When Dale Adams started his own auto repair and customization business from a bay in the Willow Park Texaco in 1977, he knew that we wanted to build not just a business, but a passion and a dream. He wanted to do it for himself, but also his family.
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Original article by Kevin Woo at yourmechanic.com
Understanding Performance Vehicles
There are a lot of us who want a little red Corvette in our lives. It’s fast, handles well, and let’s face it, a high performance car makes you look good on an open and windy road.
You might be tempted to think that taking a regular coupe or sedan and pushing it to its limit might replicate the characteristics of a performance car. You’d be wrong. Regular cars aren’t even close to a high performance machine.
Performance cars are built for speed. Of course, along with speed comes superior handling and braking systems to support it. But traveling “fast” in an everyday car is nothing close to pushing it in a car built for speed.
Characteristics of a performance car
Many high performance car aficionados can feel its quality before the car even moves. High performance cars tend to come with high end seats that hold you tight. The reason? The tight, wrap-around seats are designed to keep you firmly in place as you whiz around corners or turns on the open road.
If the seats hug your body, you know you’re in a car built to perform.
Other characteristics of a high performance car include very tight and responsive steering, the ability to hug curves and turn into and out of corners flawlessly is unmistakeable.
Oh, and another characteristic that we can’t forget, the adrenaline rush when you and your car are in sync.
Muscle cars aren’t necessarily performance cars
Some people see muscle cars and performance cars as one in the same. But there’s a difference. Muscle cars are designed to go fast in a straight line. They’re often outfitted with “sports packages” that give the illusion of being a performance car but they’re not. They’re missing two key differentiators - superior handling and braking.
How do you measure performance
There’s no right or wrong way to measure the performance of a car. Some people judge performance based on their 0 to 60 mph (96 kmh) time. With that as the criteria, cars that are familiar to the masses, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S would make the list at a screaming 2.9 seconds, as would the Nissan GT-R, which also clocks in at 2.9 seconds.
Handling is another measurement. When driving on test tracks, how does the car handle on successive left and right turns, and how quickly does it straighten out? This is a big differentiator between performance cars and muscle cars. The steering and suspension on a performance car is superior.
Performance is also measured by the car’s ability to brake. If you’re driving fast the ability to slow down is vitally important.
Price
Performance cars come in all price ranges. There are inexpensive cars (less than $30,000), such as the Ford Mustang that perform well around town and city highways. And there are mega expensive brands such as a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which will set you back a cool $4.8 million. There are only three of these in the world so good luck finding one.
The downsides of owning a performance car
What downside could there possibly be when driving a fast car knowing that you’re the envy of everyone but the police?
Well first, you’re going to pay higher insurance premiums. Even if you buy a used performance car, such as a 20-year old Lamborghini, your insurance company will classify it as a car built for speed and handling. From the insurance company’s perspective, the driver of a high performance car is likely to behave very differently than if he or she were driving a Mini Cooper.
An insurance company will consider the Lamborghini’s engine size, top speed, handling, and safety ratings when calculating your premium. These numbers are going add up to more than the average car so you’re going to pay more in premiums.
And to add to your insurance woes, if you get a couple of tickets or you’re caught by the police driving over 90 mph you’ll get arrested in most states. If this happens you could find yourself without an insurance carrier. Let’s get real, 90 mph (144 kmh) is nothing in a high performance car, and you’re likely to push your car way past that when the opportunity presents itself.
Performance cars that won’t break the bank
Below are some performance cars that won’t break the bank. While they don’t offer the same performance as an expensive brand, they still provide better than average performance at a relatively inexpensive price.
- Ford Mustang (Then talk to us about a Shelby Mod!)
- Honda Civic Si
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Dodge Challenger
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Worst selling performance cars
These are some of the worst selling performance cars. But this is probably due to their higher price points rather than the car’s desirability.
