The Ultimate Buyers Guide for Classic Cars and Unique Cars | ALLBIDS | CARBIDS

The ultimate guide to buying a classic car

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The Ultimate Buyers Guide for Classic Cars and Unique Cars

Monday, 06 February 2023 | Hariestu W

If you are a lover of classics, and are now looking to buy a classic car or trying to find a premium selection of classic cars for sale? Look no further!

At CARBIDS, we are fortunate to offer a range of premium and prestigious cars—perfect for those looking to start or build their classic car collection. But breaking into the classic car market can be difficult as you might not be sure what you found is worth your investment. That is why you need our classic car checklist to ensure you are happy with your purchase.

Our checklist comprises five key areas to be aware of when purchasing classic cars for sale:

  1. Research
    If you have a particular car in mind, you must research. When buying a classic car at auction, you are limited to what comes through the auction house, but thankfully CARBIDS auctions typically last from seven to fourteen days, giving you plenty of time to research the cars on offer. When researching, you should consider if any known problems are common for the vehicle you are looking at. This will give you an idea of what repairs you may need.

  2. Inspect.
    You must, and we cannot stress this enough, inspect the car! We recommend doing this yourself or having someone you trust inspect the vehicle on your behalf. We conduct internal inspections once the car reaches our warehouse to ensure that our listing description is accurate. We also welcome you to have an outsider's professional opinion to ensure you are making an informed purchase. When inspecting the car, be sure to look at the kilometers , check for any marks and scratches, and any signs of rust..

  3. Numbers.
    When we say numbers, we don't just mean the price tag. It is crucial to consider the maximum numbers you are willing to spend. This ensures you get the most from your investment when purchasing a unique car. We recommend checking the vehicle's kilometers and VIN (vehicle identification number) which can be found in the listing. This, combined with your market research, will help you determine a price you decide is suitable for the vehicle when it is auctioned.

  4. Costs.
    When buying a classic car, costs can come from buying the car itself, potential repairs and finding the right storage solution. This is why conducting a thorough inspection is so important to give you an informed idea of this number. CARBIDS also takes a Buyer’s Premium, so be sure to account for this cost.

  5. Storage.
    Typically those in the market for a classic car are not planning on driving it daily. This is why you must consider how you are planning on storing the car. We advise storing it in a covered and lockable garage to keep it secure and protect the vehicle from the elements while it is not in use.


Now that you have the information you need to prepare for buying a classic car, you have to decide how to do so. When looking for value and buying from a trusted source, who else to consider other than CARBIDS—Australia's most trusted auctionplace?

We regularly update our selection of classic car auctions, and they close every Wednesday. This means that you are sure to find the perfect unique car to add to your collection. What are you waiting for? Get bidding!