Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Thrill Without the Expense: Buying A Second Hand Sports Car

A car is a symbol

For many, the car they own reflects an aspect of who they are and is intended to create an impression. This is particularly true of those who own sports cars, which are a status symbol with a reputation of their own. Many people would love to have the finances to own a sports car but these luxury items are not generally affordable. This is why buying a used sports car is such an attractive option. Second hand cars that are only a couple of years old can sometimes be bought for half the original price, plus they depreciate much slower than new cars. Apart from saving money in used car sales, there is a unique appeal about older sports cars in their classic appearance which is appreciated by car enthusiasts who buy them as collectibles.

How to research

Before you begin investigating specific used cars for sale, it is important to have a clear idea of the car you want and also to set a budget. You can do research by looking up used car sales online, visiting eBay motors, reading AutoTrader magazines, participating in online forums, and consulting car dealers. This will furnish you with information on the type of second hand sports cars available, what people recommend, problems that seem to be inherent to some models, and also the price ranges. Thorough research provides you with a good knowledge base before looking at individual second hand cars for sale, and enables you to ask informed questions.

Who to buy from

While buying used cars from an individual can give you a better financial deal, many people prefer to buy from a recognised second hand car dealer. Car dealerships can give you a warranty package and you have the advantage of going to the dealer for general maintenance or to have your car repaired. There is also the option of trading in your present vehicle. It can be to your advantage to choose a dealership that specializes in the make of sports car you want so that they are well-informed and can give you good advice.

Investigating a used car

When you have narrowed your choices to a number of used cars for sale, it is vitally important to thoroughly examine each sports car. You need to ensure it has been well looked after and not damaged. Look for any scratches or dents to the body, pay attention to the mouldings and rubber strips, and check to see if the paint-work has been over-sprayed which would indicate a possible accident. Open the hood and check the condition of the engine and fluids. Also look for grease or too much moisture inside the tail pipe. It is a good idea to have the car checked by a mechanic, especially if you are not an expert. You need to consider aspects of the car that need to be fixed when thinking about what the car will cost you.

Always request the car service records and if these are not supplied do not even consider buying the car as this shows the seller has not been concerned about proper maintenance. You should also obtain a history report of the car online from CarFax to ensure there have not been any major mechanical problems or serious damage done to the car. Finally, you need to test drive the second hand car as only by testing its performance can you really get a feel for the condition of the car.

Happy motoring!

If you have carried out thorough research and been realistic in your negotiations, you will be sure to get the most out of your used car sales experience. Hopefully you will be driving off in your sports car that will give you the performance you want while saving you money.

For those who live in the UK and are looking for second hand cars, visit the "Finding Motors" website. You can narrow down your search to specific areas like used cars in Dorset.

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