- BMW Z4
- Nissan GT-R
- Kia K900
- Audi TT
- Audi R8
- Dodge Viper SRT
Owning a performance vehicle can add to your fun factor. Spend some time test driving some cars on windy roads to see how they handle. Take along a friend or two to get some feedback on how it feels in the passenger seat and backseat. You never know, when you find the right car and close the deal, you and your friends might be in for more spontaneous joy rides.
Times they are a changing. We all remember our favourite TV shows and movies that were about, or featured our favourite vehicles from the past. But we now have access to the Internet, and video services like YouTube. There is so much amazing, and free stations for all your automotive cravings.
We have listed some of our favourites and combed YouTube for new channels we think you should try. We definitely lean towards North American muscle cars personally, but we feel these channels below will cover most of the bases.
WARNING!!: We cannot be responsible for your job or family getting upset with you because you've been watching hours of videos. Open these channels at your own peril.
Enjoy!
The Dale Adams Team
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Moraine Lake Alberta
Tips for an Awesome Alberta Road Trip
So it looks like we could be mostly restricted to staying within Alberta this summer due to COVID 19. No matter where you’re headed or if you’re a pro or a novice, these travel tips will make your road trip an easy ride
There’s no question about it; road trips are awesome. A successful road trip will stay with you for life. The ability to just get up and go and the absolute thrill of uncertainty; where will you sleep? Where will you eat? When will you get to your next stop?
It’s up to you to choose where to go, when to go and what kind of budget you’ll have. Our travel tips cover some tips that will make your next Alberta (or anywhere for that matter) road trip a success and a story you will retell fondly.
Special thanks to momondo.ca and their article that we used as a guide while adding our own Alberta flair.
We hope these following tips help you explore our great province.
1. Google Maps
A great place to start. Enter your start and final destination, and get an idea of timing. Adjust the route and see where you can go and how long it’ll take you (you can also see if you’re just a few hours shy of somewhere you might not have originally thought of, but would love to visit). Make sure you’ve got your basic route worked out, your A to B, but don’t have every single kilometre written in stone. You’ve got to have room for the unexpected turns, the snap decisions and the ‘I wonder what’s down here?’ moments.
2. What car?
What kind of car you need depends on your destination, trip type and how many people you will be. Think about how likely you are to need 4-wheel drive, high clearance or a convertible, and book accordingly. Make sure that you book in advance, choose unlimited kilometres (unless you’re absolutely positive about the length of your trip), and insure yourself!
If your trip is going to be a long one, a couple of months or more, you might want to think about buying a used car and selling it on when you’re done. Make sure you get it checked over before signing anything though – the last thing you need is a break down in the middle of nowhere!
3. Music
Few things go together as well as music and the open road. There’s going to be plenty of time for tunes, so make sure you’ve downloaded some playlists to your smartphone (and don’t forget the USB cable). That said, it’s wise to check out local radio as well to hear the kind of music you probably wouldn’t listen to back home, probably won’t think you’ll like, but probably come to love.
4. Roads less travelled
Highways might be fast, but you’ll miss a lot. If possible (given time and terrain), take the road less travelled. You’ll see so much more, meet the locals and venture down paths you’d never even have seen. On a similar note: take that detour! See a sign for an odd sounding ghost town or weird tourist attraction? Follow it! Now’s your chance. Spontaneity rules on road trips.
5. Eat local and stay local
Chuckwagon Cafe, Turner Valley, Alberta
Give the local grub a go – even if you have no idea what it is. After all, it might be the only chance you get. The same goes for accommodation: it might be tempting to stay at the shiny new resort, but why not stay at the unique B&B/kitsch motel/mom and pop place down the road?
If you can’t decide, check the Near Me Tonight feature on our app (for iPhone and Android), and see the available rooms near you for that night.
6. Cool bag
Who knows when you’ll next be able to grab a bite to eat? Pack a cool bag – or splash out on an electric car cool box – and store drinks and snacks in case you get peckish (or in case you get a little lost …).
