How to Buy a Sports Car

Have you always wanted a sports car? Modern sports cars can be quite practical, and buying one might not be such a far-fetched idea. They use less gas than they used to, are safer, and some are available for under $20,000.

If you want to buy one, consider first what you want. How much are you willing to spend? Figure this out before you proceed. Although you don't necessarily have to pay a lot, it is quite possible to spend huge sums of money on a sports car. Think also about what layout you want. Typical front engine? Rear engine? Mid engine? Mid engine cars are usually the best on handling, although they may not measure up as well when it comes to comfort. Also, consider whether you want a convertible. Modern convertibles are equipped with rollover bars, and seat belts, and let in much less road nose than older ones do. Of course, also decide whether you are looking at vintage cars. Although a nice '68 Mustang might not have any of the safety features I just described, and it might get horrible gas mileage, its romance is unparalleled.

Also, consider sports sedans. There are now a number of powerful luxury cars, many of which have great handling and performance, and which might be much more practical for your purposes. They will have be able to accommodate five rather than two, and have the potential to make your morning commute quite a bit more fun.

Think also about transmissions. Sports cars, and performance cars in general, are typically stick shift, although if you do a lot of urban driving, an automatic might be preferable, depending on what kind of car you are getting. Don't be frightened if you don't already drive stick. Although it can be a bit frustrating at first, it is not hard at all to learn, and once you get it down, you will have it forever. If you think you might want a stick shift but don't know how to drive one, see if you know anyone who would be willing to teach you. Look for someone patient. But in all seriousness, don't get scared into buying an automatic. Stick shifts are a lot of fun to drive.

Once you have a few models in mind, look at insurance prices. Sports cars can be tremendously expensive when it comes to insurance (especially if you are a teenage guy), but there is a fairly wide variation. Contact your insurance company for details.

When you have a fairly good idea of what you are looking for, test drive them! This will be quite a bit of fun, but keep your wits about you and don't get carried away. Car salesmen know how easy it is to make impulse purchases of that nature, and will be trying to make a quick sale. Go home and sleep on it.

When you are ready to buy, and you have any necessary car loan lined up, find the wholesale price from a service like Kelly Blue Book or Consumer Reports. Find information online as to exactly how to go about negotiating your dealer down. Remember that car dealers can be quite vicious!

Have fun in your new car. And, of course, don't be a jerk.