ALT-1 Guide to Buying a Sports Car
When buying a sports car it is no wonder it is hard to find what one is really looking for. You want sleek and aerodynamic styling that causes head turning no matter who you are. An engine that can pick the car up the split second you push the accelerator with a sound that would let anyone know you mean business. An interior that doesn't have to put a king to shame but that sacrifices some amenities to save weight and impress anyone who carefully enters your passenger door. Finally, you want that price that fits your wallet and if it applies, doesn't have the spouse wondering why she couldn't get her new Escalade.
For those that have the income sources to spend freely not much challenges the Italian goddesses Ferrari and Lamborghini. Cars that scream sporty from the day they were introduced as racing legends. The almost trademark sound of a Ferrari at start-up has one entranced by its wind splitting aerodynamics and ever so inviting paddle shifters, anyone is capable of controlling this road huger. While Ferrari has etched its name in history let us not forget the Lamborghini, raise your doors to the sky in a toast to design phenomena. Engine choices that vary from V-8s to blissfully sounding V-12s will have some following you from destination to destination in hope to catch a closer glance at perfection.
For others who have the normal spending limits we can go ahead and possibly agree that the best bang for your buck sports car on the road may be the Corvette. Even the Z06 can be had under 6 figures and from personal experience will have your head suctioned to the seat from gear to gear. For those who want the best horsepower per dollar combined with sexy styling and a sound that will make econo-car owners wish they had thought twice you cannot compare a better car. From the base model to the Z06 you get a decent mpg when cruising, I personally have seen 24 mpg highway from an acquaintance with a Z06, with the dollars per gallon rising almost every month it seems one who wants a daily driver sports car need look no further. It is hard to pick from the multitude of sports cars but an often overlooked speed freak can also be found in the Lotus Elise, though it may not be the first choice as a daily driver its light weight body combined with a strong Toyota made motor makes this sports car an option. Lotus has been around for years but with the new Elise they make a strong statement that big engines are not always the winners and the styling that appeals to any sex or age as they hit a home-run on this design. The screaming 4 cylinder motor that can also be found nestled in the Celica loves high RPMs and sounds beautiful when at full rotation.
Finally we have to briefly cover some affordable options for the younger crowds out there just getting started. One car that comes to mind is the Pontiac GTO though only on the market for three years and already at least a years out of the market it carries a beautiful interior made of suede and leather and depending on the year a nice ls1 V8 or the 400hp ls2 V8. One could possible call this the four seater corvette with a similar motor and plenty of room for the average guest in the back seat, this car is great for any age and can be found used for a great deal. For the boost hungry crowds the never ending debate over the STI and the EVO could have big name magazines writing for months but both are great starters and offer many great options for the sporty at heart. "Don't let the warranty hit you on the butt on the way out of the dealership," though, these cars manufacturers hate modifications and will void any helpful chance of you getting work done if something goes wrong.
It is hard in so many words to pick any great sports car, as we have seen price is a huge factor and being drivable on a daily or weekend warrior basis is important as well. What we can agree on is with a little shopping and research anyone can have themselves a nice little gem hiding in the garage for whenever they please. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't have a midlife crisis at any age for if that wasn't true there would be nothing on the road to look at.
