I am looking into possibly purchasing a 1964 4 door comet. From what I understand it is in great condition and is going to cost me somewhere around $6 thou. I was curious since I don't know anything about anything what I should look for. I am bringing some friends along that know about cars to check it out but I was interested in seeing what things you all make sure to check before purchasing a car.
6 grand for a four door comet,,,look for the crack pipe and needles in his arm...thers alot of better cars that are out there for that kind of money
I can't imagine any four door Comet being worth 6 grand. Start looking around for others, there are bound to be better deals than that. Nik
I'm with Long Island Vic on this one. But, to answer your question, the first thing I do is count the doors. If you plan to sell the car, ever, you will have a much easier time selling a coupe so, save yourself some trouble and buy a coupe from the get go. On Falcons and Comets look for rust in the lower body and inside the trunk. The front suspension didn't come with grease fittings but they can be installed during a rebuild so listen for a noisy/squeaky front end to get an idea if you need to spend money now (or later) If it a six cyl with a manual shift, the transmissions are fairly weak and have a non-syncro first gear so you look for lack of "crunch" in 2nd and 3rd, also: not popping out of gear and not too much gear noise in general. Fords are pretty simple and cheap Fords are simpler still. Look for regular stuff: overheating, smoke, big leaks, lack of compression etc etc.
I'm with the rest of em...too many doors. Don't mean to judge your choice but it's a shitty investment. Now if it has some special sentimental value then the idea of investment is out the window. Otherwise, I can think of dozens of cars for even less $$$ and better future. What to look for? mrkerb covered the mechanicals. On those cars, shock tower rot, frame rot, floorboards go bad, rocker panels and door jamb seams rot away. Look at the door rubber seals. I'd think 4dr stuff is in limited demand and hard to get. Look at sedan specific trim pcs for the same reason. I'd bet real money you could find a nice 62 and up Galaxie for that same amount. Not a show car but a good driver. I'd bet any early 60s car can be had except the big dollar race and muscle stuff. I've seen 2dr HT Comets for less that can be easily redone on the cheap. Just drove by one last month, a 65 HT that had fender flares on the rear but it was only $2500. If you really want a 4dr go for a big Mercury or a Lincoln and bag it. Times are tough for a lot of us and there's not a lot of loose cash out there. That means it's a buyers market. Don't hurry, look around.
if 6K is within your budget, I'd keep my eye on the classifieds here... lot's of decent cars, with less doors and less $.
I agree, you could get a nice early 60's 2 dr custom for that Keep looking, unless you really want a comet. L
Honestly, that's alot of coin for such a car. But, if you really like it and its what you've always wanted, go for it. Difference is what makes hot rods great. What to look for: Examine the trunk Look for floor rot Bring a magnet and check for filler in the quarters Also, if you can, put it up on a jack and get a good look at the frame and underneath. These are just a few tips.
if theres a shop close ask them if they could put on there lift so you can get a GOOD look at it.at our shop we offer a check out for $35,we drive it put on the lift ,pull the tires and check the brakes /frontend.give an opinion of the car....it has saved many a customer from buying a POS .one guy brought 3 jeeps in to get checked out.2 of them should not have been on the road......
Ditto this.. In the past month at work, we've had 3 customers bring in cars they'd purchased so we could give them the once over. All three were junk underneath. If these guys had brought the cars to us for a look first, I guarantee they wouldn't have bought the cars. Take someone with you who REALLY knows cars, and isn't afraid to tell you you're about to buy a pile of shit. And, listen to them when they say you're about to buy a pile of shit.
#1. I look for two door cars, unless it's either a very rare body style like a 4-door convertible, or an exceptionally nice original car that's cheap. #2. I don't look for $6.000 Comet 4-doors. Don't think I've ever seen one, and probably never will unless Barrett-Jackson runs one through for their auction and some guy with more money than brains "Steps-Up" . And remember, that's Hollywood stuff for your viewing entertainment.
I have to agree on the More door thing. I always try to figure out if I can get rid of it. ( I always sell my cars to finance the next one).I really discount anything I can't drive home. I also discount them if anyone has started disassembling them. Most people will ruin exterior and interior trim when they remove it so even if it's in the trunk it's still junk. I was going to buy a 65 Coronet once that was dissassembled,the owner told me everything was good and was included. I took a roll of duct tape and stuck all the trim and extra parts where they were supposed to go . Guess what ,there were several items gone and several that were unusable. Spaying primer on a car does not qualify as "Partially Restored"
If you pay that much for a quad door Coment, make sure the man points a gun at you when you pay him. If your going to be robbed it should be in the traditional way.
I can easily see where a 64 Comet 4 door can be worth 6Gs to someone that likes and wants one. If someone gave you a rust free car, you can't make it a nice car for 6Gs. It would have to be a super nice always garaged low milage car. Thay are out there but rare. There are some liars that hope you don't notice the large flaws and there are a LOT of well meaning but ignorant people that sincerely believe that thier rust bucket is a nice car suitable for Barrett Jackson. The mere fact that you asked the question means you may not understand what your eyes are seeing. If you see bubbles in the paint down low....it is NOT a rust free car no matter what the seller says. If you can see little signs of rust, then you can plan on paying big money for repairs. Always assume the car is trash. Make the car convince you that it is a nice piece. If you start with a "WOW this is a nice piece" attitude, then you tend to over look or down play the "little" things that eventually turn into those expensive things. If it passes all your tests then pay someone to inspect it for you. You could save thousands by paying a hundred bucks up front. I can't tell you what to like but don't let the joy of finding something that you do like cloud your vision. Always take a friend that will tell you what they really think.
go here www.collectorcarmarket.com 4 door comet is not worth $6k unless its a perfect show car. For $6 you can buy a lot of old car.
Thanks for all the responce I appreciate the input. I think you all have talked me out of the car. I'll keep my money for now and keep looking.
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