There is a common misconception that you have to visit a dealership to buy an old car. Thanks to the Internet, you can now purchase an old car online and even have it delivered right to your door by using car shipping companies. With online old car buying sites, you can compare multiple cars or trucks in your price range using intelligent search engines.
Many factors were taken into consideration when reviewing the best old car sites, including reputation, search tools, cost, buyer resources, and more.
Best Sites to Find Old Cars for Sale
1. Bring A Trailer
Known as bringatrailer.com, Bring A Trailer Auctions is an online shopping site where users can buy and sell the most notable and standout old cars for sale in the U.S.
The site functions as an auction site, but buyers pay the majority of fees, while sellers only pay $99 for a listing.
On it, buyers can find everything from old sports cars to antiques. If you’re selling something special, or a old vehicle, this site may be for you. There are two reasons for that.
First, it gets a lot of traffic, and second, that traffic consists mostly of passionate people who seek out products.
2. Hemmings
Hemmings is the place to go for buyers who are looking for old cars. Therefore, if you’re selling that, this is the site for you.
With its car enthusiasts’ blog and newsletter, as well as information about local auctions and car clubs, this website is an old car lover’s dream.
There are over 30,000 old cars for sale as of today. Here you’re sure to find something worth checking out.
There is no doubt that Hemmings is extremely popular with classic car enthusiasts, and they aren’t kidding when they say that a listing (which will be published in Hemmings Motor News online and in print) can reach millions of buyers.
In addition to vehicles, Hemmings helps you locate hard-to-find parts for project cars . You can search for vehicles or parts by make, model, type, price range, and category using advanced search options.
3. Craigslist
Craigslist, classifieds marketplace is perfect for discovering project cars, rare models, and even barn finds! There is an endless variety to choose from. In order to search all local listings at once, we recommend using a tool called search tempest.
On Craigslist, you can create a hyperlocal, photo-rich listing for free and make a no-stress sale without having to coordinate car transport with a faraway buyer.
Although you’re not presenting your vehicle to a nationwide audience of buyers, selling your car may take longer than usual. It’s up to you whether the convenience of selling locally is worth the wait.
On Craigslist, you can search by distance, price, make and model, year, mileage, condition, number of cylinders, drivetrain and fuel type, color, size, title status, vehicle type, and transmission type. If you are looking for a specific attribute of a car, you can also set up an email alert.
4. Dyler
Dyler is a relatively new website on our list with an easily accessible interface. The old car listing website Dyler is quickly gaining traction in the market.
Nearly half of all visitors to Dyler.com come from abroad.
It is the newest site on our list, but it has quickly gained traction worldwide with buyers from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, and Australia searching Dyler for their next classic car.
A great opportunity for old car sellers to sell their vehicles worldwide is offered by Dyler.
5. ClassicCars
ClassicCars is one of the best places to buy old cars, classic cars, vintage cars, collector cars, and vintage muscle cars online.
More than 2 million visitors per month, half of whom are from overseas. Although not many buyers come to this site for highly valuable cars, it’s a great place to list your American muscle cars.
ClassicCars.com has probably the largest selection of US classic cars, with 31,114 listings as of today.
Due to the fact that listings aren’t free, it is more likely that you will find cars listed by dealerships.
6. eBayMotors
eBay Motors is the best place to sell old and classic cars. There are old car buyers all over the world here. On eBay Motors, you can buy some of the most remarkable old vehicles in the United States.
Listings are easy to set up. According to eBay, most cars and trucks sell relatively quickly because local listings are free and national listings are just $60-$125.
One downside is that bids are non-binding, so buyers can withdraw for any reason at any time. Selling your vehicle on eBay Motors might be a good option if you already know how eBay works, and/or you want to sell your car locally (which some people do so they don’t have to coordinate car shipping).
The eBay search engine criteria include make, model, price, etc. location, and delivery options.
eBay also offers a market price analysis that compares asking prices with other vehicles sold on the site.
7. MyClassicGarage
One of the newest sites on this list is MyClassicGarage.com, which is rapidly growing among US classic car sellers. The company offers a variety of vintage and old cars for sale to all car collectors.
Any type of old American car you can imagine can be found here for sale. MyClassicGarage currently has 19,108 old and old cars for sale
8. AutoTempest
AutoTempest aggregates listings from sites like CarSoup, eBay Motors, and CarsDirect, so shoppers have a large selection of vehicles to choose from.
Using AutoTempest, users can compare listings from different websites for the best price. The interface searches across multiple platforms and compiles listings.
We at AutoTempest are committed to saving you time and helping you choose the best car for your needs. Aside from the ten sources that AutoTempest actively searches, it also links to non-partner sites, such as Facebook Marketplace.
Additionally, AutoTempest offers car reviews, buyers guides, checklists, tips for negotiating, and more for car shoppers.
9. CarGurus.com
CarGurus is our pick for the best used car site for cheap cars thanks to its online marketplace and advanced research tools.
You can create listings on this site for free, but if you sell your vehicle through the listing, you will be charged $99 regardless of the price.
The goal of CarGurus is to build trust through transparency. Therefore, you will find many of the same search options on their website as you will on other sites.
CarGurus uses a similar algorithm to KBB. The information CarGurus utilizes to make this determination includes data from recent sales and car listings. Many factors are taken into account when rating a vehicle, including mileage, trim, vehicle history, and many more.
