How can a novice maintain a classic car abroad

However, we know how labour and manpower is extremely expensive (compared to India) in the USA, Canada, EU, etc. On top of that, finding a good garage that knows how to work on classic cars can even come at a premium. Yikes!

BHPian Impala59 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I will be shifting soon to Toronto, Canada and plan on staying there for a good number of years. One of the things that has gotten me excited is the fact that I will have access to way more fun cars at affordable rates than what I currently have. While my definition of fun cars definitely encompasses modern sports cars, I always had more liking towards classic cars (I mean, you can just figure it out from my username and profile picture).

I always hated the fact how classic car ownership was extremely difficult and expensive in India, and to own some real drool-worthy machines, your pockets would have to be filled to the brim, or even overflowing. Sadly, I am currently too young to even afford an entry-level classic car nor are my parents exactly enthusiasts. So this new prospect of relatively easier access to classic cars in Canada has got me all pumped up. Till I thought about it in depth.

1. Classic cars are not exactly reliable and need constant maintenance

It is no secret that classic and vintage vehicles need constant care and TLC to make sure that they are running right. What this translates to is an adept and experienced person with enough mechanical knowledge to be around it, normally the role assumed by the owner. However...

2. I am an absolute novice when it comes to all things mechanical

I do own a beautiful Yezdi B250 - the first classic bike and vehicle I have ever owned - and I am slowly learning about the mechanicals and maintenance but that is barely scraping the surface. 70% of the time, when it doesn't start or has any other issues, I have to call my trusted mechanic to take a look at it. It has been just over 2 years that I have had the bike with me but my busy work schedule and the pandemic in between made sure that I have not been able to spend time with it. I do drive other newer vehicles as well but modern technology has made vehicles so reliable that I really do not even remember the last time I had a breakdown in them. Other things are taken care of by the service center when it goes for servicing. Long story short, I do not have much experience fixing automobiles. That becomes a problem since...

3. Labour is costly in the western world

Maintaining my Yezdi was not exactly cheap, but it wasn't making my wallet empty at the same time. I accept my mechanic did charge me top dollars, but the work was worth every penny spent. However, we know how labour and manpower is extremely expensive (compared to India) in the USA, Canada, EU, etc. On top of that, finding a good garage that knows how to work on classic cars can even come at a premium. Yikes!

After thinking long and hard, my happy mind wasn't as ecstatic as before. I was stuck. I cannot buy a $20-30,000 car and regularly spend thousands of dollars more to keep it running, especially when I will be having another daily driver in the garage as well. That would be absurd and just not affordable for someone who is extremely early in his career. The only option remaining is to be mechanically educated enough to work on my own car, as much as possible. But how? How do I get the experience?

I would need help from fellow T-BHPians on what steps should I take and how should I approach it? Owning a nice old American classic (and many others) has been a long dream of mine. I would really love to see it get fulfilled without having to sell my house, destroying me financially, and just getting frustrated with it.

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Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

As you rightly said, because labour costs are so high abroad, one can only own a classic in North America if you know how to wrench or if you have a lot of money. Old cars require frequent attention and based on your post, I think it'll be out of your budget to continually spend $$$. My advice would be:

- Rent a classic on Turo whenever you want (sample link).

- Get a modern muscle car like the Challenger which gives you a bit of a retro vibe & feel with modern-day usability + reliability.

- Get a contemporary sporty car. USA / Canada offer amazing driver's cars at every budget range.

- Learn how to work on your car yourself if you absolutely must own a vintage. But even then, time is money. Spending the entire weekend repairing a 50-year old car isn't my idea of fun. I'd rather be out driving that entire weekend.

Here's what BHPian landcruiser123 had to say on the matter:

I see three roadblocks:

• You've a busy work schedule
• You're immigrating to a new country - you need to get accustomed to the culture, way of life, etc.
• You're still learning the mechanical aspects

I'm 26 and living in the USA, I can tell you that I have no time for classic cars or motorcycles. I sometimes do minor fixes in my own car though.

Here are some tips:

1. For learning, get a used bicycle, motorcycle, gas engine-powered lawn mover/leaf blower. Try DIY maintenance with them. (If you easily master them, then start thinking of a car).

2. Start by finding yourself a home with enough garage space. If you don't have a proper garage, you need to rent space for winter. Else the car will rust and become worthless in no time.

3. Once you have some time & space, start buying equipment like jacks, jack stands, socket sets, torque wrench, etc.

4. Find a classic car that IS NOT rusted. Critical in Canada as they salt the roads in the winters. Ensure that the car has easy spare part availability. Most popular Fords & Chevys are easy to get parts for - check the Autozone (or similar) website for parts.

5. Buy the Haynes' manual. I know a few people who swear by them.

6. Get frustrated; Scratch your head; Fix stuff; Have fun; It's all part of the process.

My dream car is a 1970 Mercury Cougar (a 'Lexus' version of the Ford Mustang). I hope to find a version with a three-on-a-tree. I fell in love after seeing the sexy headlights in person.

You should be able to find classic car forums online for popular models. And if you're willing, try getting an old Datsun.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.