Buying a Classic Car? Ask the Seller These Important Questions

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying a classic car can make for an exhilarating experience. In fact, according to State Farm, buying a classic car can be one of the most exciting car purchases you’ll ever make. While that’s certainly true for many, there are a few questions that you should be asking the seller before finalizing your purchase. After all, you don’t want to wind up with a classic car that’s a total dud.

Does the classic car have a clear title?

There are several different types of car titles but, according to State Farm, if you’re in the middle of buying a classic car, the seller should be able to provide you with a clear title. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a clear title means that the car owner owns the vehicle outright and without any levies or liens, Bankrate reports. 

As for why having a clear title is important when buying a classic car? State Farm reports that without a clear title, you could wind up paying a good amount in fees to research the car’s ownership history. Applying for a new title could end up costing you too.

Don’t buy a classic car without seeing the vehicle history report

1931 Bentley 8 litre Gurney Nutting Sport Tourer | David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

If you plan on buying a classic car, you should also ask the seller for a vehicle history report. According to CarFax, if the classic car is a 1981-or-later model, you can use the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN to run a Carfax Vehicle History Report. “The report will give you a basic guideline of owners, accidents, insurance reports, repairs, and more,” CarFax added.

Maintenance records are vital, too, if you plan on buying a classic car. A car’s maintenance records will give you a good understanding of how well the car has been taken care of over the years. Maintenance records will also provide you with insight into any mechanical problems the car may have experienced, along with any major repairs that were made to the vehicle. 

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, a good-size folder full of maintenance records is worth a million conversations. Not only will they provide a better understanding of the parts of the car you can see, but the information will also offer solid clues to the mechanical parts that you can’t.”

CarFax

Ask to have the classic car inspected by a mechanic

When it comes to buying a classic car, American Collectors Insurance recommends taking the vehicle to an experienced mechanic for a thorough mechanical inspection too. While not all classic car sellers will be game for it, and doing so might seem tedious, having the car inspected could save you both time and money in the long run. Fortunately, plenty of mechanics and companies provide classic car inspections. 

Take, for example, the AAG Auto Appraisal Group. AAG utilizes a network of certified professional agents to provide classic car shoppers with pre-purchase inspections. AAG isn’t the only company that does classic car inspections, either. American Collectors Insurance also highlighted classic car inspection companies such as FossilCars and the Classic Car Network.

Don’t skip the test drive when buying a classic car

A 1978 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet driving; if you're buying a classic car, don't skip the test drive.
1978 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Last but certainly not least is the test drive. If you plan on buying a classic car, ask the seller if you can take it out for a test drive. And if you’ve got some extra time on your hands? CarFax recommends asking the seller to take it out for an extended test drive so that you can get an even better understanding of how the car runs and handles.

But don’t just take the wheel and set off on the road ahead. Try a cold start and, once the car has been running for a few minutes, listen to the engine for any signs of irregularities. Then, once you’re on the road, test the vehicle’s brakes. Once you’ve confirmed that the car’s brakes do work, CarFax suggests asking yourself the following questions: How does the car accelerate? Does its transmission shift smoothly? Do you notice any odd suspension noises? Next, simply take your time test driving the car.

Is buying a classic car worth it?

As exciting as buying a classic car may be, it’s going to take some effort on your part. Not only should you do a hefty amount of research before buying a classic car, but you should also make sure to ask the seller these important questions before finalizing your purchase. As for if buying a classic car is worth it? If you’ve always dreamed of buying a classic car and don’t mind putting in the extra effort, then buying one may very well be worth it for you. 

RELATED: These Are the Classic Cars Millennials Can’t Get Enough Of

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Jeep Attacks the Bronco Sasquatch With “Xtreme Recon Package”

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Jeep has attacked the Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package with a similar package called “Xtreme Recon.” It will include almost identical components and features to the Sasquatch package. And Jeep has increased the Wrangler crawl ratio to become the best in the industry. 

What is the Jeep Xtreme Recon package?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

Leaked by Overland Expo, the package will include a 1.5-inch lift for a total of 12.9-inches of ground clearance. The major chunks of Xtreme Recon are the unique fender flares, electronic-locking differentials, and high clearance suspension with Bilstein shocks. The Xtreme Recon package gives either a four-door Wrangler or Wrangler Rubicon 392 a water fording depth of 33.6-inches. 

Also, part of the package is tuned shocks, a 4.56:1 gear ratio, and 17-inch beadlock wheels that are eight inches wide. Along with these are 35-inch BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 K02 All-Terrain tires, and the industry-leading 100:1 crawl ratio. Approach angles will be 47.7 at the front and 40.4-degrees at the rear. 

Does the new Xtreme Recon package beat Bronco?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe driving on a city street
2021 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

Many of these new features and specs place the Jeep Wrangler as best-in-class for off-roading capabilities. Also, the timing is not coincidental. The Bronco is set to hit dealer’s lots any time now. So first reports will be following soon after. 

What else does Jeep have cooking?

Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

While Ford is touting the Bronco’s 125,000 orders, that is a bit more than half of what Jeep sells in a year. It sold 201,311 units in 2020. And that number should be increasing with the Gladiator seeing versions of the 4xe and 392 Hemi package before this time next year. So there is a lot on the horizon and even more baked into Jeep’s past, present, and future.

Still, it is great seeing Jeep nudged along by the upstart Bronco. Jeep is the franchise for Stellantis, and it has to remain class-leading to help push the metal. 

RELATED: The New V8 Jeep Wrangler Leaves the Ford Bronco Behind

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Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Honors a 100-Year-Old Survivor

by Gabrielle DeSantis

James Bond might be tightly tied to Aston Martin, but the fictional spy is only one part of the British automaker’s history. That’s understandable, given that Aston Martin has been in business for over 100 years. And now, another part of its history is getting some recognition via a limited-edition Aston Martin Vantage Roadster.

