Dream Car Touching

Myth 1: Classic cars are expensive.

The honest response here is that they do not need to be expensive – and classic car ownership is all about how much you can afford to spend.

No-one can expect to pick up a classic Aston Martin for small change, but at the same time some great examples of much less rare cars can be picked up, literally, for just hundreds of pounds. In the same vein, a decrepit old wreck of a Ford Anglia will be much cheaper than a fully-restored, roadworthy version.

As a general rule of thumb though, classic saloon cars (ie family motors) are priced much more competitively than sports versions. Classic Triumph ownership is a great example – a neat and tidy Herald saloon could be bought for well under £1,000 but its sports equivalent, the Spitfire, could easily be double the price.

To be honest, it’s much like buying a new modern car – where top quality sports models cost much less than affordable family cars. But with classic cars you get much more fun and definitely more admiring glances. New Daewoo Matiz or old MGB? Hmmm, let me see now…

Myth 2: Classics can’t run on unleaded petrol.

Oh yes they can, but you need to take advice. Generally, more recent classics with alloy heads and hardened valve seats run ok on unleaded petrol, but my advice would be to check with those in the know like classic car clubs and other owners.

Very old engines found in cars like Morris Minors do struggle on unleaded and damage can be caused to the engine, but even then it’s a rectifiable situation if you’re prepared to pay a couple of hundred quid or so for a reconditioned cylinder head.

Another option is to use a liquid fuel additive, which you pour into the tank before filling up but generally avoid any weird gadgets or gizmos which claim they will enable you to run on unleaded. The easiest things is to check with other enthusiasts or owners and, let’s be honest, the internet has made that incredibly easy.

Myth 3: The insurance premiums are high.

There is no reason to believe that classic car insurance is any more expensive than normal car insurance, although you do have a better chance of getting competitive quotes if you use a specialist classic car insurer like Sureterm Direct.

Rather than add your classic to existing insurance policies, or sell something that doesn’t quite suit your vehicle, specialists understand all about classic car ownership and are able to tailor unique insurance packages to match your vehicle and needs exactly.

The very best thing to do is make sure you speak to a classic car insurance specialist operator, rather than relying purely on online application forms. This way, you can cover every single aspect of what you need your policy to cover.

And if you are a member of a classic car club, companies like Sureterm Direct offer you extra discount in your classic car insurance premium.

Myth 4: I need loads of tools in case my classic car breaks down.

This all depends on your level of car maintenance expertise in the first place. If you don’t drive around with a full toolkit in the back of your 08 reg BMW today (and, be honest, who does?) then why would you want to do so just because you own a classic?

If you get good insurance and breakdown cover, any serious problem can be dealt with quickly by the experts. If you know your way around an engine just a little bit, then I’d recommend stocking up with some water, oil and anti-freeze and carrying a set of spanners and screwdrivers. This is enough to deal with minor problems. And duct-tape is a must. It’s sticky as hell, tough and water resistant, so for a quick repair to rubber hoses and vinyl roofs, it’s a must-have. Sometimes I think the world must be held together by Duct tape!

Oh, and invest in a good tow rope. Sorry to be negative, but it’s essential.

Myth: UK classic cars are tax-exempt

No they’re not. Cars built prior to Jan 1 1973 do qualify for zero rated road tax. You are still required to display a tax disc to prove that when you applied for the disc you had current insurance and MOT. But you don’t have to pay anything.

You can thank the government for the Jan cut-off. So it means you may have to stump up while your neighbour’s car, built 24 hours earlier, is tax-free. And remember, it’s when the car was built – not registered.

Myth 6: Spare parts for old cars are very expensive.

Again, this depends on the type, make and model of car and how desirable, common or rare it is in the classic car world.

Unsurprisingly, there are specialist parts dealers and, in some cases, it’s easy to buy newly-manufactured replacement parts based on the originals’ design. If you get into classic car ownership and join a club, then networking with other like-minded individuals soon helps you navigate through the parts minefield – and it’s surprising how many serious classic car fans have actually stockpiled spares so they can help out other owners – even it’s for a small fee.

Once again, the internet comes into play here and it’s a fun and helpful way to find spares. Quite often, you’ll find forums and sites where some people are seeking spares and others selling them.

Myth 7: Classic cars are unsafe.

