works for you, all you have to do is contact the seller. Craigslist.com charges no fee for this transaction.
7) ClassiCar Garage
You can purchase and sell classic or vintage cars at ClassiCar Garage. On ClassiCar Garage, you can browse thousands of classic cars and choose which ones you like best.
The site owners themselves have picked all the classic or vintage cars on the site. In addition, they have a stringent screening process that allows only high-quality vehicles to be displayed on their site.
The site has been offering car sales services since 2000. They provide their services at no cost to the customer. If you want a vintage car from a trusted site, ClassiCar Garage is an option to consider.
8) Autotrader.com
If you are looking for a reliable source to buy and sell classic automobiles, then Autotrader is a great option. Autotrader offers a wide selection of classic cars. They also provide excellent customer support.
When you find a car you are interested in, you negotiate the sale directly with the seller. Auto Trader does not charge any fees.
9) Hemmings.com
Hemmings is another great place to buy a car. Their main focus is on classic cars, and you can buy or sell cars on their site.
Hemmings' vehicle listings make it easy for you to find a specific car model. This makes it easy to find your car of choice so you can purchase and own your vintage or classic car.
Things to Note Before Purchasing a Classic or Vintage Vehicle
Investing in a classic or vintage car is a long-term commitment. Depending on the type of vehicle you want to buy, you have many factors to consider before making your purchase. The following mini-buying guide offers some tips for buying a classic car.
Research first
You should always conduct thorough research before purchasing any car. For example, when researching a classic car, you should determine its year, make, and model. Next, you should read reviews from previous owners about the car's quality.
Finally, it is best to visit local dealerships or auto auctions to find out more about the car.
Prepare your budget in advance
It's important to prepare a budget before buying a classic or vintage car. Classic cars vary widely in price, with some options being quite expensive.
For example, some vehicles cost between $20,000 and $40,000. However, a high-end luxury car could cost over $100,000.
Classic cars also require regular maintenance to keep them in prime condition. Be sure to consider this as well as you come up with a reasonable budget.
Get the opinions of other car enthusiasts
As you prepare to purchase a classic car, you may want to seek the opinions of other car enthusiasts. Many people who collect classic cars also sell them. If you ask these individuals for advice, they might be able to help you choose the right car for your needs.
Consider your needs
Think about what you'll use the car for before settling on a specific model of a classic car. For example: Do you plan on using the car for transportation purposes? Or maybe you'd instead take the wheel at special occasions like festivals and parades.
Don't trust blindly
Never buy a used car without having a qualified mechanic look it over. Since you are buying online, you have to use a trusted site.
If you decide to go through with a purchase, you should schedule an inspection immediately after receiving the vehicle.
During the inspection, you should thoroughly examine the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, braking system, and interior.
Choose a dealer with experience selling classic or vintage cars
Not all car sellers have experience selling classic vehicles. It can be helpful to find a dealer that specializes in selling classic cars.
A reputable dealer will have a large selection of classic cars, competitive prices, and knowledgeable staff. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the cars you are considering.
Never buy anything without an inspection
It's important to never buy anything without conducting an inspection. Inspecting a classic car involves looking inside the engine bay, under the hood, and behind the seats. Make sure that everything looks clean and free of damage.
Also, inspect the interior to ensure that the dashboard, steering wheel, pedals, and seatbelts are working correctly.
Use a shipping service
Once you buy your classic or vintage car, you must transport your vehicle safely. Professional shipping services offer the safest option if you need to transport your new vehicle a long distance. Choosing the right transport service can save you a lot of trouble.
At A-1 Auto Transport, we have years of experience transporting classic or vintage cars at affordable rates. We offer both open and enclosed transport options depending on your preference. No matter which option you select, we guarantee the safe arrival of your vehicle.
Please contact us today for a free quote or if you have any questions about vehicle shipping. We'll be happy to help you find the best option for your needs.