You go to Craigslist. A private seller hopefully will have what you want. There are many other online venues for classic cars and bikes, too, some specializing in specific types of vehicles.
If I’m. looking for something in particular that is going to be a significant cost, I’ll search on Hemmings, or Bring A Trailer, or other specialty sites.
If its just an interesting shitbox, Facebook and Craigslist will do.
Do you mean classic as in, typically, 20+ years old? We have specialized dealers for that, as well as auctions, online resources etc. The classic car industry is huge.
If you mean used, every car lot carries used cars. Most car dealers where I live only sell used, the margins on them are huge.
There is a world of difference between "a car that isn’t brand new" and "a classic car".
Used cars, which is the term for cars that aren’t new, are sold in many ways. Car dealerships sell them, people sell them online through listings, people sell them to each other.
"Classic cars" are older, valuable cars that are wanted because they are a notable and loved model and year. These are normally sold at car shows, or person to person between collectors. . .and are MUCH more valuable.
There’s a difference between used cars and classic cars. Used cars can be found everywhere, new car dealers, strictly used car dealers, private people. Classic cars are usually sold person to person or on the internet. Most classic car buyers only want a particular car, and some times even the make and engine size and specific features.
I think you are conflating used with classic. You can get a used car from a used car lot. Those are everywhere. Classic cars are harder to come by and are either sold by the owner or a specialty car dealer.
My husband found his 1980 Honda CM200T on the side of the road with a for sale sign on it. Drive around in the countryside for a bit and you’ll find tons of cars, motorcycles, tractors, etc. like that.
Used to be regional auto trader magazines and ads in local newspapers. Then it was Craigslist. Now it’s Facebook marketplace. There are also specialty auctions.
I’ve actually bought classic motorcycles, I always go on craigslist or facebook marketplace (websites where you can buy from a private seller). If you go to a dealer, you get some guarantees but private sales are just easier. And most people who have a classic bike are cool dudes and aren’t out to scam people (for the most part) and most of them are way cheaper than what a dealer would sell.
I know someone who buys high end classic cars like a couple hundred thousand to a couple million range . He does auctions mainly. Ive been to Pebble Beach in August and Hershey, Pa in October with him. He’s retired and he travels for car stuff probably 26 weeks a year, so I can’t keep track of it all.
A lot of social clubs do ‘cruise nights’ in the summer, where locals come by to show off their cars. Good place to hunt around for classic cars and motorcycles
Hemmings Motor News if you want a real classic, and not just generally old. Barret Jackson, if you’ve also got a chunk of change to drop on it. Locally, dealers sometimes take classics as trade, but your best bet is a car show. Someone’s always selling there.
If I want a ’69 Chevelle I can probably just use a regular Google search and rhen narrow it down to a few dealers or private sellers within a reasonable distance. If i am willing to fund a restoration (or do the work myself) then my options increase significantly.
If, however, I want a ’69 HEMI Cuda convertible….. my options are far more limited. And, as much as I want a HEMI Cuda…. that is just not happening. (For those who are not familiar with that car, a price weel north of $ 2 million is not unreasonable)
So I am getting my 69 Chevelle SS for my birthday in July.
“Classic” and “not new” don’t mean the same thing.
Used cars are readily available at most new car dealers as well as our numerous used car dealers. It’s also possible to get them through private sales advertised in places such as Craigslist and the few remaining hard copy newspapers and advertising flyers we have.
Others have already answered for classic cars, which have a little bit of overlap with the used car channels.
The classic car market is very well established in the US and there are numerous ways to find a car that you might desire. Car auctions, private sellers, eBay and other online marketplaces, apps like Cars and Autotrader, classified ads, dealerships, etc…
Shitty old barns out in the boonies has been my go to for a long time. Fair number of old cars parked in those that elderly folks are willing to part with for sane prices.
Do you want something ready to go? Just get in and drive? In that case you’d find a classic car sales company, an auction, or "classifieds" (like Craigslist, FB Marketplace, or even magazines.
If you’re looking for a project vehicle… Craigslist, Marketplace are going to be big ones. Other times you might find a "junk yard" that can sell them, or you go out driving around looking for cars being sold, or by word-of-mouth.
