New Sports Car Buying Guide

When it comes time to purchase a new sports car, things like speed, performance, sound and looks all seem to jump to the top of your list when considering the right candidate. The problem with this however, is that while these points say a lot about a car, they are not the only things you should be looking at. To find a sports car that not only gets your blood pumping, but also fits into your life, there are a few things in particular you should look at very carefully.

Ability and performance

Its not hard to find a car with world class acceleration and handling. The problem with this availability is the lure of cars that are above your abilities. Before you settle on the car of your dreams, be realistic about your abilities as a driver. If you have only ever driven commuter cars or minivans, then jumping into the fastest car you can find may only end in an accident or worse. Consider stepping up to such lofty goals gradually, by honing your skills in a more reasonable car first. After all, potential performance and speed mean nothing if you can't properly harness them.

Cost of Ownership

Being able to afford the purchase price or monthly payment is only the first step to car ownership. Many owners of legendary cars such as the Bugatti Veyron have been lured in by its amazing performance, only to be horrified by the exorbitant factory mandated cost of maintenance and things like $38,000 tire changes. Even a more realistic sports cars like the Nissan GTR can carry bills as high as $21,000 for the repair of simple, low speed accident damage. Engine type is also a factor in maintenance costs, as prices tend to pile up quickly as the number of cylinders increase. A sport cars is no fun if you can't afford to drive it.

Driving Environment

What many potential buyers forget to factor in is how they will actually be driving their new sports car. Will you be driving it every day? Will you encounter heavy commuter traffic? A general rule of thumb is that as performance goes up, drivability goes down. Even cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, that are able to perform amazingly on asphalt, gravel and in rain, may begin to grate on the driver's nerves after an hour in bumper to bumper traffic. If you already have another car and simply want a vibrant new driving companion then the sky's the limit, but if you're looking for a daily driver it pays to be realistic.

Enhanced, direct road feel and lightning quick response are hallmarks of many of the best sports cars you can buy, but these race car tendencies very rarely translate well to daily commutes or reliable cross country transportation. If your new sports car will be your sole method of transportation, make sure it is civilized enough for you to live with and be sure you can control all of its performance at all times. The fastest car doesn't mean anything if it doesn't fit its owner, so buy a sport car that fits you first, and worry about performance stats later.