Are you in the market to buy a used sports car? If the answer is ‘yes’, you’ve got a lot to choose from! There were more than 41 million used vehicles sold in the United States in 2019 – up from 40.2 million the year before.
Whether you are considering a Ford Mustang or a Porsche 911, there are important things to pay attention to before you seal the deal. Read on to learn about the 6 things to look for when you are buying used sports cars!
1. Any Remaining Warranty
Among the most helpful sports car buying tips is to look for one that still has a factory warranty. Sports cars are stylish and fast, which means that many of them are driven harder than the average truck or sports utility used vehicle buyer.
Buying a sports car with a warranty will give you peace of mind that you’re not going to be out of pocket for every little thing that may go wrong. Once you confirm a car has an active warranty, be sure to look over what it actually covers before you finalize your purchase.
2. After-Market Modifications
Sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche Carrera are two vehicles that are well-known for their after-market parts world. Some of these include modified exhaust systems, transmissions, or turbo and superchargers.
Before you sign a contract to purchase a used sports car, take it by a trusted mechanic to look it over!
3. Maintenance History
Depending on the make, model, and age of the sports car, you may find that it’s got quite the maintenance history. A good rule of thumb is that if the sports car is older than five years and doesn’t have much history, there’s a good chance it hasn’t been well-maintained.
Visit a website like CarFax to learn about the history of the used Hyundai Genesis Coupe you are considering, or any other sports car!
4. Interior and Exterior Quality
Don’t be blinded by the sheer exterior beauty of a used sports car! The price you are paying is for the interior and exterior, plus what’s under the hood. Take a close look at the interior cabin space and exterior paint colors to get a real sense of the kind of shape this car is in.
If you find issues inside or outside the car, this can help you negotiate the car down to a more favorable purchase price.
5. Make, Model, and Year
It’s no secret that even the best automakers are not immune from running into problems in the first production year of a car or truck. Before you sign on the dotted line to buy a sports car, consider the make, model, and year.
You should avoid buying a sports car from its first production year, as this can be the ones with the most problems. Perform research online to learn about specific production years so that you know what you are buying.
6. Financing Options
If you are going to be financing any part of your vehicle purchase, it’s a good idea to consider how you will do this before you arrive at the car lot. Used car loans generally have slightly higher interest rates than new ones, so check with many financial institutions before making your decision.
Wrapping Up: Buying Used Sports Cars
Buying used sports cars can be exciting but you also want to ensure you are buying the right one and not overpaying for it. It’s important to take your emotions out of the equation and take a realistic look at what you are buying.
By knowing what you can afford and the kind of sports car you are in the market for, you increase the likelihood of finding the best vehicle to drive for years to come. Check out our blog section for other helpful tips to help you be a more informed consumer!