Five Experienced Tips for Buying a Used Sports Car
Like AutoGuide.com on Facebook
Spring is eventually here, and with sports car season in the air, thousands of shoppers are hitting the used car market in search of an titillating fresh rail.
If you’re one of them, be sure to consider the following list of tips and tricks to ensure you wind up with a first-class second-hand sports car. Newer, older, domestic or foreign, the following points apply to virtually all used sports car models.
For maximum confidence, we recommend working backward from an expectations standpoint when considering a used sports car: assume the worst and then confirm otherwise, for the best chance of finding the best example of the used sports car model you’re set on.
Peak 1: Assume That the Consumables are Pooched
Tires, brake pads, brake rotors, and even the vehicle’s clutch can be considered as consumable parts, and even more so in a higher-performing sports car. Treatment any used sports car you’re considering assuming that it needs fresh tires, fresh brakes, and a fresh clutch until you or a mechanic prove otherwise. Make sure to include these fresh parts into your budget.
Peak Two: Assume That the Fluids Have Never Been Switched
For maximum long-term peace of mind and durability, assume that all vital fluids in the car you’re considering are overdue for a switch until you see service records or receipts that prove otherwise. Fresh fluids are vital to the long-term well-being of any vehicle and even more so in a sports car, which is likely to have been driven hard. Budget to switch any fluids that can’t be proven to be fresh, especially on a higher-mileage vehicle. Don’t concentrate solely on the popular fluids either: tho’ engine oil and coolant tend to take the spotlight, that used sports car also has transmission, power steering, brake and possibly differential fluid that may all need some attention, too. Recall: fluids are cheap insurance, and you can’t overchange them.
Peak Three: Assume That the Vehicle Has Been Used as an Overgrown Man-Child’s Plaything
Unless you know the seller, assume that the vehicle has been driven hard by an overgrown man-child until an inspection proves otherwise. Look for bod harm, suspension harm, inspect the underside of the front edge of the bumper for signs of careless parking or bottoming out, and assume the vehicle has been struck or involved in an accident until a professional inspection proves otherwise. If the sports car you’re considering has ever been introduced via powerslide into a chunk of infrastructure, you want to know about it before you fork over your cash.
Peak Four: Assume the Warranty is Void
If you’re buying a used sports car with remaining factory warranty, assume that warranty has been compromised and voided until the seller, or a dealer, proves otherwise. Did you know that missing just one fluid switch can void the factory powertrain warranty on a vehicle? Ditto going over a timing belt switch interval, or making any non-factory modifications to vehicle hardware or software. Check all service records to make sure no servicing or fluid switches were missed, and talk to the service advisor at the vehicle’s dealer, with the VIN in mitt, to be certain that any remaining warranty is in good standing.
Peak Five: Assume the Seller Will Make You Pay an Upcoming Repair Bill
Most sellers aren’t attempting to jam you with an upcoming repair bill when they sell you their rail, but some are. Whether it’s an issue they’re aware of or not, a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) by a qualified mechanic of your choosing is the best defense against pricey surprises from your new-to-you vehicle. A PPI costs about $75 to $150 but can save you thousands while adding peace of mind. Arrange the inspection on your dime, and have the seller meet you at the shop, or see if they’ll let you bring the vehicle in yourself. A PPI takes about an hour — just be sure the technician fully checks all vehicle components and systems and performs an OBD scan, which can expose issues with powertrain electronics, even if there’s no check-engine light.