The purchase of a vintage car requires careful preparation
By the way, the results of last year's light test speak for themselves: in 2017, the workshops found defects in the lighting system of every third car. Of these, almost a quarter were driving around with defective headlights. In every tenth car, the headlights were set in such a way that they dazzled oncoming traffic. The percentage of vehicles with discovered defects has increased by 0.7 percent compared to 2016, at 32.7 percent. The problem is not getting any smaller.
If it comes with the check in the workshop actually to the exchange of a lamp, the motor trade and the automobile clubs recommend by the way the exchange equal of both sides. In view of the fact that the lamp on the other side often still works perfectly, this seems to some customers to be a clever strategy by the industry to increase sales.
The recommendation is justified, however, because lamps – like other vehicle parts – are nowadays manufactured with great precision, which also affects their service life. So if one lamp goes out, you can assume that the other will soon follow. If one exchanges both sides at the same time, one gets the lamps cheaper not only under the bottom line. You also save another visit to the garage with the corresponding costs.
The purchase of a classic car requires precise preparation
The market for old cars is experiencing a boom – advice from experts is often called for
Just the sight of a Jaguar E Type, an MG Roadster or even just a VW Golf I makes the hearts of many car fans beat faster. There has been a boom around classic cars in recent years, and it has become a market in demand. A classic car can become an investment in these days.
Around three million old vehicles older than 30 years are now registered for the road. This allows them to drive with an H license plate (as long as they are still largely in their original condition), which provides for a comparatively low tax rate of a flat 191.73 euros per year. For historic motorcycles, the tax rate is 46.02 euros. In addition, historic vehicles with this license plate are exempt from modern emissions standards and can also drive in low emission zones with an exemption permit, provided the municipality in question allows it. In addition, the cost of vehicle insurance is often lower for classic cars than for everyday cars.
For all its value, classic cars are first and foremost about style. The feeling of being on the road in an old car that is nice to look at, and different from the modern cars that are often perceived as one-size-fits-all models, has infected many – especially male – car fans.
However, acquiring such a jewel requires precise preparation. As with the normal purchase of a used car, you either have to know something about the matter yourself or get help. Experts are needed, especially when buying from a private seller. Classic cars are classified in five quality classes, depending on their state of preservation. Class 1 contains vehicles that are free of defects, while class 2 contains vehicles that are in good condition with minimal signs of use. While laymen and enthusiasts can still accept class 3, class 4 and 5 vehicles should be treated with caution. Parts may be missing here, rusting through may occur (4) or even extensive restoration may be necessary (5). If you are not a passionate hobbyist, the rule here is: Hands off.
In case of doubt, an expert should be commissioned to look at the car. The fee for this is in the lower three-digit range. If you save here, you may have to spend many times more later on repairs of unrecognized defects.
It is worthwhile to obtain information about the desired model in advance from classic car clubs or Internet forums. Here you get quite reliable insights into known weak points of the vehicles, to which you can pay special attention during the inspection.
Buying and operating a classic car is still considered a "rich man's hobby". It is certainly true that having some financial cushion is not a bad thing if you own a very old car. The procurement of spare parts in particular can be costly. But especially classic cars from the eighties are often still in good condition today, which keeps the need for maintenance low. The prerequisite is, of course, that the car is stored under suitable conditions. A fixed garage is actually always necessary for a classic car.
Conclusion: The purchase of a classic car is an affair of the heart, but it should be carried out with common sense.
Even in winter, the car is in good hands with Rahlves
When autumn comes, most motorists think about changing the tires. However, there's more to winterizing a car than that. From putting antifreeze in the wiper water to checking the battery for a safe start in subzero temperatures, there's a lot to do. And if you make an appointment to have your tires changed at the garage anyway, you can order this check at the same time.
Of course, this requires a workshop that knows its trade. Autohaus Rahlves in Ahlten is such a company, which is always technically up to date and where the employees are optimally trained. The trust of customers that company boss Uwe Rahlves and his team have earned over the years is no coincidence.
The multi-brand center on the street Zum Groben Freien is a car dealership that is now being operated by the third generation. And the term multi-brand center is the expression for the fact that cars of all brands can be repaired in the workshop. This is done in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, so that any warranties given by the carmaker are not voided.
In addition to the workshop, Rahlves is also the right place to go if you want to change your vehicle. Although the Ahlteners have been partners of the Korean brand SsangYong for a couple of years, but still Rahlves is not firmly tied to a brand.
Anyone who wants to buy a new or used car has the opportunity to choose the right one at Rahlves, because the family business from Ahlten has access to a large pool of new and used vehicles and the expertise to find the right car for the customer.