Buy a Classic Citroen
For anyone wanting to add a French Citröen to their collection, knowing how to buy a classic Citröen can be a daunting task. Because the vehicle is manufactured outside of the United States, you may have some issues locating and shipping the vehicle internationally. But for the dedicated collector, the time and money spent will be well worth the investment.
Contents
Steps
- Know more about the Citroen before jumping into a purchasing decision.
- Citroens were the first mass-produced vehicle outside of the United States, and in 1924, their B-10 was Europe's first steel-bodied car.
- Their company was the first to have mass-produced front-wheel drive, which was introduced in 1934, and in 1955 they had the first disc brakes.
- One of their earlier models was the Traction Avant, and the 2CV and DS models were designed in secret while the Germans occupied France during World War II.
- Check out more historical information and photos to help you decide on an era of vehicle at http://www.udena.ch/andreas/history/hist_ctr_e.html and http://www.citroen.com/#/CWW/fr-FR/HISTORY/.
- Start your search for a classic Citroen by checking your local resources. Look in your newspaper classifieds and also check out the inventory posted online by your area dealer.
- Purchase a regional classic car trade publication at a gas station or convenience store to continue your search for the ideal classic Citroen. These publications are generally located in racks by the door.
- Move to the internet to start your global search.
- Try finding a Citroen at http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/15/. Use the search options of era, country and/or region.
- Search for the vehicle's valuation through the online or hard copy version of the Kelley Blue Book. Use this pricing as a starting point for your negotiations for a Citroen, but keep in mind currency exchange rates so that you don't offend the seller when making an offer that is too low.
- Contact the seller of the classic Citroen in which you're interested, and hammer out pricing. Make sure that your starting offer is a fair price, but also don't get taken advantage of, particularly if you are dealing with someone not from your country who is more knowledgeable about exchange rates or international shipping than you.
- Follow up with discussions on the method of getting the car to you. Will it be delivered by truck or by ship, or are you planning to make arrangements to go to the vehicle and drive and/or accompany it back to your home?
- Finalize payment arrangements, and wrap up the transaction for your classic Citroen.
- Finished.
Tips
- Contact your insurance agent to find out how much adding this vehicle to your household will affect your rate. Discuss also who is responsible for the vehicle while it is in transit to you.
- When contacting someone in a different country, be sure and take into account the time difference before making the call. Consider email as an alternate means of making the first contact.