The 1921 A3 is the brand’s oldest surviving car

1921 Aston Martin A3 next to the Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster | Aston Martin

Although Aston Martin was founded in 1913, it didn’t start regular car production for several years afterward. Before that, the automaker built and tested several prototypes. And in 2002, Aston Martin acquired the oldest surviving example: the 1921 ‘A3.’

Compared to what Aston Martin makes today, the 1921 A3, or ‘chassis No. 3,’ might not seem like much. However, for its time, it was a genuine performance car, The Drive explains. With an 11-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a “streamlined racing body,” it placed first in the 1922 Essex Motor Club Kop Hill Climb. And in 1923, it lapped the Brooklands circuit at 84.5 mph. Plus, company co-founder Lionel Martin regularly drove it.

After the A3 was donated to Aston Martin in 2002, pre-war Aston specialist Ecurie Bertelli restored it. And these days, it lives at the Aston Martin Museum in South Oxfordshire, UK. But it’s making a public appearance soon. And alongside it will be the limited-edition Aston Martin Vantage Roadster it inspired.

To honor the A3, the Q division is making a limited-edition Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

The rear 3/4 view of the black A3-inspired Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster rear 3/4 with the 1921 Aston Martin A3 in the foreground
Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster rear 3/4 with the 1921 Aston Martin A3 in the foreground | Aston Martin

‘Q by Aston Martin,’ aka the Q division, is the automaker’s in-house customization service. Named after the Bond character, it’s Q that makes Astons like the one-off Victor and the V12 Speedster. And its latest creation, the Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, was commissioned by the oldest Aston dealer to honor the A3.

The A3 nods on the limited-edition Vantage Roadster go beyond the matching black paint, MotorTrend explains. For example, the Roadster’s aluminum grille surround and fender inserts mirror the A3’s bare metal hood. The front fenders also have leather straps and ‘No.3’ engravings. And speaking of grilles, both cars have black mesh ones, as well as black wheels. Plus, the limited-edition Vantage Roadster’s grille has a bronze insert with the A3’s emblem, too.

The black-and-brown leather seats and bronze-highlighted black dashboard of the A3-inspired Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
A3-inspired Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster interior | Aston Martin

That’s not the only bronze the Q by Aston Martin Vantage Roadster has, though. It also has bronze brake calipers and control knobs, as well as some bronze ‘Aston Martin’ decals written in vintage script. All of this echoes the bronze elements on the 1921 A3. And in another echo, the limited-edition Roadster has Obsidian Black leather upholstery with a few Chestnut Brown inserts. The stitching is also Chestnut Brown, Autoblog notes.

Mechanically, though, this limited-edition model is unchanged from the regular Aston Martin Vantage Roadster. That means it has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque linked to an eight-speed automatic. So, it’s significantly faster than the A3.

‘A3 Edition’ Aston Martin Vantage Roadster production is truly limited

As of this writing, Aston Martin hasn’t released pricing details for the A3-inspired Vantage Roadster. But it’s safe to say it’s more expensive than the $150,000 standard model.

Potential buyers will have to get in line fast, though. As the convertible is an homage to Aston’s third-ever vehicle, Q is only making three examples. And they’re all being sold through the commissioning dealer, HWM in Walton-on-Thames. To be fair, MT notes that Q could likely make an interested buyer a similar car. But then, it wouldn’t mark a centenary like this one.

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RELATED: The Aston Martin V12 Speedster Is a $950K Toy That Makes You Smile

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Now California Says Porsche Can Sell Manual Trans Model

by Gabrielle DeSantis

An obsolete test required in California for regulatory approval is being blamed for the news Porsche wouldn’t sell the manual-transmission equipped 911 GT3 Touring package in the Golden State. You would still be able to buy one with an automatic, but not the stick. An “existing test procedure” was no longer valid, but California had no new test procedure to replace it. With no time left before approvals were needed Porsche had to cancel the availability of the GT3s with a manual.

Why couldn’t Porsche sell this particular 911 GT3?

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring | Porsche

You need to understand that California has more regulations, rules, test procedures, and mumbo-jumbo than any of the 49 other states. But without jumping through these hoops you can’t sell cars there. So Porsche was out of time and out of luck.

From a Porsche statement: “Discussions with the regulators continued but without visibility to a solution, we took the difficult decision to inform dealers that the manual option would no longer be available in California. There would be no way to legally register the cars in the state. We communicated this on June 15th, coinciding with the planned announcement of the 911 GT3 Touring package.”

California created a path forward for Porsche to get the manual-equipped GT3 tested

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring front view
2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring | Porsche

Without the test, the manual-equipped GT3 could not be legally registered in California. Once the state was made aware of the situation there was a kumbaya moment. It created a path forward for Porsche to get the manual-equipped GT3 tested, and there was joy in the streets. 

Again from Porsche: “Following consultations with California authorities, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) is pleased to confirm that its dealers will be able to sell the new 911 GT3 with a six-speed manual gearbox. This means that when the first cars arrive in the fall, they can be legally registered and driven in all 50 states. The work in the past week by the California DMV and California Highway Patrol to find a solution has been appreciated. It helped to identify an appropriate regulatory path forward.”

When it comes to regulations California has a lot of them

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring | Porsche
2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring | Porsche

The state of California has its own regulatory rules, specifically as it applies to emissions. In some cases, it has stricter requirements than the EPA. So in many cases, the EPA takes California’s lead in adopting stricter regulations. 

It is unfortunate that rather than helping to bring about fair regulations to help companies sell products, there are times when the state makes it harder. At least this time it recognized the problem that was created and swiftly corrected it. 

RELATED: The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Shrieks Out of the Shadows

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