7. Camp (even in your car)
Writing On Stone Provincial Park and Campground
Depending on your budget – and on your wheels – you might consider camping instead of hotels or motels. It’s cheap, easy and a great way to meet people. If you’ve got a large car or van, you can even sleep in your vehicle at some campsites, RV campsites, and in some petrol stations and Walmart stores.
8. Go offline
Yes, Google Maps is great, but there’s something about a paper map– you know, the things you occasionally see gathering dust in the back of taxis or your parents’ car. You’d be surprised at how useful it can be – both for finding out where you are, and for note taking on impromptu stops (and think of the nostalgia value when you’re home).
9. Book ahead
Especially this year with so many closures due to COVID, it will be wise not to try to "wing it" too much as many campgrounds and accommodations may not be booking to full capacity. Best to be cautious this year and have at least you accommodations booked to avoid a frustrating experience of driving around late trying to find a place to stay while the kids are freaking out.10. Stay safe!
Go down those small roads, get out of your comfort zone and explore – but be sensible. Listen to advice, always let someone know where you are and where you’re going – and don’t be a hero.
On a more practical note, keeping a few litres of water in your car at all times can literally be a lifesaver. If you have the room, a litre of gas is a good idea too.
We hope you have an awesome Alberta (or wherever you are) summer road trip experience.
Here are a few links to get you started:
The Must-Have Features to Get in Your Next Vehicle The features every buyer should opt for—and which ones to skip Original article at Consumer Reports By Jon Linkov Today’s car buyers are presented with a dizzying array of jargon and acronyms describing options, packaged features, and dealer-installed accessories
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A huge thanks to Champion Auto Parts for creating this great reference.
Spring – a.k.a. allergy season
You love everything about spring…well, almost everything. You love the warmer temperatures, spending time outside and hearing the birds chirp, but can do without the allergy-inducing pollen that invades the air.
If you suffer from allergies, you go through this love-hate relationship with spring every year. While you can’t magically get rid of all the pollen in the air, you can ensure the air inside your car is clean and fresh with a new cabin air filter.
What’s a cabin air filter?
You are probably aware that your vehicle’s engine has an air filter, but did you know that your car’s HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system may also have one? Commonly called a cabin air filter, it performs the same duties for your HVAC system as the engine air filter does for your car’s engine.
The cabin air filter is a small pleated filter made of multi-fiber paper cotton or other engineered material. Before entering the passenger compartment, outside air is directed through this filter to trap the contaminants inside the filter and prevent them from entering the inside of your vehicle.
How does a cabin air filter work?
Clean air is essential to your vehicle running properly; your car’s engine air filter ensures that clean air reaches the engine. In the same way, your car’s ventilation system counts on the cabin air filter to keep a steady stream of clean air flowing.
The cabin air filter keeps dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria and exhaust gases from entering the HVAC system of your car. It also prevents bugs, leaves and other debris from clogging up the system. Vital to clean air inside the car, the cabin air filter keeps the air inside the car fresh so you and your passengers can breathe easy – something you’ll appreciate all year long but especially during allergy season.
How do I know if my cabin air filter needs changing?
While there is no warning light that comes on when your cabin air filter needs changing, there are some signs that you may notice:
Reduced air circulation inside your passenger compartment
Diminished heating and air conditioning performance
Musty odor in the cabin of the vehicle
Cabin air intake ducting may begin to make an unusual whistling sound
If you observe one or more of these signs, it is likely that the time has come to change it. You can either do the job yourself or have your trusted mechanic switch it out for you.
How often should I change my cabin air filter?
It is recommended that you change your cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 miles. If you find yourself driving in heavily polluted areas or travelling on dirt roads, you should change the cabin air filter every 5,000 miles. Allergy sufferers may want to consider changing it more often to ensure air quality and to reduce their allergy symptoms.
What can happen if I don’t change my cabin air filter?
If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car. The simple act of changing your cabin air filter will dramatically improve the air quality in your vehicle.
What else can I do to allergy-proof my car?
