If you are like me and your tastes in a vehicle run more towards performance than economy, then you’ll be glad to know that you can pick up a decent sports car for about half the price of a new one. When I must drive on four wheels, I choose to drive a V8 powered automobile. I like loud exhaust and awesome acceleration but I am certainly not against a vehicle that can handle the curves. If diversity is the spice of life, then this list should be pretty tasty.
If you implement three simple rules about buying used sports cars (and any other automobile), you can help to ensure that you get a lot for your hard earned dollar and you don’t buy a lemon.
- Never buy a vehicle from a parking lot. A private seller that will not allow you to come to their place of business or residence is usually a seller that does not plane to disclose issues with the automobile.
- Always negotiate for the best price. You have nothing to lose by negotiating. Start low and come up slowly and you will almost always save at least a few hundred dollars.
- Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to the purchase. Never trust an individual that will not allow you to have the vehicle checked-out by an independent mechanic.
Take advantage of used car websites like BestRide.com, where you can find millions of listings on quality used sports cars in your area.
1999 Chevrolet Corvette
This may be the perfect used supercar. With a big 5.7-liter V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, this is a two-seater with unlimited potential. If you can strike a deal with the seller, this little beauty can be had for somewhere between $10k and $13k. You will find that it hugs the road like it is riding on rails and takes off like a scalded dog. With the money that you saved from not buying a new model, you can make it even faster with some aftermarket exhaust, a performance tuner, and a cold air intake.
2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8
For those that consider the station wagon a “grocery getter”, I give you the 1957 Chevrolet Nomad and this entry. The Dodge Magnum may not be in production anymore and yes, you can stuff a multitude of groceries in the back, but when it comes to power this thing is making 425-horsepower. It has a 6.1-liter HEMI V8, an automatic transmission, and room for six passengers and all of their gear – how can you go wrong? The one complaint that I have heard about these vehicles is that rear visibility is poor but that can be overcome with some aftermarket mirrors or a rearview camera setup. Play you cards right and this wagon can be bought for somewhere between $11.5k and $13.5k.
2000 BMW M5
If you like little kraut with your frankfurter, maybe the BMW M5 will interest you. The Bavarians are meticulous when it comes to suspension and handling and the BMW M-Sport line is widely recognized for its balance of comfort and performance. Just check out Clive Owen in “The Hire” as he slings aging beauty Madonna all over the backseat of the 2000 M5 and you’ll forever fall in love with this car. You can get one of your own for about $15k, or less if you know how to haggle.
2003 Jaguar XK8
This is a Jag that was born when Henry Ford was still the boss. That means that you will be able to obtain parts quickly and pretty affordably. Having said that, expect to need parts. Nevertheless, this is a car that features all the trappings of a luxurious hotel with a great big, powerful V8 under the hood. If it comes down to aesthetics alone, this might be the best deal on the list. You can typically find one from $10.5k to $12.5k.
2007 Subaru WRX STi
If you know much about this little performance sedan, then you know that it is fast. The 2.5-liter, 300+hp Boxer engine and advanced all-wheel drive system make this car more fun than a barrel of monkeys. These cars a readily available in the used market and you can find them for somewhere between $15k and $17k.
