Those who love to drive and have been blessed with a deep wallet (or a rich daddy) will at some point in time consider purchasing a sports car. There’s just something special about tearing down the road in a sleek sports car that can travel a quarter of a mile in under 10 seconds. Many people don’t realize this but purchasing a sports car, whether its new or used is an art.
The good news is that purchasing a swanky sports car is no longer restricted to just the rich and famous. For those of you who are contemplating the purchase of a sports car, this is going to be the guide you are going to want to check out. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the factors that need to be considered when buying a sports car.
New Vs. Used
This is going to be the first question that you will need to consider when buying a sports car. While purchasing a zero-meter vehicle certainly has its perks, it’s possible to get the most bang for your buck while going for a used sports car that will cost a tenth of the actual price. Also, contrary to popular belief, used cars also come with the latest safety features and gear to make driving comfortable.
That said, there are certain performance and service problems that may arise with used sports cars that will not exist with a new one. Another major benefit for purchasing a used sports car is because financing options are usually relatively less as compared to new sports cars. At the end of the day, its all about what you are looking for in your sports car and your budget.
Do Your Research
More often than not, those who are looking to purchase their dream sports car focus on the price tag, while overlooking other important factors. Regardless of the sports car that you want to purchase, it is crucial to do your own research into the car’s model and what to expect in terms of performance. A good way of doing that is by visiting forums that are specific to the sports car you are about to purchase.
Since these forums are run or visited by people who already own the particular sports car you are about to purchase, you can get valuable insights into the vehicle that you wouldn’t find any place else. Furthermore, since these people own the car, you can learn something the car by reading about their experience and the problems they faced with the car.
Don’t Trust Reports
Thanks to technology repair facilities have improved significantly over the years. This means that a damaged car can be repaired and put back on the road without the manufacturer or the insurer’s knowledge. The same goes for flood-damaged used cars which might not cost much, but the fact that it was swimming in water may have been conveniently kept off the report. To be on the safe side, its best to not believe everything that the report of the car tells you.
That said, Carfax reports are a good go-to option during the initial search, but once you’ve picked a few candidates, the sports cars need to be inspected by an experienced mechanic. This will let you know what’s really going on under the hood. Carrying out a full inspection of the sports car you are about to purchase is a good idea especially since it can help you save on unnecessary repair costs in the long run.
Find Out the Right Value of the Car
Whether you are going to purchase a new or used sports car, there’s a good chance that you are going to get duped into paying more than its actual price. To make sure that never happens to you, try online valuation tools that will tell you the estimate of most used and new sports car available in the market. Also, you can sign into sites such as eBay to get the recent value of the model of the sports car you are about to purchase.
Needless to say, it pays to shop around if you are looking to purchase a particular sports car. Taking your search online will enable you to find the recent sale value of the sports car so that you can get a better deal on your purchase. Sports car forums are also another platform where you can get an idea of the cost of a particular new or used sports car.
Take a Friend
When it comes to buying a sports car, many times people get excited and carried away with the many options available at the dealers. This enthusiasm can often cloud one’s judgment which is why it is a good idea to take a trusted friend along when purchasing a sports car. One of the reasons for taking a friend is simply because while you’re admiring the hot-rod color of the chassis, your friend will be thinking more clearly, and will probably ask the right questions or carry out the needed mechanical inspections.
Sure, it may be your first sports car, which is why the thought of it being yours might be tantalizing. But, it pays to have a second pair of eyes have a look at the sports car and give you a second opinion. That being said, if your friend happens to be a mechanic – your golden, but if they aren’t then you’d be better off taking along both a close friend and a mechanic to the dealers when purchasing a sports car. The mechanic is going to be there to inspect the vehicle while your friend is going to be the voice of reason, who will hopefully talk you out of buying a lemon.
Be Ready to Walk Away
“Yeah, but it’s a Porsche!” or something along those lines is the first thing to expect from a car dealer looking to sell a sports car on the lot. This is where doing your homework before going to make the purchase is going to come in handy. If you know the estimated price of what a vehicle should cost you are in a better position to negotiate the price tag. If it doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to walk away.