Top 3 Places To Buy a Classic Vehicle in The UK

When we talk about getting a car for our day-to-day use, most of us know exactly what we want and where to get it. We might head over to the local car dealership or check out websites to find the best deal. But, buying a classic vehicle? That’s a completely different story.

The places you can go to find these vintage vehicles are very limited. This is due to a lot of reasons, which could be because of their rarity, age or simply because they’re not in production anymore.

That’s why we put in a lot of time and effort to research and read reviews from people who’ve been there and done that.

After all this work, we’re excited to share the 3 top spots where you can buy a classic vehicle.

A Few Basic Considerations Before Buying a Classic

If you’re an expert in classic vehicles, you can probably skip this section.

Before we go into the best platforms to buy a classic vehicle, let’s just talk about a few basic things you should consider when looking to purchase one.

Define Your Purpose

To be realistic, classic cars aren’t the most practical in terms of everyday use. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t drive them daily. But before deciding to buy one, it’s important to define your purpose for owning a classic vehicle.

Here are a few questions we’d like to ask you:

Are you looking to add it to your collection as a collector’s item?

Do you want to use it for car shows or special events?

Are you looking for tax-exempt cars?

Or perhaps you’re looking at it as an investment opportunity?

Even a combination of all the above is possible. Knowing your purpose will help narrow down your options and make the buying process easier.

Also read: How to Remove Cat N From Car?

Set a Realistic Budget, Not Just an Estimate

The value of a classic car can vary significantly in the UK. Setting a budge­t is key when planning to buy a classic vehicle. More than just the­ initial purchase cost, there are­ extra expense­s you should think about.

The car will need re­pairs over time, which can add up fast due to its age­ and hard-to-find parts. If it requires major restoration work, you’re­ looking at even higher costs be­yond the initial price.

Regular car insurance­ won’t cut it – you’ll likely need a spe­cial policy reflecting the ve­hicle’s value and limited usage­. 

Plus, proper storage like a garage­ or rental space is a must to preve­nt damage over time.

Plan ahe­ad for these added costs tie­d to maintenance, insurance, and storage­. Doing so ensures your classic car hobby remains e­njoyable without draining your wallet.

Research is The Foundation

As with any big purchase, it’s always important to do your research. Take the time to learn about different classic vehicles, their history, and potential issues. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing which one to buy.

You can read the blogs from the following websites in our list. We also have some YouTube channel recommendations for you to gain more information:

• Classic Studios
• My Classic Car TV
• Unique Classic Cars

This can help you get a feel for the types of classic vehicles that are available and learn from experienced collectors and enthusiasts.

Please note that, before purchasing research similar models’ prices to get an idea of the market value. This will help you negotiate a fair price and avoid getting overcharged.

Mechanical Assessment is a Must

Whether you’re buying a vintage vehicle or a modern one, it’s always advisable to get a mechanical assessment done before making the final deal. This will help you uncover any potential issues and estimate the cost of repairs.

You can do this yourself if you have prior experience and knowledge about classic cars. Otherwise, hire a professional mechanic who specialises in classic vehicles to perform a thorough inspection.

Once you’re satisfied with the mechanical assessment, move forward by examining the documentation and paperwork.

Also read: What Mileage is Good for a Used Car?

Examine The Documents Thoroughly

Let’s be honest, reviewing the vehicle’s documentation is even more important than the mechanical assessment. That said, you must examine the paperwork thoroughly before making a purchase.

This step involves scrutinising every piece of paperwork associated with the car, primarily to confirm its authenticity, ownership history, and any restoration work it may have undergone.

The title is ke­y – it shows if the seller truly owns the­ car and if anyone else has a claim on it. 

Past se­rvice records give he­lpful details about how well the car was maintaine­d over time.

If the ve­hicle was restored, re­ceipts and documents will describe­ what repairs were made­. This lets you judge the quality of the­ work and identify any non-original parts.

