If you are a real car lover, you probably dream of owning a sports car, or performance car as it is also called. They have lots of cool features and sleek designs; they can be fun to drive and help you craft a certain image if that is what you are after. Like any other type of car, there are some things to know before making the purchase that will help you get the best car for you.

Make Sure it Fits Your Lifestyle and Comfort

While a sports car can be a whole lot of fun to own, it is not the most practical purchase in certain circumstances. If it is going to be your sole means of transportation, you need to think carefully about driving  vehicle that only fits two people and has limited space for storage.

Another thing to consider is the level of comfort or lack thereof. The amount of interior space, seat positioning, driving position, ease of entering and exiting the vehicle can be very different from a standard vehicle. Make sure you feel physically comfortable in the car, especially if you are going to be doing all of your driving with it.  While not always the  case, sports cars are often a good bet for a second vehicle not a primary one.

Choose the Specifications and Options of Your Car Carefully

The specs for a sports car vary greatly between as well as within different brands. While you do not to go into the buying process already thinking about selling the car, it is always a good idea to think of a car’s value once it is used. While getting certain features may make the car more expensive, they can help them retain a much higher value.  There are many sites online where you can research valuation. Same goes for choosing the right color and options—many people for example, would expect a sports car to have leather trim for example.

Considerations for Rear-Wheel Drive

Sports cars, more than any other cars, tend to have rear-wheel drive because it allows for the most sharply executed steering and handling. Handling rear-wheel drive cars, however, can be trickier, especially in bad weather conditions. Most newer sports cars will have stability control systems so this is not a major concern, but if you buying an older vehicle, look for one that has been fitted with this capability to keep you safer.

Convertible or Not?

Performance cars typically come in two general styles: coupe and convertible. Which you choose is a matter of taste but there are some things to consider about convertibles. These vehicles have greater security risks and if you opt for a soft top, the vehicle may not look as ‘’refined.’’ There are hard top models available to counter this aesthetic issue but storing the top will eat into your already limited boot space. A particular car’s safety and crash evaluations may not be applicable to a convertible; side impact crashes may be worse with convertibles as well.

Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who has covered a range of topics regarding automobiles and auto insurance.  Visit Kanetix to learn more about insuring performance vehicles

5 Tips When Buying A Certified Pre-Owned Car

Buying a certified pre-owned car (CPO) can be an attractive alternative to buying a used car. They’re typically in near-perfect condition, have been tested rigorously by trained mechanics, and come with a limited warranty. That said, prospective buyers should still perform their due diligence before purchasing. Below, I’ll provide 5 quick tips to make sure that you get a great deal when buying a CPO.

Tip #1: Read The Warranty

Not all car warranties are equal. And limited warranties deserve a thorough reading. Take the time to understand what the warranty covers and what it doesn’t. It’s possible that the warranty will cover the cost of a part that malfunctions, but not the labor required to install it. For example, the warranty may cover the powertrain, but replacing the transmission will require a mechanic. Also, if there’s a deductible, find out what it is.

Tip #2: Know Who’s Certifying

A CPO will always be advertised as “certified,” but you’ll need to know who is certifying the car. If it is being certified by the dealer, consider looking elsewhere. Ultimately, you want a car that has been certified by the manufacturer. Remember, one of the main advantages of buying a CPO is that it meets the specifications established by the manufacturer.

Tip #3: Haggle

Oddly, a lot of people think that prices for CPOs are set in stone. They’re not. Feel free to negotiate just like you would for a new or used car. To do that, you’ll need to know its value…

Tip #4: Research The Car’s Value

If you’re going to negotiate (and you should), you’ll need to know the approximate value of the car. You can use the Kelly Blue Book or check ConsumerReports.org. Keep in mind that the price charged by the dealer will include the limited warranty. So, it’s likely that those two resources will show values that are slightly less.

Tip #5: Clarify Repair Locations

If your car experiences an electrical or mechanical problem, you’ll need to know where you can take it to have the problem fixed. Check the warranty and ask for clarification. Can you have the work performed by independent shops? Will you be forced to bring your car back to that specific dealer? Ask so that you won’t be surprised later.

Your new certified pre-owned car will likely be a dependable vehicle that won’t let you down. Use the 5 tips above to get a great deal, understand the warranty, and know who is certifying it. If there’s a problem in the future, you’ll be glad you did.

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