How to Price Old Cars
Pricing an old, or classic, car can be determined by several factors, including the condition of the car, whether the car is original or modified and how many of that model and make of car were produced. You can determine the value of old cars by examining the car, hiring an appraiser and checking the car's value in several online and print resources.
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Instructions
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Pricing an Old Car
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Determine the make, model and year of your old car. A car needs to be 25 years old or older to qualify as a classic car with the Antique Automobile Club of America. The official classic car era spans from 1960 to 1972. The antique car era technically begins before World War I.
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Examine the car body for signs of damage, including rust, dents, etc. No matter how old the car, even if it is a desirable make and model, its worth will drop if the car body has extensive damage.
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Check the engine for oil leaks and mechanical problems. If the engine runs and is considered to be in good condition, this will add value to the car. Check the car's parts to determine whether they are original. Cars rise in value by the more parts they contain that are original and in good working condition.
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Hire an appraiser if you need help clarifying certain aspects of a car's worth. The Classic Car Club of America and the Antique Automobile Club of America are good resources for finding an appraiser in your area.
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Consult the NADAguides.com website for values of old cars. Also helpful in determining a car's worth is the "Classic Car Blue Book."
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Tips & Warnings
Certain makes and models of cars are considered valuable whether or not they even run. Rare cars will have value that is not determined by their condition alone.
An old car that has extensive body damage, especially from rust, will sometimes be worthless. The cost to refurbish a damaged body can sometimes be exorbitant.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit antique car image by Joseph Chiapputo from Fotolia.com