There are some other steps you can take to ensure that you keep pollen and other allergens out of your vehicle. Here are some easy things you can do:
Vacuum seats and carpeted floor mats to remove dust mites
Clean spills quickly to prevent mold from developing
Wipe down steering wheel, dashboard, console and door panels
Ensure that windows and doors seal properly – check weather stripping
Learn more about quality cabin air filters, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.
The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with our certified technicians or mechanics here at Dale Adams if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein.
Hilarious Car Jokes - Part II
- So the guy two ranks below me at work bought a used 3-series. Another guy, about one rank below, bought a newer 3-series. So I go into my boss, explain the details, and believe it justifies a raise. "I've worked here twice as long as them, and rank higher. If they're driving BMWs, I should be driving a Genesis!" My employment record now says "dismissed for poor judgement."
- What's the difference between a grandfather clock and a BMW E36 after an autocross? The grandfather clock doesn't tell you the taillights are broken.
- What's the good thing about Fords? They come out of the factory with the problem circled.
- Did you know CHEVROLET is an acronym? Can Hear Every Valve Rattling On Long Extended Trips
- What do a 1000hp Supra and a 400hp Supra have in common? They both run a 12sec quarter mile. (Joke about turbo lag, but you already knew that!).
A policeman pulls over an old man in a pickup truck because the bed of his truck is full of ducks. The officer says, “Sir, it is unacceptable to have this flock of ducks downtown, take them to the Zoo this instant!”
The old man confirms that he will and drives off. The next day the officer sees the same man in the same truck still full of ducks. Only this time all the ducks are wearing sunglasses. The officer pulls him over again and yells, “I told you to take these ducks to the Zoo!”
The old man replies, “I did! But now the little buggers want to go to the beach!”
- A man buys a sports car and is really beginning to enjoy it when he sees flashing lights in the rear view mirror. He guns it and is rapidly up to 160mph when he realizes what he is doing. He slows down, then pulls over and soon the cop pulls up behind him.
The cop comes up to the window and asks, “What were you thinking, taking off like that?”
“Well,” the man replies after thinking about it for a bit, “a few years ago a highway patrol officer ran off with my wife.”
“What does that have to do with anything.”
“I thought you were bringing her back.”
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A hip young man goes out and buys a 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider. It is the best convertible sports car, costing about $250,000. He takes it out for a spin and while stopping for a red light, an old man on a moped, wearing an open face crash helmet (looking about 70 years old) pulls up next to him.
The old man looks over the sleek, shiny red surface of the car and asks, “What kind of car ya’ got there, sonny?” The young man replies, “A 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider. They cost about a quarter of a million dollars!”
“That’s a lot of money,” says the old man, shocked. “Why does it cost so much?” “Because this car can do over 200 miles an hour!” states the cool dude proudly. The moped driver asks, “Can I take a look inside?” “Sure,” replies the owner.
So the old man pokes his head in the window and looks around. Leaning back on his moped, the old man says, “That’s a pretty nice car, all right!”
Just then the light changes so the guy decides to show the old man what his car can do. He floors it, and within 30 seconds the speedometer reads 220 mph. Suddenly, he notices a dot in his rear view mirror. It seems to be getting closer!
He slows down to see what it could be and suddenly, whhhoooossshhh! Something whips by him, going much faster! “What on earth could be going faster than my Ferrari?!” the young man asks himself.
Then, ahead of him, he sees a dot coming toward him. Whoooooosh! It goes by again, heading the opposite direction! And it almost looked like the old man on the moped!
“Couldn’t be,” thinks the guy. “How could a moped outrun a Ferrari?!” Again, he sees a dot in his rear view mirror! Whooooosh Ka-BbblaMMM! The moped plows into the back of his car, demolishing the rear end. The young man jumps out, and it IS the old man!!! Of course, the moped and the old man are hurting for certain. He runs up to the old man and says,
“You gotta tell me how you got that thing to be faster than my Ferrari !” The old man looks up and replies, “OK..., but first, unhook my suspenders from your side-view mirror, will ya?”
