Your guide to buying a sports car
The term 'sports car' is used loosely, to define a wide range of cars, from adapted hatchbacks to convertibles to the two-seater car with no luggage space. This introductory guide is applicable to all types of sports cars, except the convertible or 'open top' cars. Click here to link to our Convertible Car Centre.
Performance
Sports car performance is usually measured by acceleration time from zero to 60mph, top speed, and by acceleration from 50 to 70mph to replicate overtaking. 
Engines are usually designed to provide maximum power at high revs, with engine sizes typically in the range of 1.8 to 3.5 litres.
Ride & Handling
The ride and handling are far more responsive in the sports car than in their equivalent standard car.
Suspension is lower, ride is harder, steering more accurate, little body roll on fast cornering, and road conditions are fed back (via the steering wheel) to the driver.
Seating
The typical sports car is a 2+2, normally able to seat 2 adults in the rear, but not in comfort. Ensure driving (and steering wheel) position are comfortable. Seats tend to be supportive and sculptured - check that they are comfortable for your body and that they do not dig into your body.
Luggage & Storage Space
Luggage space varies between models, from excellent to completely impractical - choice depends on your priorities and intended use of the car. As an every day car, you will probably require a larger boot with easy access. The sports car requires maximum use of small areas (small soft luggage will be preferable to hard cases).
Quality & reliability
Quality & reliability are generally good, although new models may have teething problems in the first 6 months.
The time interval between servicing is often shorter than other car types, as the engine requires regular tuning to retain performance.
Equipment
Many manufacturers offer a limited number of model variants, each with differing levels of accessories/trim. The standard option list is frequently extensive, including air conditioning and alloy wheels.
Safety & security
Front airbags are included in most cars, but side protection may not be standard. Antilock brakes are important to provide maximum stopping power/control when braking hard.
Security of convertibles is hazardous. They are desirable for thieves, and are easily broken into (rag tops provide little protection). Ensure there are deadlocks, car alarm & immobiliser - check there effectiveness. Personalised marking, such as etched windows, are worth considering, to increase cost for professional thieves.
Rough Price Guide
The sports car category contains a wide selection of cars ranging in price from £15,000 to £60,000 and more. The typical sports car purchased is usually in the range £20,000 to £25,000.
The main factors affecting purchase price are :-
- engine size
- standard specification
- build quality
- brand image to some extent, but effect most pronounced on the higher end variants.