You drive down way back woods country roads anywhere that is 3+ hrs from any major city and start browsing the old run down cars in their yards. A lot of times they’ll have them right out front w for sale signs. Can find some great deals sometimes
Some terminology – ‘Classic car’ suggests older than 25 years old and collectible. Otherwise it’s just a ‘used’ car.
Large majority (>90%) of classic cars are bought off of private sellers, usually found online with a variety of sites like Facebook marketplace place, eBay, etc.
For regular late model used cars, I’ve bought CPOs at regular new car dealers. I haven’t bought any classic cars (I got 2 through inheritance, the other I’ve had long enough that it’s become a classic). If I were shopping for an older car, I’d look at specialized dealers, classic car shows, maybe auctions.
One that has only been mentioned a couple of times so far, but needs to be at the top of the list: specialized clubs for the make, and even more so for the model.
The club magazine and/or website will have vehicles not listed elsewhere, members will know of cars that are not "for sale" but can be bought, and/or they’ll know which ones are the best to buy (i.e. they know the owner and/or a particular car’s history).
I would say most sales of classic cars are done between people. There are some dealerships that specialize in selling them. But they will almost always be restored, and they want a boatload of money.
Depends. I flip old motorcycles. I cruise places that won’t get a lot of traffic from collectors. Being Craigslist or literally driving around neighborhoods or bike nights.
People that have money and want a very specific car that is fully restored have a different set of options be it high end dealers or even “personal shoppers” that will put in all the legwork to find what the buyer wants.
2 questions have diff answers. "if they want to buy a used car where do they go?" "if they want to buy a vintage/classic car where do they go?
Lots os specialized resources online or even places like ebay, etc exist for the latter. I have family members that have flown all over the country for a special bike/car. Dad calls it "fly and drive".
Used car in places like craigslist or there are used car dealerships.
The best way is through word of mouth, try to buy a car from someone whose grandma just went to the nursing home or a friend who is trading their car in for a new one, etc…
When buying privately, make sure they were owner of the car. In the US, dealers need a license but there is a loophole. You have 30 days to register the title. Sometimes people will buy a car, do shitty repairs and then sell the car with the title in the original owners name.
Comments
Specialized dealerships, car shows, online
We have used car dealerships in every city. They buy old cars and sell old cars.
You go to Craigslist. A private seller hopefully will have what you want. There are many other online venues for classic cars and bikes, too, some specializing in specific types of vehicles.
Find somebody selling one
Classified ads like Craigslist or marketplace
Autotrader.com
Carvana.com
Facebook marketplace
Carmax
Any of the thousands of used car dealers in every city and town
The newspaper classified section
Craigslist
The same places anyone else would?
The internet, a used car lot, or hit up a dude who you know wants a newer car to get their older one
There’s usually dealers who specialize in classic and antique cars. But also Craigslist, Facebook, and eBay.
Depends on how special they want it.
If I’m. looking for something in particular that is going to be a significant cost, I’ll search on Hemmings, or Bring A Trailer, or other specialty sites.
If its just an interesting shitbox, Facebook and Craigslist will do.
Do you mean classic as in, typically, 20+ years old? We have specialized dealers for that, as well as auctions, online resources etc. The classic car industry is huge.
If you mean used, every car lot carries used cars. Most car dealers where I live only sell used, the margins on them are huge.
motorcycles are sold at motorcycle dealerships, classic cars can be found at specialized dealerships and also online
Enthusiasts groups. Some stuff does better selling to folks that know what they want and who has it.
Facebook marketplace mainly, and maybe an auction if you want something cool or rare.
Facebook or Craigslist but no low ball offers he knows what he’s got.
Seriously? Lol
Where do you go?
Bring a trailer, enthusiast groups, Hemmings, specialist dealers.
Most classic dealers have connections to find cars that they don’t have in stock, but so do you. It’s called the internet.
Want a 1972 Datsun 510?
A 66 Caddilac?
A Merkur xr4ti??
There is a world of difference between "a car that isn’t brand new" and "a classic car".
Used cars, which is the term for cars that aren’t new, are sold in many ways. Car dealerships sell them, people sell them online through listings, people sell them to each other.
"Classic cars" are older, valuable cars that are wanted because they are a notable and loved model and year. These are normally sold at car shows, or person to person between collectors. . .and are MUCH more valuable.