-
I was walking down the street today when tow truck driver pulled up alongside me and said, “Excuse me, I’m looking for the accident site involving a van carrying a load of cutlery.”
“No problem,” I said. “Go straight down this road for 1 mile, then take the first left, and when you get to the fork in the road you’re there.”
-
A State Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself “this driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!” So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.
Approaching the car, he notices that there are four old ladies — the three passengers are wide eyed and white as ghosts.
The driver, obviously confused, says to him, “Officer, I don’t understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?”
The officer replies, “Ma’am, you weren’t speeding, but you should know that driving much slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers.”
“Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly... Twenty-two miles an hour!” The old woman says, pointing to a sign next to the road.
The State Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that the sign was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error.
“But before I let you go, Ma’am, I have to ask... Is everyone in this car OK? Your passengers seem awfully shaken and they haven’t muttered a single peep this whole time,” the officer asks.“Oh, they’ll be all right in a minute officer. We just got off Route 119.”
7 Driving Techniques You Should Learn from a Race Car Driver & Why
Original Post by Auto Loan Solutions
Driving your conventional 4-door sedan may not seem to have anything in common with the experience of driving a $10 – $15 million Formula 1 (F1) car. The former is for average folk, while the latter is for the exceptionally gifted drivers out there, and it’s fair to assume all racing skills are only useful for race tracks. But they’re not worlds apart. In fact, there are a number of driving techniques you can learn from a race car driver, that will help make your daily drive to work or those summer road trips better. Not only are they good for improved performance, they’re actually great for your safety as well.
- Use your eyes like a camera
Let’s start with your eyes and brain here. On the track, a race car driver uses his or her eyes like a film camera, capturing different “shots”, primarily focusing on what’s far ahead of them or where they want to go. They’re not fixed just on what’s directly in front of them.
This is an important skill for you as a driver. Too many people fix their eyes on the car ahead of them, rather than the flow of traffic in the distance. For a race car driver, doing so means putting yourself in a bad position. For you, that could mean ending up in a serious or fatal accident. Keep this in mind: your brain needs time to process the road conditions ahead, and you can only do so if you have time to see what’s taking place beforehand. That calls for looking into the distance, not the foreground.
- Brake “left-footedly”
Like the left hand, you have individuals who use their left foot more than their right. Some of the best race car drivers are in this category, preferring to brake with their left foot. Braking with the left significantly reduces the time it takes to slow down, which of course, is vital at times when driving. The reason for this stems from the fact that your left foot is closer to the brake.
Drivers of race cars need to often decelerate from speeds of 250km/h to 80km/h around sharp corners, so quick braking is essential. For the average citizen, quick braking matters not for the finesse of turning around bends (although it is impressive), but to avoid losing control of your car or prevent a rear-end collision. A second can mean the difference between escape or impact. Braking with the right usually wastes that precious fraction of time, which often translates to a distance of 30 – 50 feet travelled. Left-foot braking, however, cuts that time down by several seconds. In turn, you stop much faster than you would with traditional braking.
- One move at a time
For some odd reason, a lot of drivers think the busier they are behind the wheel, the better their driving skills are. They believe the constant steering, braking, accelerating and shifting of gears makes them more skilled since they’re able to multitask so well. They are mistaken. Watch a race one day – the occasional dash cam footage will show a level of stillness you may have not noticed before. The driver is usually focused on turning the wheel.
They maintain this focus to avoid losing control of their cars. Anytime they accelerate, brake or steer, there is the potential of breaking traction, which isn’t always desirable. A loss of traction is something you certainly don’t want as a driver, especially when the roads are slippery due to rain or ice. Unless you have refined chops as a racer yourself, you’ll want to maintain a smooth and steady drive by focusing on one thing at a time, without steering or braking/accelerating too hard.
