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Collectors and ordinary people alike know what it feels like to get into a classic car. That sense of nostalgia, that sensation of traveling back to a long-gone era of automotive design. There is a very good reason why classic cars are so highly valued and prized by collectors. A classic car sale can be a very taxing event to get to, especially if one is selling to an experienced collector of those nostalgic machines. A classic car sale can very often depend on how much the seller knows about the details of the car that he is trying to sell.

To find a classic car in good condition is rare; finding one in truly good condition is nearly impossible. Yet, all too often, a classic car sale can depend on the external condition of the car in question. Collectors and enthusiasts tend to look over the outward appearance of the car. These people will scrutinize every inch of the automobile and the ones that truly know their stuff will mentally compare what you're selling to the image of the car when it was fresh from the factory. Some of the more devoted fans will even examine the underbelly of the car, or the engine, in order to see if it still fits under the original specifications of the manufacturer or if there have been alterations. Depending on the tastes of the individual prospective buyer, that may or may not break the sale right then and there. For the most part, a well-maintained and dutifully restored classic Chevy Impala, at a reasonable price, is easier to sell than a Chevy Impala that has been modified for drag racing or for modern driving.

Another consideration in potential buyer's minds that can make or break a classic car sale is the price. Humans, by nature, love bargains and car collectors are, generally, no exception. For the most part, they are aware of around how much the price of the car they're interested in and will attempt to haggle in order to get a price that fits their budget, but not straying too far from the estimate. Most sellers are also aware of the value of a car, though like art, these values are best summed up as rough estimates rather than hard, stable prices. It is at the negotiation table that both buyer and seller attempt to outwit the other to get an advantage. However, the fluctuating prices and overall lack of selection tends to favor the sellers rather than the buyers.

The classic car sale can be dangerous because it can be accurately described as a seller's market. The prices fluctuate constantly and there is hardly any consistent pattern with regards to pricing, so a seller can easily manipulate it to his advantage. A typical tactic is to subtly remind the buyer that the price is current and it may not be that way the next time he finds a car of the same make and model for sale, provided he does find one. It is also more common for sellers to casually mention that while a buyer might find the same make and model for a lower price, he is unlikely to find one in his area. However, as daunting as that may sound, a majority of sellers are willing to negotiate for a fairer price with the buyer, especially if the model of car that is being sold is not the popular model of the time.

A classic car sale can be a complicated and daunting prospect, but it does not have to be that way. If you're the buyer, be prepared to inspect the car thoroughly and to engage in haggling and negotiations over price. If you're the seller, make sure that you've managed to keep the vehicle well-maintained and be prepared to go defend your asking price in the event that your prospective buyer wants to re-negotiate. The market for vintage automobiles can be a tight-knit place but a classic car sale does not have to become an ordeal for buyer and seller alike.