You go to your local grocery store and pick up a copy of Hemmings catalog. It’s like Craigslist in print form but just for classic cars
There’s a difference between used cars and classic cars. Used cars can be found everywhere, new car dealers, strictly used car dealers, private people. Classic cars are usually sold person to person or on the internet. Most classic car buyers only want a particular car, and some times even the make and engine size and specific features.
Hemmings Motor News
I’d go to carvana.
I mean I bought a 25 year old truck on Facebook marketplace. Many other tucks and cars much older than that on there here in Michigan, too.
I have two, one I bought on Bring A Trailer, one I got from a dealer that specializes in weird imports.
I think you are conflating used with classic. You can get a used car from a used car lot. Those are everywhere. Classic cars are harder to come by and are either sold by the owner or a specialty car dealer.
Online.
The Thrifty Nickel, auctions, cars in the neighborhood with for sale signs etc.
If you’re looking for a true classic dream car there are specialty dealerships like Vanguard: https://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/
If you just want a used car, the other comments have covered that pretty well.
Craigslist.
My husband found his 1980 Honda CM200T on the side of the road with a for sale sign on it. Drive around in the countryside for a bit and you’ll find tons of cars, motorcycles, tractors, etc. like that.
Used to be regional auto trader magazines and ads in local newspapers. Then it was Craigslist. Now it’s Facebook marketplace. There are also specialty auctions.
I’ve actually bought classic motorcycles, I always go on craigslist or facebook marketplace (websites where you can buy from a private seller). If you go to a dealer, you get some guarantees but private sales are just easier. And most people who have a classic bike are cool dudes and aren’t out to scam people (for the most part) and most of them are way cheaper than what a dealer would sell.
I know someone who buys high end classic cars like a couple hundred thousand to a couple million range . He does auctions mainly. Ive been to Pebble Beach in August and Hershey, Pa in October with him. He’s retired and he travels for car stuff probably 26 weeks a year, so I can’t keep track of it all.
A lot of social clubs do ‘cruise nights’ in the summer, where locals come by to show off their cars. Good place to hunt around for classic cars and motorcycles
Hemmings Motor News if you want a real classic, and not just generally old. Barret Jackson, if you’ve also got a chunk of change to drop on it. Locally, dealers sometimes take classics as trade, but your best bet is a car show. Someone’s always selling there.
If I want a ’69 Chevelle I can probably just use a regular Google search and rhen narrow it down to a few dealers or private sellers within a reasonable distance. If i am willing to fund a restoration (or do the work myself) then my options increase significantly.
If, however, I want a ’69 HEMI Cuda convertible….. my options are far more limited. And, as much as I want a HEMI Cuda…. that is just not happening. (For those who are not familiar with that car, a price weel north of $ 2 million is not unreasonable)
So I am getting my 69 Chevelle SS for my birthday in July.
I’ve bought all mine through Facebook marketplace.
“Classic” and “not new” don’t mean the same thing.
Used cars are readily available at most new car dealers as well as our numerous used car dealers. It’s also possible to get them through private sales advertised in places such as Craigslist and the few remaining hard copy newspapers and advertising flyers we have.
Others have already answered for classic cars, which have a little bit of overlap with the used car channels.
My uncle used to collect classic cars. He went to auctions to buy them.
Facebook Marketplace
Classic and used are not the same
Hemmings, club for the make they want, auctions like Carlisle on the east coast, specialized dealers
Friends of friends .. If you find out dude has a car that your buddy has always wanted you hook them up.
People who know what they’re about go to Hemmings
there are cars everywhere you look in this country and old ones for sale in front lawns everywhere it’s literally the car country
The classic car market is very well established in the US and there are numerous ways to find a car that you might desire. Car auctions, private sellers, eBay and other online marketplaces, apps like Cars and Autotrader, classified ads, dealerships, etc…
Facebook marketplace, craigslist, ebay, hemmings motor news. Most classic car sales are person to person sales oelr specialty dealerships
https://bringatrailer.com/
Shitty old barns out in the boonies has been my go to for a long time. Fair number of old cars parked in those that elderly folks are willing to part with for sane prices.
Bring-a-Trailer.com is pretty good. Even Jay Leno buys cars on there.
The internet usually. I used auto/cycle trader.
