Re: When deciding what to buy....

Posted by Fred Puhn On 2011/5/23 13:05:08

Evan,
If you are in San Diego area I can totally answer your question. I purchased a 23rd series Packard Touring Sedan 2 years ago from an ad on Ebay. I paid top dollar for a car described as a "roadworthy" car in excellent condition. I have over 40 years experience with old cars but like a fool I ignored these rules:

1. Don't buy a car without personally inspecting it no matter how many photos or stories you get.
2. Buy the best car you can afford rather than the cheapest one you can find. The cost will always be less if you do that.
3. Estimate the fix-up cost and then multiply by 5 to establish you budget. Hidden damage is always estimated low.

My beloved Packard has gone from one repair to another with very little cosmetic restoration to date. The cost is well over $25,000 and the car is worth less than half of that. It still needs chrome, and paint, but that will come after replacement of the wiring harness!

You can drive it too if it is running when you have time to visit.
Fred