- Grip the wheel…and pull
Here’s a strange tip: don’t just grip the wheel, pull it. Race car drivers practice this weird little hack to gain superior control of their steering. So if the driver has to turn left, for example, they’ll pull down with their left hand (or if making a right, they’ll push down with the right) as if this allows for more dexterity and as a result, more control (although some recommend pulling down and pushing up with one hand).
For both race car drivers and yourself, more dexterity and control means a better driving experience. In terms of safety, you can weave around obstacles such as potholes, or distracted drivers instantaneously. Also, sharp turns that require plenty of stability won’t faze you.
- Regaining control after sliding
Remember too, that racing isn’t all about speed, and safety plays a big part in the sport as well. That’s why drivers practice how to escape a slide at length since it can actually happen on a race track. Of course, there’s a difference between sliding and drifting (which is common in some motorsport such as rally racing). Drifting is controlled – sliding is not and since it puts the racer in danger, they must put their eyes where they want the car to stop, turn the wheel in that direction and maintain that position while slowly braking.
For both the race car driver and the average joe, doing so can prevent a collision with another vehicle. However, this technique is even more paramount for the average driver, because other motorists most likely won’t have the skills of a professional racer who can quickly dodge an out-of-control car.
- Driving in wet/slippery conditions
Racing in the rain is no doubt riskier than racing on dry pavement. So the race car driver has to keep his vehicle balanced, in order to not spin out on the slippery surface. In motorsports, there’s a “racing line”, which is the path they should follow to complete a course as quickly as possible. However, in rainy weather, racers can’t follow these lines completely, and they’ll have to focus more on finding patches of road that offer the most grip.
Of course, rain can be dangerous both to the racers and regular drivers. But how can you abandon your “racing lines” to find your grip? Well apart from equipping your vehicle with the appropriate tires, you should take your attention off doing the speed limit and trying to beat the amber light. Rather, focus on early braking, maintaining your distance with other cars, and looking out for slick patches of road that may cause skids. The goal here isn’t to get to your point B faster, but to get there safely.
- Surviving a tire blowout
Tire blowouts occur on race tracks too. It can be devastating for the driver since it may cost them the chance of a winning title, like what happened to F1 racer Sebastian Vettel last fall. Nevertheless, drivers remain calm and keep their car moving straight until they’re moving slow enough to drive off to the pit stop. They don’t stomp on the brake or try to steer off the road, as this could cause their car to spin out of control, smashing into other vehicles.
This technique can be hard to pull off because it goes against everything your mind is telling you in such a frightening situation. But it can save lives. Again, this driving technique is probably more urgent for the average citizen, because a lot of drivers out there don’t have the reflexes, poise and muscle memory to stay away from you if you’re out of control. So remaining in a straight path will keep you and all those around you safe.
Learning from the masters
There are a ton of racing legends out there who have their own tips on how to drive a car. Of course, classic heroes like Mario Andretti or modern phenoms such Lewis Hamilton have their own tricks which they may not share with you. However, they all follow some basic driving techniques that you can also use. And they’re not only useful for performance, but your safety as well. So the next time you see something about a race car driver, don’t dismiss them as overpaid young men who get to sit all day – their skillset has relevance for you as well.
Talk to us here at Dale Adams about all your performance vehicle needs.
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Classic Car
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Mark Purtell that was originally posted on artofmanliness.com.
Many men have the classic car bug hit them at some point in life. Maybe they want that car they dreamed about in high school (or actually drove, and still miss). For others, it’s the idea of taking a rundown classic and restoring it to mint condition. Some guys just like buying investment-grade cars with hopes of profiting off them in the future. No matter what your reasoning for wanting a vintage automobile, before you buy one on a whim, let’s dig into the reasons you might buy a vintage car, along with developing a plan for getting the best car for your budget and lifestyle.
Why Are You Buying a Vintage Auto?
As noted above, people buy vintage vehicles for all kinds of reasons, and being realistic about why you are buying a classic car is essential if you want it to be an enjoyable experience rather than one filled with rancor and regret.
The key is to buy for all the right reasons for you.