Barrett Jackson or Mecum auctions
Mine was just for sale on the side of the road. My dads friend knew I was looking for one, passed it along. Rest is history..
It depends on what exactly you want.
Do you want something ready to go? Just get in and drive? In that case you’d find a classic car sales company, an auction, or "classifieds" (like Craigslist, FB Marketplace, or even magazines.
If you’re looking for a project vehicle… Craigslist, Marketplace are going to be big ones. Other times you might find a "junk yard" that can sell them, or you go out driving around looking for cars being sold, or by word-of-mouth.
Auto Trader magazine..
You drive down way back woods country roads anywhere that is 3+ hrs from any major city and start browsing the old run down cars in their yards. A lot of times they’ll have them right out front w for sale signs. Can find some great deals sometimes
I don’t care about cars, but for motorcycles I go to cycle trader dot com.
Facebook marketplace. And don’t be in a hurry. Deals will pop up
Some terminology – ‘Classic car’ suggests older than 25 years old and collectible. Otherwise it’s just a ‘used’ car.
Large majority (>90%) of classic cars are bought off of private sellers, usually found online with a variety of sites like Facebook marketplace place, eBay, etc.
For regular late model used cars, I’ve bought CPOs at regular new car dealers. I haven’t bought any classic cars (I got 2 through inheritance, the other I’ve had long enough that it’s become a classic). If I were shopping for an older car, I’d look at specialized dealers, classic car shows, maybe auctions.
One that has only been mentioned a couple of times so far, but needs to be at the top of the list: specialized clubs for the make, and even more so for the model.
The club magazine and/or website will have vehicles not listed elsewhere, members will know of cars that are not "for sale" but can be bought, and/or they’ll know which ones are the best to buy (i.e. they know the owner and/or a particular car’s history).
Mecum or Barrett Jackson
You need a guy? I got a guy. I can put you in touch with him.
Craigslist, Ebay, car clubs, online forums (eg, if you want a 1991 Trans Am GTA, http://www.thirdgen.org... 1962 VW Bug? http://www.thesamba.com)..
It varies.
Just bought a 79 Jeep CJ5 front a dealership. But was also looking at private dealers.
Car shows usually have many for sale.
Anywhere we want. lol
I would say most sales of classic cars are done between people. There are some dealerships that specialize in selling them. But they will almost always be restored, and they want a boatload of money.
Barrett-Jackson or Mecum
Europe
Depends. I flip old motorcycles. I cruise places that won’t get a lot of traffic from collectors. Being Craigslist or literally driving around neighborhoods or bike nights.
People that have money and want a very specific car that is fully restored have a different set of options be it high end dealers or even “personal shoppers” that will put in all the legwork to find what the buyer wants.
2 questions have diff answers. "if they want to buy a used car where do they go?" "if they want to buy a vintage/classic car where do they go?
Lots os specialized resources online or even places like ebay, etc exist for the latter. I have family members that have flown all over the country for a special bike/car. Dad calls it "fly and drive".
Facebook marketplace if you don’t want to get scammed by Barrett Jackson or Mecum
The internet, usually.
Car dealer. See the prices for new cars, decide to keep the old one another year.
Repeat for 20 years.
Apply for "Historic Vehicle" registration.
Done.
Second answer: Arizona.
Cars don’t rust out here. If they aren’t built to self-destruct, they last forever.
Auto trader, cars.com, even eBay
The internet
south, or out west.
the other states have too much snow and the salt they put on the roads rots out old cars
Currently americans can only by teslas by executive order.
Facebook marketplace.
Craigslist, hedgerows, or Facebook marketplace
craigslist or fb marketplace, what an odd question, I’m not sure what you’re expecting to hear.
Fb marketplace
Buy one and fix it
craigslist
Facebook marketplace.
It’s how I got my ‘87 Toyota Pickup and my 00 Suzuki Savage LS650
Facebook Marketplace
I’d go to Craigslist and try to find a treasure.
Used car in places like craigslist or there are used car dealerships.
The best way is through word of mouth, try to buy a car from someone whose grandma just went to the nursing home or a friend who is trading their car in for a new one, etc…
When buying privately, make sure they were owner of the car. In the US, dealers need a license but there is a loophole. You have 30 days to register the title. Sometimes people will buy a car, do shitty repairs and then sell the car with the title in the original owners name.