BERLIN (DPA) — Some motorists are fed-up with the sleek aerodynamic design of modern cars. But if you are thinking of buying a young classic from the 1960s or 1970s for everyday use, think again.
"In principle you should only choose a vehicle where you know that spare parts are available," says Maik Hirschfeld, chairman of the German Veterans Car Club (Deuvet).
This applies especially to important technical components such as the engine, gearbox and axle and the parts should still be affordable.
"It makes no sense to buy an exotic classic for daily use if you have to wait months for expensive spare parts," Hirschfeld says.
It is relatively cheap to buy classics but running costs for such cars can be enormous.
"Cars that are between 20 and 30 years old simply need more repair than later car models," says Bert Korporal of the German motor vehicle inspection authority (TueV).
New cars today have service and oil change intervals of up to 30,000 kilometers and more. Classics normally require an oil change every 7,000 kilometers, Korporal says. Also parts such as the ignition are more prone to wear-and-tear.
Classic cars simply require more attention than newer cars and if you are not prepared to make that sacrifice you should avoid such vehicles, he advises.
