Enkahnz Shared: How To Accurately Estimate Classic Car Values

Enkahnz: It is easier to spot a classic car than to know how much it is worth. You may know that the Oldsmobile Cutlass hanging out in your garage is a real sweet vintage ride, but you might have a difficult time deciding how much to sell it. Or maybe you have spotted that Cutlass, but do not know whether the price is worth it.

Worry no more, as here is an easy guide on how to estimate classic car values.

1. Research on Market Values from Dealers

Classic car values are almost always fluctuating, as all car values are. By researching the market value of a classic car sold by professional dealers, you can have a clear marker as to how much a vehicle in a certain condition is worth.(Enkahnz)

However, remember that this is a dealer's price, so expect that it is overpriced from 10%-20%. There are many other determinants of price that are oftentimes not covered by dealer-based values, such as your own preference and the demand for that car. Nonetheless, market values from dealers are still a good marker.

2. Check the Condition of the Car

The condition of the car is usually the biggest determinant of its value. Most classic car enthusiasts use a five-point rating system, as follows:

Excellent: A car in perfect and near-mint condition, usually drivable.

Very Good: A car with some very minor scratches or engine and mechanism faults, but is still almost perfect and drivable.

Good: A car with some very repairable damages, but still needs little effort to restore and is still drivable.(Enkahnz)

Fair: A car that needs a lot of restoration work, with signs of abuse such as dents, scratches, and rust. If a car is not drivable because of engine, brake, or other mechanical failures, but has a solid exterior look, it will fall in this category.

Parts car: A car that cannot be plausibly restored because of heavy damage. A parts car, as its name suggests, is usually bought only for its reusable parts.

A car in an excellent condition could be sold for twice or thrice its original price and collectors will still buy it. Cars in the good or fair condition are the usual ones that you will see in the market.

3. Customization is a Minus

A classic car with an A/C unit, a fuel-efficient engine, and soft seats may be convenient, but these modifications often bring down the value of a car. Customized paint jobs may look cool, but they still decrease the possible price. The reason for this is simple: original parts are harder to find, and maintaining them are more difficult too. Expect a car with almost all original parts (including the wheels) and paint color to have a really large price tag attached to it.(Enkahnz)

4. Rarity is a Plus

Classic Dodge Chargers may be valued highly, but Chargers with a Hemi engine is a gold mine. This is because Hemi engine-equipped Chargers were made in very limited numbers. If you have one in your old man's garage, you may want to reconsider that engine change.(Enkahnz)

Enkahnz Shared: Top 5 Cars to Modify

Enkahnz: Modifying cars has become a growing trend among many racers, car enthusiasts and just generally by teenagers. Some modifications can be done so well and others can be done cheaply and tackily. I have comprised a list of the cars that are the best for modifying... tastefully.(Enkahnz)

1. Dodge Calibre SRT-4

With 300 horses under the bonnet and a turbo engine it is the perfect car for a fun race and on a road of drag slip. With a front wheel drive, the only internal modification that the Dodge Caliber would really benefit from would be a limited slip differential.

2. Chevrolet Cobalt SS

This Chevvy has 260 horses running amuck under the hood of this car. It has a tough suspension and an injected turbo engine. It is a nippy number that is easily labelled a FWD sports car. With bucket seats and a no-lift feature this car is the ideal base for a supped-up sports car.(Enkahnz)

3. Ford Mustang GT

An automotive legend in its own right. With looks, agility, performance and aggressive power. The latest 2010 model has a whole new look; vibe and stunning interior and it comes with 15 more horses than its predecessors. This is a car that doesn't need any modifications, but each to their own.

4. Subaru WRX

This rally-bred turbo charged sedan races off the lights from 0-60mph in 6 seconds. It has burling 265 ponies and is an already established car for road racers and fast drivers. With 41 more horses than its predecessor, the Subaru is a road tearing beast that rally drivers can't get enough of. It is the ideal car if someone wants a car to modify.(Enkahnz)

5. BMW 3 Series

If a car is being benchmarked, then you know it's a tough competitor to beat. With the latest 325i coupe, this 3 series combines genuine luxury, performance and an exciting twin-turbo boasting 300 horses. With a hefty price tag around its neck, it's not the cheapest however it is to be said underrated and a car that will shift some significant power.(Enkahnz)

Enkahnz Shared: Why Lower Your Car?

Enkahnz: Have you seen some cars driving around that look lower than stock? They may have had a suspension lowering kit installed.

Why would someone want to lower their car? There are a couple of reasons. The first is that it might make the car handle better, and the second is that some people believe that it makes the car look better.(Enkahnz)

Let's take a closer look at the first reason, better handling. To understand a little be about handling it is important to grasp the concept of "center of gravity". Imagine that you could suspend a car by a cable attached to the top of the roof. You want to place the end that attaches to the roof at some point so that when suspended the car is level. That is, it does not tip to the front or rear, or to the left or right. Now imagine that there is a line from the roof straight through to the bottom of the car.

Now let's image that we turn the car on its side, and suspend it again with a cable attached to some place on one of the doors. Again we move the cable around until the car is level on its side. That is it does not tip towards the front or rear, and does not tip to the roof or floor. Again pretend that there is a line through the car that comes out the opposite door.(Enkahnz)

The last step is to picture where the two lines, from the roof through the floor, and the line through the doors. Where the two lines intersect is the "center of gravity". This is the point where the mass of the car is balanced in all directions.

OK, after that long explanation, let's see why the center of gravity or CG point is important. If you could lower the center of gravity on a car you would find that the car is steadier and you have a smoother ride. The car would also tend to roll less when you went around a curve. In one respect it is less "tippy."

Let's imagine one more time. Picture a stack of books. The more books you pile on, the more apt the entire stack is to fall over. This can be compared to a car's roll. The lower the center of gravity is like a shorter stack of books, which has fewer tendencies to tip over.(Enkahnz)

If you take a look at race cars, they are low to the ground for several reasons, chief among them being lowering the center of gravity, improves the cornering ability.

A suspension lowering kit then lowers your center of gravity, which can improve handling. It also makes the car look lower and resemble a race car instead of a stock car.(Enkahnz)

Enkahnz Shared: BMW Accessory - BMW Grilles Get You the Stares You Want For Your Car

Enkahnz: The elegant look and style of BMW cars is truly hard to ignore. The car is really stunning in every angle. When you look at the front of the BMW car, you cannot deny the fact that the kidney grilles display an iconic look. If you want to replace or improve the cracked or old looking grilles, then getting the aftermarket BMW grilles is the way to go.(Enkahnz)

Installing your new BMW grille inserts will be quick and easy. In just a few minutes, this particular BMW accessory can improve and restore the stunning look of your car. The new BMW grilles carry the tradition and style that every BMW car in the world displays.

You can opt for a new pair of aftermarket BMW custom grilles. These custom grilles make your BMW car more prominent on the road and let anyone easily identify the car you are driving when they see your BMW custom grilles. These custom kidney grilles are available in different colors and design.(Enkahnz)

BMW carbon fiber front grilles can add some car a sporty look to your ride. Not only they look great in front of your car, but also allow better air flow to help your radiator work more effectively. If carbon does not fit your style, you can go with BMW chrome grilles. If you like black, then the BMW black custom grilles is a perfect choice to start customizing your car. You can easily find the right one that will fit your style.(Enkahnz)

If you want to make simple upgrade to your car, then these new pair of BMW grilles is the right step to take. Installing BMW accessory may seem to be a simple car modification, but it surely creates a big impact to the visual look of your elegant car. Adding BMW accessory to your car will get you the stares that you want for your car.(Enkahnz)