No, they’re not. They were roadworthy once and age doesn’t make them instantly unsafe! But it is true, of course, that they are not as well equipped with safety features as modern cars. In the not so distant past, there were no airbags, ABS or crumple zones – go further back and even seatbelts were missing!

Volvo’s ‘king of safety’ reputation started in the 1950’s and it took a while for other manufacturers to catch up, but a good quality classic is still a safe motor so long as it’s in good condition. Generally speaking, older cars are made more substantially (ie heavier and stronger) than more modern vehicles. And while they don’t fold and absorb crash impact energy like modern cars, the bodywork is certainly a lot tougher.

The sensible classic car owner has, in the forefront of their mind, the fact that while the car may be tougher – the stress and strain on the driver/passenger in a heavy shunt is a lot more uncomfortable than with a car of today. So, to compensate, they drive much more safely – leaving appropriate stopping distances, appreciating weather conditions, and respecting speed limits and road signs.

One of the leaders in the used car engine industry is Low Mileage Engines, LLC. Low Mileage Engines, LLC has built an excellent reputation by all the hard work they put into finding Americans a way to save money during a rough economic condition. Just because the economy is down does not mean that people’s car engines stop working. Unfortunately, the economy does not run in line with our auto repair hardships.

Instead of replacing your broken down car with a new engine replace the engine with a good, used car engine that has low miles. Low Mileage Engines, LLC will find you a low mileage engine and specializes in engines for vehicles that are 2001 or newer. Low Mileage Engines, LLC has a great reputation from the customers that have used them and by the mechanics that install their engines. The mechanics are amazed at the high, quality engines that they provide the consumer.

Low Mileage Engines Memphis, TN, LLC is so proud of their products that they will even offer a warranty that covers parts and labor. If the mechanic and owner follow all of the requirements listed in the installation process then they will cover 100% of labor cost for reinstalling a new engine. You can review the specifics of the warranty at their website: http://www.lowmileageengines.com/index.php. You can even reach them by phone either at 901-266-9996 (Memphis, TN) or toll-free at 800-709-9233.

They have been in business since the early part of 2003 and have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is a remarkable rating from the BBB because they have high standards and several principles that must be met to meet the requirements for an A+ rating. This goes to show how reputable Low Mileage Engines, LLC really is.

If you are purchasing an engine from Low Mileage Engines, LLC and it is an original American engine then they will provide you with a free vehicle history report. The report is a history of the engine and will document the mileage of the engine and the history of any accidents or natural disasters that may have damaged the engine. Since Low Mileage Engines, LLC always looks out for their customers you will know that you will not be receiving an engine that may have been through a hurricane or flood that would permanently damage the engine.

Now that you have made the decision to purchase a used car engine from Low Mileage Engines, LLC they will not leave you hanging. You will need a mechanic if you do not already have one that you trust. They have a method that they will share with you to choose and locate the best mechanic for the job.

While many businesses are slowing down during these tough economic times Low Mileage Engines, LLC is expanding theirs. They are continuing to grow and are expanding to keep up with the consumer demand of purchasing used car engines.

However, since car insurance policies can be very complicated, you may not even be covered by your policy if something happens to your car. If your car’s wheels get destroyed and the wheels are not covered by your cheap auto insurance policy, then the car insurance company will have nothing to do with your repair or replacement expenses. This can be a waste, especially since you pay a hefty monthly fee to the insurance company to keep your insurance policy going.

To minimize the chances of you getting a bad deal for your money the next time you run into an automobil accident, be sure that you get the best car insurance rates and ins policy that you can possibly get. The best insurance may not mean the most expensive or most loaded policies, because not everybody can afford to pay such hefty fees. What you do need on the other hand is the best automobile insurance company and quote that your own money can buy and pay for every month.

More than getting the most affordable deal, you should also sign up with an auto insurance company or agent that is ready to help you whenever you find yourself in a tight spot. In this case, cheap doesn’t always mean good because just because insurance is offered to you at an extremely low price means that the company is sure to help and pay what is due their client when the time comes.

When people get into accidents, their insurance agents (if they’re that sort) make it very hard on them and try to wiggle out of paying by arguing that they are not covered by the car insurance policy or that the insurance company should only pay part of the expenses. Ask around with family, friends and people you trust on who they believe the best and most trustworthy companies are before signing.