Shed & Buried star Henry Cole reveals six classic car-buying mistakes – including meeting place you should always avoid

The Sun

04-05-2025

SHED & Buried star Henry Cole has revealed his six classic car-buying mistakes - including a meeting place you should always avoid.
After years of treating viewers to his bargain-hunting exploits, the haggling presenter has enjoyed many an NLE ("nice little earner").
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The popular Quest show sees him scour the lengths of the country for forgotten automotive gems - along with mates Fuzz Towshend and Guy Willison.
But Henry, 61, is no stranger to the odd mishap too, he told The Sun.
As viewers await the last three episodes of the current Shed & Buried: Classic Cars spin-off, he told us his top dos and don'ts when it comes to buying classic cars.
Top mistakes to avoid
First of all, "don't meet in a car park," Henry joked. "Go to their shed or place of business."
While it may be tempting to save time by meeting dealers halfway, this removes a key insight into where and how their vehicles have been kept, he explained.
"You can tell a lot about the vehicle you're buying from the state of the building and its contents."
Second, if the car is a runner and road legal, don't buy it without a test drive.
It's easy to be impressed by a swish exterior, but overzealousness can lead to trouble down the line, according to Henry. "It may look good from afar, but it could be far from good".
Similarly, "ignore cosmetics" as fancy features like soft tops can "cost an arm and a leg to fix".
Many buyers also forget to check the car's documents - which allows cheekier sellers to withhold information about its service history.
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Has it really had an engine rebuild? Does the logbook match the VIN plate? If you haven't checked - who knows?
Next up, have your wits about you - especially if you're an amateur.
"Caveat emptor, as the legal eagles say," Henry said.
"You don't have many rights buying from a private seller, so it's worth going to a classic car dealer, particularly if you aren't 100 per cent confident you could spot a lemon.
"Don't accept the price on the dealer's ticket, have a proper haggle."
The last mistake is one Henry knows all too well: "Don't let your head rule your heart."
He once forked out £25,000 on a "really cool" E-Type Jaguar body shell on a BMW chassis - only to flog it for £15,000 after £2,000's worth of repairs.
Ultimately, Henry said, "there's often a reason why they're selling".
And, for an extra top tip, he added: "Do not buy as an investment - even if that's what you've told your other half.
"With a run-of-the-mill classic you've got more chance of winning the lottery than selling it on for a serious profit in the future."
Top things to look for
"You get a vibe the minute you walk in," said Henry, who is currently in the midst of a UK theatre tour with legendary bike racer Steve Parrish.
"Your gut will tell you if it's good or not."
But, there are still some simple structural characteristics you can look out for.
"Does it sit on four wheels? Do the panels fit and the doors open and shut properly? If not, the chassis could be rusted or it may have been in a shunt."
Next, be extra vigilant when it comes to any rubber elements on the car.
Henry explained: "It's a California car and rust-free' is something you hear quite often.
"You need to be aware that anything rubber - tyres, hoses, seals and all that caper - can perish in the dry heat, so check them out first."
As a result, new tyres - or "new boots" as Henry calls them - are a big win for buyers.
"Tyres are really expensive these days," he said, "especially on older cars - and don't get me started on tractors.
"If the tyres need replacing, factor that into the price you pay."
Another useful hack, according to Henry, is to start the engine from cold.
If the engine is warm when you arrive, ask yourself, "what are they trying to hide?"
Also, though it may sound obvious, "take time sitting inside the car," Henry advised.
"Look at the upholstery and trim, which can cost a bundle to fix.
"Something I don't do that's caused me anguish in the past is to turn on the ignition and check that all the bulbs and dials work.
"I can't be bothered and pay the price - literally every time."
And lastly, stick to your guns when it comes to crunch time - the negotiation.
"When negotiating, tell them how much you're prepared to pay then shut up and look at the floor," Henry said.
"Wait for the seller to break the silence and, chances are, they'll accept your offer or come close."