When buying an older mopar what things do you check/look for?

[Mopar Hunter]

I check my money in my bank account.

 

[Nutso]

I like to have money in the bank. Both the cars I’m looking at have vinyl tops too…one is original which seems like it could be an issue.

 

[PRND21]

...rotting corpse in the trunk.....

Not necessarily a deal breaker… depending on the smell.

 

[Coelacanth]

Not necessarily a deal breaker… depending on the smell.

I suggest that a smoker's car might be more of a deal-breaker than a dead body...

 

[DeltaV]

or wet dog smells.

 

[1STMP]

Hello all. I’m pretty new to the site and am currently moparless (unless you count my 2005 Powerwagon). I have lurked here for a while and have been impressed with the range of knowledge and some of the member’s projects. I had a 69 Roadrunner for 14 years and it was time to let her go…it did not suit my needs anymore. I sold her to a member here that has done good things and fixed her up.

This leads me to the question…I still love the old mopars and after looking at Hellcats I just wasn’t excited driving them the way I am with an old car. I’m looking at getting another classic and I was wondering what do you look for when you’re inspecting a potential purchase?

I look at the oil fill and dipstick for mayo, leaks underneath, and body rot. Listen to the engine. I like to check all the wiring to see if lights and indicators are functional. I usually check to see if it brakes straight or pulls. What else do you like to check?

Change under the rear seat.

 

[WileE]

Along with some very good advice here, another consideration for the car is... its history. It's been a long time since it's been built ( like me ) so the more you know about what its undergone, the better.

 

[Nutso]

Change under the rear seat.

Funny story about that. The first muscle car I bought was a 69 Coronet 500, green, and well optioned. It was pretty rough on the interior so I set about cleaning it. I found a diamond ring under the seat in a pile of French fries, receipts, and other detritus. I called the seller and asked if he had lost anything in the car and he assured me he hadn’t…I paid $1400 for the car and the ring was worth almost $800!!

 

[Dennis H]

Everything. All the time. Take a friend.

You sure the Blower on the Hellcat wasn’t exciting real fast at triple digits which can happen quickly?
10.8 @ 136 does excite me. Claimed. Sure feels like it. Never felt that before.

Agreed that the power of the new car cannot replicate the fear, aroma and style of the time machine.
Apples. Oranges.

 

[Nutso]

I agree…the performance was awesome. It just didn’t feel like a visceral driving experience. You’re right…it’s an apples to oranges comparison. I would love the stop and go performance of a hellcat with the old interior…that’s the main thing that doesn’t Do it for me on new cars. I love the 60s and early 70s interiors.

 

[68BabyBlue]

Take a friend.

This is an excellent idea, a good safeguard against emotions clouding decisions. However, it almost worked against me when I inspected my Hemi GTX prior to purchase. I ended up negotiating time to complete the deal, selling another car to make it happen.

My buddy, a hard core Ford guy, was so taken with the GTX, he beat on me to put a deposit on it immediately. I finally closed the deal a few months later, but my leverage almost went out the window.

 

[1STMP]

There are so many holy grails out
there. Wished I'd had the means and
foresight to invest.
Back to the OP's purpose, rust free
and whatever trips the trigger.
Some look forward to tackeling a
major rebuild head on, while others
want that work done previously.
What to look for? That's a personal
choice.

 

[VANDAN]

I look for originality in cars/trucks, and what I'll be using them as. If restored, the quality of the work, and detail. Each particular model has it's own "areas" that often need attention. Photos, and documentation is always key. I ran across this at an auction in FL last weekend, and was sorry I didn't come prepared to bid on it. It was a 1 Family owned 31k survivor, with a Complete paper trail, since New, and Spotless !!! I haven't been able to find the results of the auction, so not sure if it sold, or price ?