How old does your car have to be to be a classic? (2024)

FAQs

How old does your car have to be to be a classic? ›

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old.

Classic cars are at least 20 years old but not older than 45 years, while vintage cars are 25 years or older. Antique cars are even older, at least 45 years old.

We have listed all three and their generally agreed-upon ages below: A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).

Antique cars are usually between 25 and 45 years old, while classic cars are typically the newest of the old cars, clocking in around 15–25 years old.

A car typically becomes a classic for insurance when it is over 20-25 years old, maintained in good condition, and driven less frequently than regular vehicles, although these criteria can vary among different insurance providers.

A vehicle that is between 20 and 45 years old typically qualifies as a classic car for registration purposes, while insurers often require the car to also have historical significance. The exact definition of a classic car can vary between state DMVs, insurance companies, and motor clubs.

Cars older than eight to 10 years will be a riskier option, depending on the driving and maintenance history, while vehicles over 15 to 20 are usually nearing the end of their service lives.

Classic car insurance is usually much cheaper than regular car insurance. According to Baily Insurance Agency, a classic car policy costs around $200 to $600 annually. If you own an abnormally expensive vehicle, your rates may be higher. In contrast, regular car insurance usually costs over $1000 per year.

Either a “survivor” or restored in conformance to the original manufacturer specifications. Antique Car: Manufactured 1975 or earlier (>45 years old). Either a “survivor” or restored in conformance to the original manufacturer specifications. Classic Car: Manufactured 2000 or earlier (>20 years old)

For a car to be considered a classic, it must be more than 20 years old, in good condition and true to the original design.

Is a 2010 car too old? ›

Is a 10-Year-Old Car Too Old? Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.6 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility.

Classic car definition: Even more loosely defined, and still dependent on the organization, classic cars might include antique, vintage, and collector vehicles that are at least 10 to 25 years old.

Reliability fades with age

Even when mileage is low, the older a car gets, the less reliable it becomes. Modern cars are much more reliable, even as they age. Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months.

Within the first year, many cars will lose up to 20% of their value. After that, they may lose about 15% more per year until the four-or five-year mark.

If your goal is to save on a pre-owned vehicle, it's advisable to seek one that has already undergone most of its depreciation. This entails finding a car that is at least two years old, but ideally between three and four years old.

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.

For an item to be an antique, experts agree that it must be at least or over one hundred years old. While there's no official expert consensus for an item to be considered vintage, many agree an item should be between twenty to ninety-nine years old.

A car is considered a classic in California if it's at least 25 years old and is of historic interest. When a vehicle in California meets these requirements, the owner can register it as a historic vehicle, which will allow the car to use special license plates.

But here's the caveat: in order to qualify for that antique plate, the vehicle must be at least 30 years old (sorry Philip, your S10 won't be eligible for another five years).