Buying a Classic Car Checklist: What to Check Mechanically
Written by Petro Olekhnovych, mobile mechanic in Aylesham, Kent
A good buying a classic car checklist covers three things: the paperwork and history, the structure (rust and chassis), and how the engine and running gear actually behave. See the car cold, in daylight, and take someone who knows older cars with you. If anything does not add up, walk away or get it properly assessed before you pay.
1. Check the paperwork and history first
Do this before you travel. GOV.UK suggests asking the seller for the registration number, make, model and MOT test number, then checking:
The details match what DVLA holds for the vehicle.
The MOT status and history agree with what you were told.
Whether the vehicle has been recalled for a safety issue.
The free GOV.UK MOT history check shows past passes, fails and the mileage at each test. For cars, records go back to 2005, so an older classic may have years with no online history. Gaps can mean the car was laid up. Ask why.
When you see the car, GOV.UK advises checking the V5C log book has a “DVL” watermark and that the VIN and engine number on the car match the log book. Hagerty notes that number mismatches on classics are more common than you might expect.
A paid history check, such as the RAC’s (powered by HPI), can show outstanding finance, whether the car is recorded as stolen or written off, mileage discrepancies and plate changes. Check which level of report includes what you need.
Read the service records too. Mileage should rise steadily from one record to the next.
2. Look hard for rust and structural damage
Rust is usually the biggest cost on a classic, and it hides where moisture and dirt collect. Check the sills, wheel arches, valances and chassis.
Look for filler, overspray or panels that feel unusually thick.
Check the doors, bonnet and boot shut and line up properly.
Look underneath and around the engine bay for signs of a bent chassis.
If the car is a project, our guide to what classic car restoration costs explains why bodywork and structure drive the bill.
Classic car needs some care?
Servicing, recommissioning and mechanical restoration for older cars across Kent.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
3. See the engine started from cold
Ask the seller not to run the car before you arrive. Starting problems and exhaust smoke are easier to spot from cold. If the bonnet is warm when you get there, be wary.
Before starting, check:
The oil. Pull the dipstick and check the level and colour. Thick, dirty black oil is a sign of neglect.
Under the oil filler cap. A mayonnaise-like deposit may point to a damaged head gasket.
Hoses and belts. Look at the condition of the cooling hoses and the fan belt. Old hoses can burst without warning.
Fuel pipes and plugs. Old, cracked fuel pipes and tired spark plugs suggest the car has not been looked after.
Once it is running, look and listen:
Knocking or tapping from the engine.
Leaks. Some oil leaks are normal on an old car, but check for drips from the sump and gearbox.
Smoke. Blue smoke means oil is being burnt. Black smoke usually points to a fuel problem. Thick white smoke that does not clear can mean coolant is getting into the engine, which may be a head gasket.
Gauges. Oil pressure and water temperature should sit where they should and stay there.
4. Check the running gear
With the car safely supported, check for play in the wheel bearings, front suspension, steering and propshaft. A little is normal on an old car. A lot needs investigating.
Look at the tyres for odd wear and cracks in the sidewalls. Old tyres can look fine and still be unsafe. Our post on classic car tyre age explains how to read the date code.
Make sure the lights, wipers, gauges and other electrical items work. Missing trim and electrical parts can be expensive to replace.
5. Test drive it, with someone who knows
Drive the car if you can. Check that it starts, steers and stops properly, with no pulling under braking.
Classics rarely drive like modern cars, so take someone with experience of older vehicles. A marque specialist or owners’ club member can also tell you about originality, which affects value, and the model’s known weak spots.
If the brakes feel poor or the car pulls hard, do not keep driving it. Ask for it to be checked first.
A note on MOT exemption
Many vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago do not need an MOT, as long as no substantial changes have been made. GOV.UK is clear that the owner must still keep the car roadworthy. Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points.
So a car with no recent MOT has not had an independent safety check. Factor that in. Our guide to historic vehicle MOT exemption covers the rules in detail.
How we can help
As part of our classic and vintage car mechanic service in Kent, we can come out to look at a car you are thinking of buying. We will check it over mechanically, find faults and tell you what it is likely to need, so you can decide with your eyes open.
We are mobile and cover Aylesham, Canterbury, Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Folkestone and the villages around them. Labour is £30-£50 per hour depending on the job, and we agree the price on WhatsApp before we start. Parts are extra.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check a classic car’s MOT history?
Yes. It is free on GOV.UK and shows past results and mileage. Online records for cars start in 2005, so very old history will be on paper, if at all.
Is a history check worth it on a classic?
Yes. It can reveal outstanding finance, theft or write-off records, and mileage problems that the paperwork may not show.
Do I need to take a mechanic with me?
It is strongly advised if you are not experienced with older cars. A second pair of eyes spots things you will miss when you are excited about a car.
Need help? Send a WhatsApp to 07563 350335 with your car’s make and model and we’ll come to you.
Areas we cover: based in Aylesham, we come to you in Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Walmer, Sandwich and Ash, Folkestone, Wingham, Bridge and Barham, Shepherdswell, and Adisham. See all areas.
Classic car needs some care?
Message us on WhatsApp with your reg and postcode for a price before any work starts.
WhatsApp for a free quote Call 07563 350335
Labour £30 to £50 per hour depending on the job. Send your reg number and we will reply with a price before any work starts.
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