Buying A Sports Car – Top Tips
Whether you’re going through a midlife crisis, you’ve had a windfall of cash, or you simply can’t suppress the temptation any longer, buying a sports car is always a big step. It is a big decision that can often be made in rash spontaneity, but it’s worth following a few simple steps to ensure you garner the maximum enjoyment and sensibility from your sports car.
Lifestyle
This is an imperative issue to address; sports cars are not known for their practicality. They are often purpose-built machines that are tweaked and tuned for speed and performance. This might feel fantastic on the swift drive home from the dealership, but when you arrive home and see your other half waiting with the kids for a school run, you might have a second thought. Consider your personal and family needs. Is a sports car the right decision for you?
Type of Car
The age-old question for those looking at cars for performance is convertible or coupe? Coupes have a closed roof, and convertibles have an open roof. Ironically, cars without a roof often see detrimental performance and speed because of the heavy strengthening beams that have to be built into the bodywork. Convertibles will also see a dip in security if they operate in a soft top guise, with the material easily sliced by duplicitous thieves and troublemakers. Convertibles are now being offered with a solid metal roof, but you will find a complete lack of luggage space because of the folding mechanism.
Driving Ability
Stepping into a Porsche 9/11 doesn’t guarantee you the option of handbrake turns and tight chicanes. Sports cars are highly strung and finely tuned, developed for drivers of considerable talent and as such can be a far cry from the family saloon that you feel comfortable driving. The power can often be surprising to those unused to it, and it’s worth considering starting slowly or investing in high-performance driving lessons.
Affordability
Essentially, the most important question is, is it worth bankrupting yourself for the thrills and spills of owning a sports car? Even if you can afford the list price, consider the higher fuel bills, servicing, and insurance costs.
Another point to keep in mind is the type of roads you drive on daily. A low and stiff sports car can feel amazing on smooth highways or racetracks, but it might be less enjoyable on bumpy city streets. Ground clearance is a factor, too. Many sports cars have very low bumpers, which can scrape on speed bumps or steep driveways.
Before finalizing your purchase, try to arrange a test drive that lasts longer than just a quick spin around the block. This will give you a feel for the car in real conditions. Notice how the seating position feels, how clear the visibility is, and how responsive the controls are. Sports cars should feel exciting, but they also need to be comfortable enough for you to enjoy them regularly.
Lastly, remember that owning a sports car is not only about speed. It is about the entire experience, the sound of the engine, the feel of the steering, and the connection between driver and machine. Choose a car that makes you smile every time you walk up to it. That is when you know you have made the right choice.