For example, you might want to get a 1965 Mustang convertible to go get milkshakes with the family. A rust-bucket/project car, assuming you have the time, money, and dedication to restore it, is going to take several years before it is roadworthy. By that time, your kids are in high school, and they have no interest in hitting the malt shop with Mom and Dad. In this case, a turnkey, ready-to-drive option may be the best bet for you.
If you’re someone with lots of spare time (and perhaps money as well) who enjoys fixing anything mechanical, a full restoration project might fit your profile.
If you want to buy a unique car in immaculate condition with strong investment potential, that car is going to be doing a lot of sitting without much tinkering or driving required. But as I’ll explain next, it’s important to understand that most classic cars don’t actually turn out to be a good investment.
Most Classic Cars Are Not an Investment
We’ve heard of the guy who doubled his money on a car sitting in his grandmother’s garage, but most attempts to flip a vintage vehicle for profit don’t turn out that way.
The truth is that these old cars are simply that: old cars. They have carrying costs: storage, maintenance, insurance, etc. Depending on the car, these costs can run hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.
And that’s not to mention restoration costs, of both money and time. That Mustang we referenced earlier might require $15,000 in work to get it in the condition you desire and it will still be worth about the same price you paid for it. A 1960s Corvette might cost $40,000, require $60,000 in restoration work, and now be worth $70,000-$90,000. Even if you do the repair work yourself, you might save tens of thousands of dollars in labor costs, but spend hundreds of hours in the garage away from your family. This begs the question: What is your time worth? If you like cranking a wrench on the nights and weekends, go for it. If you are thinking you will spend a couple hours a week working on a project car, you could lose interest long before its appreciated in value.
If your plan is to buy an investment-grade vehicle that you don’t plan to drive but will instead park in a temperature-controlled garage, waiting for demand to push the price up, do your research carefully on what car you buy. For example, many cars from the 1950s and 1960s have had no price appreciation for a decade. One theory is that the collectors, generally aged 60+, who used to desire these cars are either dying or downsizing their collections. Meanwhile, cars that were popular in the late 1970s to 1990s are experiencing price appreciation as the children of this era approach middle age with discretionary income to burn on collector cars.
Where to Buy Your Throwback Machine
Buying a classic car is not the same thing as buying a brand new Honda from the local dealer. You can’t just walk into a dealer, pick your comfort package, engine size, interior/exterior colors, and drive home that day with exactly what you want. To find the car you really desire, it’s going to take some work.
When buying a used car (emphasis added because racing stripes and polished wheels may make it seem new in your mind), constantly remind yourself of the phrase caveat emptor — “buyer beware.”
Buying at Auction
Classic car auctions are sexy. The crowd, the excitement, and the potential to get a deal on your dream machine all sound appealing. Here are some pros and cons for going this route:
Pros:
- Auctions do a great job bringing in high-end cars that may have never sat in a consignment dealer’s showroom. Some of the most desirable (i.e., expensive cars) have sold at auction rather than by private party or dealer.
- Auctions can often be accessed via phone or internet, giving you the opportunity to buy a car from the other side of the world.
- You can get a deal on a car with a no, or low, reserve. If only a few buyers bid on the car, you could walk out with a steal.
Cons:
- The buyer has limited options for inspection. Aside from walking around the car and maybe hearing it turn over, the chance of a complete inspection is non-existent. Only after you buy the car will you begin to discover all the surprises in the car you just purchased, and remember there are no “do-overs” at auction.
- The seller and buyer premiums added on to the sale price can tack on 10-25% in fees to the price of the car compared to a private party transaction.
Buying From a Dealer
Just like people, there are good dealers and bad dealers. Most classic car dealers run a consignment shop, where private car sellers leave their cars on the lot for sale. In return for handling the advertising and drumming up a buyer, the dealer receives a percentage of the sale proceeds. Some dealers will buy the car directly from the seller and attempt to flip it for their own profit.
