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Let’s face it, a sports car offers a superior driving experience compared to other vehicles. These cars are sleek, have high-quality features, and are made to handle the roads like champions. No wonder many car enthusiasts dream of owning one of these beauties.
However, before you commit to buying a sports car it’s important to consider a few factors.
For instance, did you know that it’s possible to get a new sports car on a budget? While most sports cars retail above $40,000, affordable sports cars such as the world’s best-selling 2022 Ford Mustang and the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro are a bargain.
Also, as a first-time sports car owner, you should know that the cost of your car doesn’t end at the purchase price. For instance, be prepared to pay more when it comes to your Corvette or Ferrari’s insurance premiums.
So, what else should you know before you get a sports car? Read on.
A Sports Car is Expensive
Sports cars are known to be fun and fast, but there is also the high cost that comes with owning one. In addition to the initial price you’ll pay to own a sports car, be prepared to deal with other running costs.
For starters, most sports cars have powerful V8 engines that use premium fuel. For instance, don’t expect to use the regular 87 octane fuel on your 5.2 Ford Mustang as this will lead to engine knock or detonation.
Other costs that come with owning a sports car include:
High tire replacement costs – Sports car tires are wide, large, low profile, and have a sticky tire compound that allows for better road grip. This means it costs lots of money to manufacture them hence their high cost
Costly replacement parts – Most Sports cars manufacturers use lightweight and costly materials such as aluminum to manufacture the car parts, which increases the cost of the spare parts. For instance, replacing your Porsche Panamera brake pads will be more expensive than replacing typical minivan pads.
Be ready to pay more insurance rates- Sports cars insurance rates are higher than the economy car rates. The reason, it costs more to repair or replace a sports car than a family Sedan. Besides, sports cars are more prone to accidents than inexpensive vehicles.
There are Different Types of Sports Cars
When we talk about sports cars, there’re plenty of options to choose from. For instance, you can go for a fuel guzzling powerhouse such as the Pagani Huayra or a more fuel-efficient sports car like the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
You will also need to choose between buying a convertible or non-convertible sports car. Although they’re pricey and noisy, convertible sports cars give you the freedom to drive with the top down which also results in improved visibility. Convertibles also come in soft-top and hard-roofed convertibles.
Moreover, you will also need to compare the specs of the car. Factors such as noise level, engine power, seating and access, trim levels, accessories, fuel economy, cargo, handling, safety ratings, drive wheels, driver assistance systems technologies, and visibility are important to take into consideration.
Another factor to consider is the price of the sports car. If money isn’t a problem a new model may be the best option. Buying a brand new sports car may be expensive but it has its benefits as you will be dealing with the latest safety, engineering, and technology improvements.
However, if you’re on a budget, you can choose to go for a used sports car. Used sports cars are reasonably priced and the used-car market has plenty of options to choose from. Unfortunately with a used sports car, you may have to deal with potential wear problems and higher maintenance costs.
To be on the safe side when buying a used sports car, take it for a test drive and ensure it’s inspected by a reputable mechanic. You’ll also need to do a thorough inspection of some areas including:
- The car’s underside
- Check for any modifications
- The bodywork
- Wear on the tires
- Check the interior fabric for any tears
- Inspect past service records
Be Ready to Take Good Care of Your Sports Car
A sports car is a big investment. So, it’s important to take good care of it.
Besides, poor maintenance can lead to wear and tear and we all know getting repair work for a Ferrari or Lamborghini is a painstaking and expensive process.
A few tips you can use to keep your sports car in mint condition include:
Make sure the fluids are at the proper level – In addition to checking the engine oil and coolant, ensure that other fluids such as power steering, transmission, and brake fluids are in good condition
Keep your tires up to date- Sports cars are fast which puts lots of pressure on the tires. Check your tires’ alignment, pressure, depth, rotation, and wear and replace any tires that seem to have a problem.
Get the right insurance- Your sports car is a valuable investment which is why you need to get it insured. Sports car insurance is higher than that of economy vehicles due to the risks associated with the former. When looking for a good deal, shop around and compare the insurance quotes from different insurers. If you’ve been on the road for some time and have a clean driving record, you’re likely to find low-cost insurance for your car.
Keep it clean- Keep your sports car interior and exterior clean. Dirt buildup can ruin your car’s body, undercarriage, and interior fabric.
Service it- It goes without saying that you should take your sports car for servicing. Also, keep the service records safe just in case you need to sell the car in the future
Drive it carefully- Resist the urge to race other motorists on the road. Sports cars are also prone to more crashes due to the way they’re designed. So, take time to learn all the different parts and the technology of your new car before you drive it around.
Hopefully, now you have all the information you need to buy a sports car. Remember your sports car is a huge investment so treat it like one.
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