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For most people, owning a car simply means that they have a convenient form of transport that’s ready for them to use whenever they need it.

While many people may be keen to get a car that is aesthetically appealing to them and even has an air of prestige, most car buyers will be drawn to the practicalities of vehicle ownership. For car enthusiasts, buying a vehicle is a far more exciting prospect, with performance usually taking precedence over practicality. But as every petrol head knows, buying a used performance vehicle can be a minefield. No one wants to be ripped off or end up with a dud car, but this can easily happen if you’re not careful when shopping for a performance vehicle.

Keep reading to discover some top tips on what to look out for when shopping for a performance car and how to keep your new car running at its best.

Keep an Open Mind About Makes and Models

When you start browsing performance vehicles, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and part with your cash all too easily if you spot a prestige brand at a price that’s affordable to you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that just because you can afford a specific luxury brand, it doesn’t mean you should definitely buy the car.

Instead of being wowed by a badge, it’s much better to do your research and compare different makes. Thinking specifically about what you want from your performance car in terms of features and spec is a helpful starting point. Keeping these must-haves in mind can help ensure you end up with the type of car you actually want and will enjoy driving, rather than making an impulse buy you will regret later.

Consider the Practicalities

Buying a performance vehicle could make all your childhood dreams come true. But it’s also vital to consider the practicalities of your purchase. Unless you have a second vehicle to use for everyday life, such as school runs, commutes, and trips to the supermarket, you will need to use your performance car frequently, so it will need to be reasonably practical. So, don’t forget to think about practicalities such as insurance costs, miles per gallon, and the amount of boot space the car has before you buy it.

Check for Modifications

Most people who buy performance vehicles do so because they have a need for speed. But the quest for a car that is both fast and impressive to look at can lead to you viewing cars that have undergone some serious modifications. Some aftermarket modifications can be expected when you’re buying a performance vehicle from a fellow car enthusiast. However, what matters is the quality of these modifications and the impact they have had on the vehicle.

Sub-standard modifications can affect the integrity of the car and actually hinder its performance. Poor quality parts, or parts added that push the engine beyond its limits can cause safety issues and shorten the lifespan of the vehicle. So, it’s advisable to ask the seller to show you any aftermarket modifications that have been made, and to ask whether they have been carried out using parts engineered for the vehicle that have also been tested and certified for safety and performance. If you have any doubts about the quality of safety of the modifications, it’s usually wise to walk away and continue your search for another vehicle.

Verify the Car is Legitimate

Buying a performance car usually involves a lot more research and inspection than buying a standard vehicle. However, while you’re busy checking for things like modifications, it’s also essential that you don’t forget about the other standard checks you would carry out when buying any other type of vehicle.

Unfortunately, sports cars are especially attractive to thieves, which makes it essential to check that the car hasn’t been reported as stolen before you buy it. In addition, it’s really important to verify that there is no outstanding finance on the vehicle, as this could also cause you major problems if you buy it, and could result in you losing the car and the money you paid for it. So being hypervigilant and cautious about making your purchase is wise.

Taking Care of Your Performance Vehicle

Once you have found your perfect performance vehicle, it’s essential to learn how to take care of it. Taking the best care of your new car is all part of owning a performance vehicle, and can actually become pretty addictive. Before you know it, you’ll probably find yourself on forums swapping tips with other enthusiasts with the same make and model of car as you.

Booking your car in for the recommended services is vital to ensure it stays well-maintained. However, it may also be worth checking the spark plugs in between services to ensure they don’t need replacing, as this can compromise the engine’s performance. Owning a high-performance car also makes it more important than ever to ensure the braking system is functioning effectively. You should always choose the highest quality performance car parts for your vehicle to ensure it’s safe to drive and performance isn’t compromised.

As well as looking after the mechanical side of your new car, you also need to work on protecting its appearance. Aside from impressive speed and agility, the aesthetics of a performance vehicle is one of its biggest appeals. Protecting the paintwork from damage by parking your vehicle in a garage or under a car port, if possible is advisable to stop it being exposed to the elements, and suffering the effects of paint oxidisation caused by the sun.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a performance vehicle is a lot of fun, but it’s also essential to consider the practicalities of buying your new car, such as insurance costs. Once you’ve chosen the perfect vehicle, taking the best care of it will ensure you enjoy a reliable, but exciting driving experience on every journey you make, without compromising on performance.

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