We baby boomers often find ourselves wanting that very first true sports car.  The kids are gone, we are financially secure, so why not indulge in that special car we always wanted, but wasn’t practical.  The bug bit me over two years ago when I saw the new 2014 Corvette for the first time, and have bought my second one recently.  My trusty sidekick on the Car Pro radio show recently got a Jaguar F-Type ragtop. To make your selection, a few basics need to be determined. 

1. First and foremost, set your budget. 

Figure out the uppermost amount you want to spend, and that will make narrowing the list much easier.  If you are going to get something brand new, a large auto show is worth going to even if it is a good way away, it will save you time overall.

2. Next decision is whether a convertible is right for you.  How to Buy a Car: Deal... Jackson Jones Best Price: $4.28 Buy New $8.99 (as of 03:40 UTC - Details)

As fun as they are, you lose a good amount of back seat room and often their trunks are small, especially if it is a retractable hardtop convertible.  The benefit of those is a more pleasant ride and drive, and less wind noise than a conventional ragtop.

3. Next, do you want performance or just sporty looks? 

Performance cars will set you back a lot more money, and you may opt for just a hot-looking coupe or roadster. Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro are good examples.  You can get a six cylinder in either, still have over 300-horses, and get in excess of 30-miles per gallon.  You can also step up to the big V8s that gives you the feel and the sound of a 1970s-era muscle car.

4. Be aware of the drive system you like better. 

Many of us still prefer the traditional rear-wheel drive, while others are used to front-wheel drive.  Generally, people really like one or the other, seldom both.  A good hybrid for some is all-wheel drive, which distributes the power between all four wheels and is a favorite of people who really want that special handling.

5. You should decide too, what you want your sports car to feel like, and there is no right or wrong answer, it is a personal decision.  

Do you like the feel and sound of a big throaty V8, or do you prefer a quieter, quick acceleration like many of the import sports cars with turbochargers/superchargers offer?  The difference in the feel when you are behind the wheel is pretty drastic. Donu2019t Get Screwed ... Drew Eubanks Best Price: $21.00 (as of 04:45 UTC - Details)

6. Finally, will your sports car be a daily driver or just a weekend cruiser? 

Many sports cars do not make a daily driver.  Often they are hard to get in and out of, visibility can be poor, often they have a harsher ride.  One mistake people often make is getting caught up in the looks and performance of a sports car, not thinking about driving it on a daily basis.  Case in point, my Corvette would never work for me daily, but is excellent for weekend use.

7. Other considerations are to check insurance rates, usually sports cars are more to insure. 

Depending on your final choice, maintenance costs can be pricey on some of the more exotic sports cars, and choose your color wisely.  Should you need to sell your new baby for some reason, the really wild colors will limit potential buyers. 

8. One last tip, don’t be impulsive. 

Take your time, drive the car you are considering for a good half hour under different road surfaces, or better yet, rent the car you think you want to buy before signing on the dotted line.

Reprinted from Car Pro.

The Best of Jerry Reynolds

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