Car collecting is more than a hobby. Many people collect cars because they love them, but most want to see their investment grow over time. Antique vehicles and rare cars can make great investments indeed, but many factors have to be taken into consideration if you want to increase your returns. It all starts with educating yourself about car collecting and avoiding rookie mistakes. Here are a few essential tips for new car collectors.
Look at Storage First
Most home garages don’t have the space necessary to store cars. Even if you think you have enough space on your lot, storing valuable vehicles outside is not an option if you want to protect your investment. Or maybe you live in an apartment or condo in a crowded metropolitan area and don’t have a garage to begin with. In this case, you probably will have no choice but to opt for a storage facility. These have tons of things going for them, however. You’ll know that your car will be stored in the best environment possible and will be looked after by professionals. Most will also offer additional services that will help keep your vehicles in perfect condition even longer.
If you’re looking for a great storage facility, we would suggest you check out The Vault. Not only do they offer maintenance services, but their facilities have top-notch security and they’ll even help you sell the vehicle if you want to.
Go with a Theme
Smart car collectors focus on specific periods, individuals, or styles when building their collections. This allows them to build a more cohesive collection, attract fans of the same styles or periods, and build expertise on certain vehicles or brands. This then allows them to make better buying decisions, but also get favored by certain sellers who would rather sell to someone who cares about the vehicle and is not just trying to make a buck.
Network
You need to get active in the car collecting community even if you don’t see yourself as a people person. Your goal isn’t necessarily to make friends, though this will come naturally. You want to get as much knowledge about car collecting and cars in general. It also helps to build a network if you need to unload some of your vehicles or find great deals.
Drive Your Cars
Cars were made for driving, and the worst thing you can do is let an old vehicle sit around. So, make sure that you take your cars on a spin from time to time. Another thing we would suggest is that you look at car racing events in your area. If you have some interesting sports models you want to try on the track, this can be a great way to have fun and meet other people who might be into car collecting. It’s a great way to make a name for yourself and promote your collection as well.
These are all tips you should follow if you’re serious about building your car collection. This will help you find great gems and keep them in optimal condition.