The Hidden Costs In Owning Muscle Cars

If you’re a fan of vintage muscle cars, then you know that the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro are two of the most popular vehicles in this category. 

But what you may not know is that there are hidden costs associated with owning these cars.

Let’s explore these often unexpected costs and hold a Mustang vs. Camaro matchup to see which is the most expensive muscle car to own (after the original purchase).

Hidden Muscle Car Costs and You

When it comes to collecting vintage muscle cars, there are a few hidden costs that you need to be aware of. 

These include insurance, storage, finding parts, and transporting your car. 

Insuring a Muscle Car

When it comes to insurance, muscle cars are considered high-performance vehicles and are thus subject to higher premiums.

This is especially true if the vehicle is used for racing or other competitive events. In addition, many insurers will not cover vintage cars at all.

So if you’re thinking of collecting muscle cars, be prepared to pay higher insurance rates.

Storing a Muscle Car

If you don’t have a garage, then you’re going to need to rent the best storage space for your muscle car. This can be costly, especially if you live in an urban area.

The price of storage will also depend on the size of the vehicle and whether or not it’s running. Inoperable vehicles will generally cost more to store.

In addition, you’ll have to factor in security expenses. Muscle cars are often targets for thieves, so you’ll need to take measures to protect your investment. 

Ensure your storage area is protected by security measures like:

• Security Cameras with Backup Recordings: If there is a break-in, you will be able to provide evidence to police and insurance agencies as well as be able to gather information on those who committed the crime.
• An Alarm System: This will alert you as well as neighbors or security if there is any suspicious activity around your muscle car.
• Sufficient Locks on All Entries and Exits: This will help to make sure your muscle car is not an easy target for thieves.
• Vehicle Monitoring and Tracking: As people come and go from your storage facility or if you have a gated community, it’s valuable to track the license plates and the names of those vehicles.

Experts recommend having these things in place before even purchasing your muscle car. 

There’s nothing worse than a brand-new vehicle becoming the victim of a crime shortly after purchasing it.

Finding Parts for Muscle Cars

One of the most difficult and costly aspects of owning a muscle car is finding parts.

Since many of these cars are no longer in production, it can be very difficult and expensive to find the parts you need to keep your car running.

There are a few ways to go about finding parts for your muscle car if it’s no longer in production:

1. The first is to search online. There are a number of websites that specialize in selling vintage car parts. However, it can be very difficult to find the specific part you need.
2. Another option is to attend classic car shows and meet other collectors who might be able to help you find the parts you need. This can be a great way to network and make connections in the vintage car community.
3. Finally, you can always try your local junkyard. You never know what treasures you might find.

If your vehicle is still being produced, you should be able to get replacement parts from your local dealership or an auto parts store. 

However, these parts will likely be more expensive than if you were to buy them from a junkyard or find them used.

Transporting Muscle Cars

If you’re planning on taking your muscle car to shows or races, you’re going to need to factor in the cost of transport. 

Towing a vehicle and tipping the tow truck driver can be very expensive, especially if you have to travel long distances.

There are a few ways to save money on transport costs:

• The first is to see if you can find a friend or fellow collector who is also planning on attending the event. You can then share the cost of transport.
• Another option is to see if there are any companies that specialize in transporting vintage cars. This can be a great way to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
• Finally, you can always ship your car. This is often the most expensive option, but it can be worth it if you’re planning on attending a very important event or race.

Keep all these costs in mind before you purchase your muscle car. They can add up quickly and take away from the enjoyment of owning such a beautiful vehicle.

The Mustang vs. Camaro: A Muscle Car Match-Up

Mustang vs Camaro? There’s a lot that goes into deciding which reigns supreme, but let’s explore the costs involved after the original purchase.

Fuel Efficiency

When you compare the 2019 Ford Mustang and 2019 Chevrolet Camaro things are neck and neck with fuel economy. 

However, according to Five Star Ford Lincoln, the Camero slightly edges out at 22 city / 31 hwy vs. the Mustang’s 21 city / 31 hwy.

Aftermarket Part Availability

While it’s difficult to get an exact estimate, many online users report that the Mustang has a much larger number of aftermarket parts available compared to the Camaro.

This is likely due to the Mustang’s reputation as the best-selling sports car. A larger community of Mustang enthusiasts and collectors means more part availability.

Transportation Costs

Due to their size and weight, muscle cars can be expensive to transport. However, both are still less expensive to transport than full-size trucks and SUVs.

Their costs come in relatively similar, due to their comparable size and weight.

Storage Costs

Both the Mustang and the Camaro will set you back the same amount to store. 

However, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider enclosed storage for your muscle car.

The Roadside Wrap-up

So have you made your choice? Both Mustangs and Cameros have large fanbases and a lot of it will come down to your personal taste and driving style.

Now that you understand the costs of owning a muscle car, you can make a more informed decision about whether owning either makes financial sense or if you need to save up a little more before buying your dream muscle car.

Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. His passions include insurance and talking about everything related to muscle cars.