Car 1: Priced at €28,000, this car looks generally good on the outside with some minor paint damage that can be easily repaired. Despite its low mileage over the past decade, the car has not incurred significant expenses. The previous owner performed minor repairs, but as an inexperienced potential buyer, he noticed a few operational issues.
Car 2: Priced at €41,000, this car has flawless paintwork and underwent a high-quality restoration several years ago, including thorough welding repairs. The previous owner, a devoted enthusiast, regularly invested in maintenance to address various technical issues. Although significantly more expensive, both cars appear almost identical.
The buyer decides the second car is excessively priced, with a €13.000 difference for essentially the same model. He opts to purchase the €28.000 car under the condition that it passes a technical inspection. However, a few weeks later, a rattling noise emerges from the rear. Through a referral, he brings the car to our workshop, requesting a thorough inspection and our Health Check service.
Terrijn Classics’ Health Check reveals:
- Significant rust, including poorly repaired areas concealed with fillers to pass inspection.
- Numerous overdue mechanical repairs, such as deteriorated fuel lines and worn-out components.
- Long-term neglect of engine and gearbox maintenance.
- A major oil leak from the cylinder head requiring removal to rectify.
Estimated costs amount to €6.000 for proper welding and long-term restoration. Approximately €4.500 is needed to ensure mechanical reliability and prevent breakdowns by preemptively replacing high-risk parts. An additional €1.100 covers a comprehensive engine and gearbox service, replacing all filters and fluids due to age. The tires, flattened from prolonged storage, require replacement at a cost of €1.200. Finally, €3.500 is allocated for cylinder head refurbishment and gasket replacement.
To achieve the desired restoration level, the total cost amounts to approximately €16.300, effectively nullifying the initial savings from the lower purchase price of car 1. Moreover, further aesthetic enhancements such as a full repaint and addressing the worn soft-top are necessary. Long-term annual maintenance costs are also projected to exceed those of car 2 due to lingering unresolved issues.
This example reflects a true scenario that is far from uncommon. We always strive to prevent our customers from making wrong purchases, although in many cases, the damage is already done. While a flawed purchase may result in increased workload for our workshop, we prioritize the satisfaction of three informed customers with predictable costs over one disappointed customer facing unexpected expenses.
