There is no exact definition for a classic car. People, organizations, states, etc all define classic cars differently. How it is defined may not seem like a big deal to some, but it does play a role for purposes such as antique vehicle registration and insurance. Let’s look at a few examples of how it is defined:

• Classic Car Club of America (www.classiccarclub.org) – “fine or unusual motor cars which were built between and including the years 1915 to 1948. All of these are very special cars that are distinguished by their respective fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship.” They were usually quite expensive when new with relatively low production figures.
• Antique Automobile Club of America (www.aaca.org) – A vehicle that is 25 years old or older is a classic car.
• State Farm Insurance (www.statefarm.com) – A motor vehicle ten or more years old, which is rare or of special historical interest because of exceptionally fine workmanship or limited production. A classic motor vehicle 25 years old or older is covered as an antique.
• The state of Ohio – an antique or historical vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle that is at least twenty-five years old.

While the exact definition varies, the common theme is that a classic car is an older car that has qualities that make it worth preserving or restoring instead of junking.

What Really Makes a Car a Classic?

The one theme that runs consistently through every definition of what makes a car a classic is an age. This makes sense in that for something to be considered classic it needs to be older. You don’t see something made yesterday and called a classic. Time needs to pass by and change needs to happen. Of course, how much time varies but there does seem to be some consensus that the vehicle needs to be at least 25 years old to be considered classic.

Age by itself, though, is not enough. For example, a 1991 Honda Civic is 25 years old, but would anyone seriously consider it a classic? Probably not. What else then is a factor? Words like fine, unique, unusual, and rare typically are used to describe a classic car. The cost of the vehicle when new and how many of the vehicles were produced are contributing factors as well. The car needs to be desirable and have an appeal that goes beyond that of a normal functioning car.

One point that some people make when defining a classic car is that there is a difference between a classic car and a collectible car. There are examples of vehicles that were built within the last 10 years that meet some of the requirements of being a classic in that they are rare, expensive, unusual, and/or desirable but that doesn’t make them a classic.

From the beginning, we knew that being able to add markups to pictures you add to your reports was important. We debated whether to release InspectARide without it, and we were so excited to get the program in the hands of inspectors that decided not to have it in the initial release with the understanding that it would be added in shortly after.

The most recent update of the app now includes this option and it works great! You can add arrows, circles, boxes, and text directly to your pictures and it couldn’t be easier to do. You have 16 colors to choose from so you’ll be able to pick the perfect color for each markup on each picture. You can add an unlimited number of markups to each picture. Now when you include pictures in your reports you’ll be able to point out exactly what you want to show in each picture.

We’re just getting started with this app and there is so much more to come – Stay tuned!

 

This week we’ve released a new version of the portal! This includes a completely redesigned interface that adds functionality and is easier to use. This update has been several months in the making and we’re excited to get it in your hands. You’ll find that it’s easier to navigate and mobile-friendly!

Some of the changes include:

• Mobile friendly
• Better navigation allows you to get where you want to go fast
• New ability to search previously completed inspections to find exactly what you want
• Improved Template Editor makes creating templates easier and faster
• Ability to add signature lines to your templates
• Ability to add markups such as circles, arrows, and text to your pictures
• And more!

 

A “lemon” is a car that has been determined to have issues beyond repair. Each state has its own set of requirements for what qualifies as a “lemon”. These requirements can include:

• Number of miles driven/time of ownership – The defects have to happen within a certain period of time/number of miles driven. In most states, this falls between 12-24 months or 12,000 – 24,000 miles.
• Substantial defects – Defects must be substantial and impact the actual operation of the vehicle.
• Reasonable repair attempts – The manufacturer is given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. Depending on the severity of the defect, they may only have one chance to repair it or up to 3-4 attempts.
• Number of days in the shop – The vehicle has been in the shop for a certain number of days within a year. This is typically 30 days.

Do Lemon Laws apply to used vehicles?

Most states only have lemon laws in place for new vehicle purchases and not for used vehicles. In fact, only 6 states have lemon laws for used vehicles while another 13 have limited protections. A common condition in almost all jurisdictions is that the used vehicle must have included an express written warranty for lemon laws to apply.

More Information

Check out this breakdown of Lemon Laws on a state-by-state basis to learn more about Lemon Laws in your state: http://www.autopedia.com/html/HotLinks_Lemon2.html