To make car research easier, CarGurus uses an honest rating system to give each available deal the following rating: overpriced, high, fair, good, or great.
10. Auto Trader
The Autotrader website has been online since 1997, and its vehicle selection is vast, with 3 million listings coming from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private sellers.
As the leading online marketplace for buying and selling used cars, Autotrader tops our list. Buying or selling a car on this site is easy due to its large volume of listings and advanced search tool.
Moreover, Autotrader allows you to save your searches as well as apply for insurance and a car loan. Using Autotrader, shoppers can learn the value of their cars and advertise their vehicles for sale.
Buyers love AutoTrader because it offers advanced search tools that make it easy to locate very specific models and options.
Besides simple make, model, and year choices, the site offers detailed filters that allow users to narrow their search by gas mileage, color, transmission type, and technology.
Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Vintage or Classic Car
Purchasing a classic or vintage vehicle is an exciting endeavor, but it requires careful consideration and thorough research to ensure you make a wise investment. Here are some key things to note before making a purchase:
1. Define Your Purpose:
Determine whether you want the car for investment, daily driving, or as a restoration project.
2. Set a Budget:
Establish a clear budget, including purchase price, restoration costs, insurance, storage, and maintenance.
3. Research the Model:
Investigate the specific make and model you are interested in. Learn about its history, common issues, and market value.
4. Vehicle Condition:
Assess the vehicle’s overall condition. Check for rust, body damage, and the state of the engine, transmission, and interior.
5. Originality:
Verify the originality of the car. Authenticity can significantly affect the value. Look for original parts, matching numbers, and factory specifications.
6. Documentation:
Ensure the car comes with proper documentation, including the title, registration, service records, and any restoration or repair receipts.
7. Availability of Parts:
Check the availability and cost of replacement parts. Some classic cars have parts that are rare and expensive.
8. Insurance:
Look into classic car insurance policies, which often differ from standard auto insurance. Ensure you understand the coverage options and costs.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect classic or vintage car has never been easier thanks to these specialized online marketplaces. Whether you're searching for a pristine collector's item on Bring A Trailer, hunting for project cars on Craigslist, or exploring rare European models on Dyler, each platform offers unique advantages for buyers and sellers alike.
Remember to thoroughly research any vehicle before purchasing, verify documentation and authenticity, and factor in restoration costs and parts availability. Once you've found your dream classic car, don't forget to arrange professional enclosed auto transport to safely deliver your investment to your door. With the right platform and careful consideration, you'll soon be cruising in the vintage car you've always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to buy classic and vintage cars?
Bring A Trailer is considered the best overall platform for high-quality classic cars, attracting serious enthusiasts and collectors. For the largest selection, Hemmings offers over 30,000 classic car listings. eBay Motors is ideal for buyers seeking both local and national options with competitive pricing, while ClassicCars.com specializes in American muscle cars with over 31,000 listings.
How much does it cost to list a classic car for sale online?
Listing costs vary by platform. Bring A Trailer charges sellers $99 per listing, while Craigslist offers free local listings. eBay Motors provides free local listings with national listings costing $60-$125. CarGurus and some other platforms charge $99 only if your vehicle sells through their listing, making them risk-free options for sellers.
What should I check before buying a classic car online?
Before purchasing, verify the vehicle's condition through detailed photos and inspection reports, confirm authenticity with matching numbers and original parts, review all documentation including title and service records, research common issues for that make and model, check parts availability and costs, and always arrange a professional pre-purchase inspection before finalizing the deal.
Are classic cars a good investment?
Classic cars can be excellent investments if you choose desirable models with limited production runs, maintain proper documentation and originality, store them in climate-controlled conditions, and stay informed about market trends. However, factor in maintenance costs, insurance, storage, and potential restoration expenses. Rare models from iconic brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Corvette typically appreciate best over time.
How do I ship a classic car I bought online?
Shipping classic cars requires specialized enclosed auto transport services to protect your investment from weather and road debris. Choose carriers with classic car experience, comprehensive insurance coverage, climate-controlled trailers, and positive customer reviews. Most reputable car shipping companies offer door-to-door delivery and real-time tracking for high-value vintage vehicles.
Where can I find parts for classic and vintage cars?
Classic car parts are available through online marketplaces like eBay Motors and Hemmings, specialty suppliers focused on specific makes, classic car clubs and forums where members sell parts, salvage yards specializing in vintage vehicles, and manufacturer-licensed reproduction part companies. Hemmings also has a dedicated parts section alongside their vehicle listings.
What's the difference between a classic car and a vintage car?
The terms vary by organization, but generally vintage cars are manufactured between 1919-1930, while classic cars are typically 20-40 years old and considered collectible due to design, performance, or historical significance. Antique cars are usually 45+ years old. However, some iconic models like the Ford Mustang or Corvette are considered "instant classics" regardless of age.
Do I need special insurance for a classic car?
Yes, classic cars require specialized insurance policies that differ from standard auto insurance. Classic car insurance typically offers agreed value coverage (not actual cash value), lower premiums due to limited use restrictions, coverage for spare parts and restoration work, and specific requirements for storage and usage. Compare quotes from classic car insurers before purchasing your vintage vehicle.