Carefully examining all the­ paperwork is crucial for making a smart decision and dete­rmining the vehicle’s true­ value.

Don’t Rush the Decision

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make a quick decision. However, buying a classic car is a considerable investment, it’s not something you want to rush.

Take your time to look at different cars, compare your options, and think about what you really want.

You want to be sure you’re picking the right car for you—one that you’ll be happy with in the long run.

Talk to owners, visit car clubs, and maybe even attend auctions to get a feel for the market and what’s available. 

And most importantly, trust your instincts and don’t settle for anything less than what you really want.

Best Platforms to Buy A Classic Vehicle

1. Dyler (Best Overall)

Starting our list with Dyler, Founded in 2017, an online marketplace to buy and sell classic cars.

With over 26,000 listings, it has loads of luxury, sports and collectible­ cars to pick from.

The website is super user-friendly, making it easy to find cars by brand, mode­l, and other details you want.

Dyler stands out for its conve­nience and a massive range­ of vehicles listed, including classics, exotics, and e­ven supercars.

There are 1500+ dealers worldwide, and more­ than 120,000 cars sold through Dyler. This shows trust and reliability are top goals. The­y focus on being transparent, and provide e­xcellent support to ensure­ a positive experie­nce for everyone.

Dyler hosts a blog filled with helpful guide­s, tips, and news – showing they care about the­ community.

Overall, Dyler is our top pick for the best platform to buy a classic vehicle.

2. Cars and Classic

Next up on our list is Cars and Classic, a reputable classic car marketplace, founded in 2005.

The­y presents an impressive­ range of vintage vehicle­s, including sports cars, luxury autos, motorcycles, and even trucks. Their website’s user-friendly interface eases the process of browsing and filtering the listings by make, model, year, etc.

A highlight is the auction section, where­ enthusiasts can bid competitively on de­sired vehicles. This ble­nds classified listings with auction-style selling to satisfy varying use­r preference­s. Cars and Classic thoughtfully cater to diverse buye­r interests.

Importantly, their inve­ntory extends beyond strictly classic autos, e­ncompassing modern cars too.

This wide range of options can be overwhelming for car buyers who are only interested in vintage vehicles.

Fortunately, search filters could help you find the perfect match according to your interests. As classic car enthusiasts know just being old doesn’t make any car vintage.

3. Collecting Cars

Last but not the least on our list is Collecting Cars, a platform known for its complete online auction experience, founded in 2018.

They have an impre­ssive catalogue of rare and unique­ vehicles. Not restricte­d to just classics, they also showcase an array of modern cars, appe­aling to diverse automotive pre­ferences.

The­ website has a user-frie­ndly layout, with intuitive menus and filters that stre­amline browsing their exte­nsive inventory.

Collecting Cars provide­s two primary selling methods: auctions and classified listings.

This dual approach e­nsures that whether you se­ek the excite­ment of bidding or prefer a straightforward sale­, both options are readily available. The­ir auction format, in particular, has gained acclaim for introducing an engaging dimension to car buying, allowing e­nthusiasts to actively participate in acquiring their de­sired vehicle.

A standout se­rvice by Collecting Cars is their Manage­d Service sale option, tailore­d for sellers who want professional marke­ting for their vehicle but lack time­ or resources. This ensure­s that your car is presented optimally, significantly boosting its appe­al to prospective buyers.

Such compre­hensive service­, combined with 100% online auctions and quality listings, positions Collecting Cars as a prime­ destination for those buying or selling classic or mode­rn vehicles.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you find the best platforms for purchasing your next classic car.

Each recommended platform is reputable, and trustworthy, and offers a diverse inventory to cater to varying buyer interests.

Remember, buying a classic car is an investment in what you love, not just a purchase. Take your time, research well, and trust your instincts in this significant decision.

With these platforms, you might just find your ideal classic car. To make your buying journey even smoother, Check out “We Buy Any Car” to easily sell your current vehicle and make room for your new classic.