Pros:
- Good dealers will run their inventory through an inspection before selling it. A reputable dealer will have no problem with you conducting an in-depth inspection of the car along with bringing in an outside inspector to verify that the car they advertise is the one you are buying.
- There’s good negotiating power. The dealer will try to get you to come up on price, but they’ll also try to get the seller to come down on price; they want to get the deal done. This is a negotiation, so do not be afraid to go in 20-25% below the asking price when starting out.
Cons:
- Dealers are in the business of turning over inventory. They often do not have intimate knowledge of the car’s history outside of what an inspection might garner.
- Dealers are middlemen. This means you indirectly pay a higher price because the seller will be paying a commission of 10-15% of the total sale price.
Buying From a Private Party
This method takes a lot more work than buying from a dealer or auction, but you can get a great deal on a classic car if you put the time into your search.
Pros:
- You deal directly with the seller. Oftentimes, they will be long-time owners, or at least more intimately know the history of the car. Some of these owners look at selling their car as giving away a child and want it to go to a good home. These collectors are the ones you want to buy from because the car’s condition will generally reflect the seller’s passion.
- You can get a much better price here without the fees of a dealer or auction house acting as a go-between.
Cons:
- This method takes work. You need to scrounge for sale ads on every car site you can find. Many sellers only list on 1-2 sites and assume that is good enough to market the car. Unless you are searching all the classic car classified sites, you might miss your deal.
- You might be more likely to blindly trust a passionate private seller. Each claim the owner makes about the car should be verified, if possible. If the deal does not pass the smell test, keep moving. No one is going to sell you a rare 1970 G.T.O. Judge for half off market prices just to avoid paying auction or dealer fees. What he is probably selling is a G.T.O. he’s made to look like a Judge in order to outsmart an uneducated buyer.
Use an Inspector Whenever You Can
When you’re buying from a dealer or private seller, and have the possibility of bringing in an inspector to look at the car, it really behooves you to do so.
An inspector acts as a second set of eyes that will make sure the car is exactly as described in the dealer’s sales literature or private owner’s claims. An inspector also functions as an important reality check: reining in your emotions is important to make sure you’re not overcome with the excitement of getting a classic car and end up with an overpriced toy needing more work and money than you’re comfortable with.
To find a good inspector, ask for recommendations at local car clubs or classic car dealers. Another option is calling a restoration shop that specializes in the car you are buying and hire them to do the inspection. Even if the shop can’t do it, they may be able to suggest someone who could.
In addition to hiring an inspector, you will also be well served by taking the car to a mechanic who can make sure it runs correctly too.
A Short Word on Prices
Classic cars come in all prices and conditions. You can pick up a near-mint condition Model T for around $10,000-$15,000. You can’t even find a project Porsche in that price range.
As a broad rule, more money spent upfront will save you gobs of money throughout the life of the car. As you scroll through classic car ads, you will often see statements such as “$75,000 invested, asking $45,000 or best offer.” Is the seller lying? Probably not. Restoration projects, especially those done at professional shops, involve hundreds or thousands of labor hours plus parts. Once the work is done, the owner may drive it around for a couple years, get bored with it, and dump it on the market. This is where you move in to save yourself thousands of dollars.
A collector car usually has no functional or practical value. Just like you wouldn’t depend on a 1982 Commodore 64 for finishing your work report, you’re not going to jump in your 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 to pick up your son from basketball practice in the middle of a snowstorm. In many ways classic cars are valued and priced the same way as other fine art is: condition and demand. Scarcity may add to the allure of a car, but does not always guarantee a high price. Compare this to how your kindergartener’s art project is one-of-a-kind, but won’t be on the block at Sotheby’s next to a Klimt or Dali.
What Car to Buy — A Few Ideas for Starters
Thanks for reading!
Dale Adams
My dad was a mechanic, so for me, finding reliable advice and honest quotes was—and still is—rather easy. I talked to my dad and polled a few friends on social media to ask for their advice on finding a trustworthy mechanic. Here’s a short list of things you can try to help you find a good mechanic and to developing a long relationship with.
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