Vintage and retro are becoming increasingly popular, and that mainly among the younger generations. In the digital age, physical items are losing their value, which is driving more people to browse vintage stores and decorate their home with items that, as some would state, no longer serve a use. Humans want to hold their favorite items in their own hands, stay in control‒‒should it come as a surprise that items such as vinyls and vintage cars are finding an ever-growing market? In this article, we will look at the different purchase options for vintage vehicle lovers to make driving more enjoyable again.
1. Local Car Dealers
For a surprising amount of customers, the local car dealers are still the first point of contact when it comes to buying secondhand vehicles‒‒and their choices are absolutely justified. The dealers’ reputation is usually great, and potential customers can survey the Internet for reviews of other customers before they even approach a dealer. In addition, car dealers tend to have experience with the manufacturer (sometimes they are also experts when they only resell one manufacturer) and can provide the customers with a great customer service experience. Their big con is that their stock is limited to the models people buy and sell in the area. If you are after a particular model from the 80s, chances are you will have to check several dealers before one can even point you in the right direction.
- Pros: service, reputation
- Cons: limited stock, higher prices
2. Brokers
Just like a stockbroker, a car broker functions as an intermediary seller who connects a potential buyer with a vendor. The seller can be the manufacturer, a retailer or even a private person, depending on the model and brand. Brokers usually offer customers a fixed price that is cheaper than other offers on the market, but they do tend to offer online services only. While buyers can shop on these websites 24/7, they generally do not interact with the brokers face to face, which limits the initial inspections and test drives of buyers. Nevertheless, brokers may have models and vintage cars available that cannot be found elsewhere.
- Pros: online services, stock
- Cons: impersonal
3. Online Sellers
As business is shifting to the Internet, car retailers are also moving their services to the digital age. Online sellers offer their customers the advantages of local dealers in addition to their range of available models. While many local dealerships have developed their website to offer additional services, websites, such as Buyacar, have devoted their entire concept to selling and buying vehicles online. The advantages are quick deliveries, personalized purchases and a wide selection of available car models. Consumers can compare prices and check reviews of customers on rating platforms before they commit to the purchase. On the other hand, online services do not always take responsibility for shipping and customer service, which can leave customers to discuss these matters with the dealership or manufacturer directly.
- Pros: rapid service, delivery
- Cons: impersonal, lack of responsibility
4. Advertisement Websites
If you are looking for a rare gem, advertisement websites may be the right place to look for you. These websites are platforms for private vendors and buyers; they only provide the tools for the users, while they do not sell any objects themselves. Craigslist or Gumtree (in the UK) are examples of advertising websites. Their big advantage is their rapidly changing selection of models which can range from vintage from the seventies to the latest BMW. Buyers need to be quick if they want to contact a seller and confirm a purchase, but they do have the option of meeting in person before the deal is secured.
- Pros: stock
- Cons: competitive
5. Car Supermarkets
A fairly new concept, but already a game changer, is the car supermarket. The idea is to offer as many vehicles as possible to ensure the customer can leave the store satisfied, just like a real supermarket. In this sense, car supermarkets sell a variety of vehicles, ranging from factory-new to used with high mileage. They even offer car parts or exchanges, making them a good alternative to online services if customers are looking for a specific vintage model. Since car supermarkets do not focus on one manufacturer only, they can provide a better overview for buyers. The disadvantage is, though, that stock changes rapidly and your dream car may be gone before you have made up your mind. Car supermarkets also sell imports which may not meet the conformity requirements in your country.
- Pros: stock, service
- Cons: competitive
Do you already have a vintage model in mind or are you still browsing? Vintage models can be a tricky purchase, especially if you are looking for a vehicle that was initially sold in a specific country. But that does not mean that you should give up on your dreams because nothing beats driving your favorite car through the countryside.
That said, it is possible to find a classy car from the 80s or 90s if you try hard. But if you are looking for a really rare gem, you would most probably have to import it, but you will have to take all the costs and paperwork into consideration.