How To Buy a Sports Car

What to consider.

Buying a sports car is fraught with pitfalls, potholes and glaring great big sinkholes. Few people get away with buying one and not looking like a complete jam doughnut. Age, model, and the judgement of the ability to drive it are all put under the spotlight when it comes to giving off a good impression. So, if you have to do it, do it like this.

@jasonstatham

1. Work out why you’re buying a sports car

People that are obviously trying to overcompensate for something stand out like a sore thumb in the showroom and on the road. Understanding why you want a sports car in the first place will go far in helping you ascertain which car you buy and how much you enjoy it.

A purchase for the appreciation of others will provide short-lived gratification and result in a quick and regrettable re-sale. Buying your childhood dream car as a reward for career services rendered may just provide you with the gratification you seek.

@travisscott

2. If you're still going ahead, know that understatement is your friend

The shiny yellow sports car sitting pretty in the showroom may peak your interest initially, but when it comes to driving it in real life, nothing says wally quite like a primary colour. Understatement will forever be your friend, so opt for timeless paintwork. And don’t go purchasing a personalised number plate. There is no coming back from that.

@stevemcqueen

3. If you can’t park it, don’t buy it

Sports cars are great in a straight line and more often than not, rather fun going around bends. But, when it comes to the nitty-gritty of everyday reverse parking or bumping up and down an overtly high curb, they don’t function quite so well. The general rule of thumb is if you can’t park it, don’t buy it. There’s nothing quite like watching a driver fail to reverse park a two-seater convertible in the Coles car park on the fifth attempt.

So, in hindsight, maybe it’s just best to buy a hybrid.

Look to Lewis Hamilton for inspo