Is that car really a bargain — or is it a financial disaster waiting to happen? In Episode 15 of Under the Bonnet with Dino, Dino shares 13 essential things to know before buying a car, whether you’re looking at a classic car, modern classic, performance car, prestige car, restoration project or potential barn find. Drawing on decades of experience buying, owning, inspecting and restoring cars, Dino talks about the mistakes that can turn an apparently cheap car into a very expensive one. We cover: Hidden rust and corrosion Microblistering and what it can reveal about paintwork Overspray and suspiciously fresh resprays Why an honest unrestored car can sometimes be the better buy Welding and hidden bodywork costs Why a £40,000 car can be cheaper than a £30,000 car Originality and the hidden cost of a proper restoration Buying cars at auction and avoiding auction fever Barn finds — treasure or expensive trouble? What to check when starting an engine from cold Buying for investment versus buying with your heart The cars Dino wishes he had bought — and the ones he got wrong And perhaps most importantly: Everyone Needs a Don One of the biggest lessons Dino has learned is to take an experienced technician with you when viewing a car. Dino’s man was Don. A knowledgeable technician or classic-car specialist can often spot corrosion, accident repairs, mechanical faults, poor restoration work and expensive problems that enthusiasm can make a buyer overlook. Spending money on a proper inspection before buying could potentially save you thousands afterwards. A Ferrari Dino Barn Find? There’s also something rather special lurking behind this episode. Dino has found a Ferrari Dino 246 that has been sitting for years. He has never owned a Ferrari. He has always wanted one. So is this finally the opportunity — or could it prove everything he has just warned everyone about? Bargain or disaster? Watch this space. Dino’s Deal of the Week – Porsche 944 This week’s Dino’s Deal of the Week is a 1983 Porsche 944 manual, currently advertised at £3,600. It’s a right-hand-drive, 5-speed manual 944 and, at this price, it raises exactly the question at the heart of this episode: Is it a bargain — or what will it need once you get it home? View Dino’s Deal of the Week here: https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2094943 Advert availability and price may change. Always inspect a vehicle properly and carry out your own checks before purchasing. Classic Car Lab This podcast is brought to you by Classic Car Lab, specialists in classic car restoration, bodywork, paintwork, mechanical restoration, repairs and the care of classic, sports, cherished and luxury cars. Visit Classic Car Lab: https://classiccarlab.com/ Under the Bonnet with Dino Real cars. Real stories. Restoration advice, buying tips, classic cars, modern classics, performance cars, auctions, barn finds and the lessons learned from a lifetime around interesting machinery. If you enjoy classic cars, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, restoration projects, modern classics, car auctions or simply finding a great car, follow Under the Bonnet with Dino so you don’t miss the next episode.
