A lot of people dream of having a sports car of their own. Who doesn’t want to own a luxurious car that looks good, drives extremely fast, and has a lot of features to boot as well. There’s just a big problem when it comes to owning one: A Sports Car is extremely expensive.
The most affordable, brand new sports cars like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and the 2018 Honda Civic Type R costs around $26 to $27,000. The Nissan 370z and Mazda MX-5 Miata can cost close to $30,000. As you can see, owning one needs a significant amount of funds.
Have you ever heard of the saying that “Dreams don’t die?” They certainly don’t. This is the reason why people keep the dream alive by opting to buy lower year models or second-hand sports cars. Here’s what you need to know before buying a used sports car.
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Who you buy from matters
Just because it’s used, doesn’t mean it can’t cost a fortune. Vintage sports cars are older models but can cost a ton of money. An example of that is the vintage 1964 or 1973 mustang. These relics are so stylish that they can cost somewhere in between $9,000 – $20,000. And those prices can even go higher, granted that you’re buying from a collector or a car purist.
These people take pleasure in having rare models of cars and keeping them in pristine condition. Some collectors even have strict rules before selling them to an elite few. Avoid buying from these people as it can get pricey real quick.
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If it’s vintage looks you’re after, try scouring around garages for a hidden gem. Though rare, there are still some cars out there hiding. Don’t worry about its condition too much unless it’s missing all it’s doors, wheels, and engine, and about half it’s frame, you’re all good.
Most people also buy these run-down sports cars because they want it to become their own, become a project for them and their families.
A Sports Car isn’t for errands
A lot of people often make the mistake of using a sports car for everyday travel, such as taking the kids to school or going for long family road trips. Most sports cars are two-seaters and have limited storage capacities. They are incredibly light for a reason: They were built for speed. If you’re going to buy a sports car and just use it as a carpool, then don’t bother.
Img Source: caranddriver.com
Think of the Consumables
When buying a sports car, always assume that the consumables that come with the car aren’t in mint condition anymore. When we talk about consumables in a car, we talk about the parts that are easily replaceable like the tires, brake pads, clutch, etc.
You can seek the help of professional inspectors such as the Lemon Squad to inspect a prospect car for you. They can help identify problems with it and can give you an idea of what to avoid and go for.
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As consumables are easy to replace, don’t be too quick with snapping on newer parts. Swapping older parts for more newer ones can significantly hurt its resale value. If you value the aesthetics and the resale value is essential to you, try looking for original parts instead. It is challenging to find these parts, but it is very worthwhile to do so.
You may find a gem
As mentioned earlier, you can look for sports cars that are hidden in garages. If you do manage to find one, treat them with the utmost care and importance. You never know, you might find a gem. An example of this is the famous 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta.
The 1962 Ferrari was a race car that had reached its time. The owner eventually decided to sell the vehicle. He ultimately found a buyer and sold it for $33,500. Flash forward to 2014, the buyer stuck with the car for over 49 years and decided to sell it through auction.
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What happened next shocked the world: The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta broke records, selling for a whopping $38,115,000. So once you’re able to find some old vintage car, take pride in it, restore it and be gentle with it. You never know, maybe in a few years, you can actually sell it for a ridiculous amount of money.
Always find time to enjoy it
Again, it’s everyone’s dream to own a sports car. When you do own one, even if it’s already used, be proud of it. Show it to everyone, flaunt it. Flaunt it responsibly though. Don’t be reckless when you’re driving one of your prized possessions. A lot of people often refer to their cars as their “baby,” and they wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to their “baby.”
Takeaway
Owning a sports car is a gratifying pleasure. You get to enjoy the speed, the sound, and the looks of the vehicle. When you take care of your very own sports car, you’re sure to turn some heads around. However, owning a sports car has a lot of responsibilities
It may run fast, but you’ll continuously want to check up on your car, especially if it’s second hand. You shouldn’t use it for everyday errands like taking the kids to soccer practice. In the end, take care of your sports car, and you’ll be able to enjoy it all the way.