7 Best Ways To Find an Elite Sports Car for Used Car Prices
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a sleek sports car, you’re not alone. Whether you crave the speed or the style, a fancy sports car can feel irresistible. Well, except for the price tag.
While the fantasy of a snazzy sports car might feel out of reach, that’s not necessarily true. GOBankingRates spoke with a car expert to get the inside track on how to find a sports car for a sedan price.
Here are the seven best ways to find an elite sports car for used car prices.
Leverage Your Network
Evaldas Zabitis, an automotive expert at carVertical, said you might already know the person who’s going to sell you your fantasy car.
“If you know someone who owns your dream sports car, don’t hesitate to ask them if they’re willing to sell it, especially if they’re not using it often,” he said.
This can work especially well if the person is going through a time of transition.
“Try to take advantage of situations when someone’s moving, buying another vehicle, or experiencing other changes in their lives,” he said.
Even if you don’t have direct connections to sports car owners, spread the word among your friends and colleagues. You could also join online forums and local car clubs dedicated to your target sports car, which can provide invaluable insights. Once you’re a member of these communities, you have a better shot of hearing about the deals before they go wide.
Attend Specialized Auctions
Specialized car auctions are where it’s at when it comes to finding high-end sports cars at a fraction of their retail price.
These auctions often sell cars from estate sales, bankruptcies or police seizures. Do your research beforehand, set a firm budget and be prepared for some serious competition. That said, deals can be had!
Consider Damaged or Non-Running Vehicles
While most buyers seek pristine examples, there’s often value in less-than-perfect cars.
“If you’re willing to put some effort into your dream car, look for damaged, poorly running or not running cars,” Zabitis said.
Before driving down this route (pun intended!), you might want to consult a trusted mechanic to “estimate how much the repairs could cost.”
If the issues turn out to be minor, this is a great way to get a deal.
Look For Older Model Years
Many sports cars maintain their performance and appeal for years, even decades. That’s what makes them classics. Consider targeting slightly older model years of your dream car.
You’ll often find that the performance difference is minimal, but the price gap can be substantial. This strategy allows you to enjoy the thrill of a high-end sports car without the premium of the latest model.
Scout Local Neighborhoods
Some of the best deals never make it online. Zabitis suggested taking things into your own hands.
“Drive around towns and pay attention to driveways and yards,” he shared.
This method can uncover hidden gems, as he explained, “There are many examples of people finding great bargains just by stopping by a random house.”
The key here is being ready to act quickly.
“Offering money on the spot often pushes people to sell their cars effortlessly,” Zabitis shared.
Remember, a sports car isn’t a necessity for most owners, so they might be open to selling.
Investigate Salvage Titles
If you do proper research, cars with salvage titles can offer incredible value. These vehicles have been declared a total loss by insurance companies, often due to accidents or flood damage.
If you’re mechanically inclined — or have a mechanic you trust — you might be able to restore a high-end sports car for a fraction of its market value. Of course, you need to be aware of the challenges in insuring and reselling salvage title vehicles so again, do your due diligence.
Consider Lease Takeovers
While not a traditional “used car” option, taking over someone’s lease on a high-end sports car can be a way to get into an elite sports car. Websites dedicated to lease transfers can connect you with individuals looking to exit their leases early, potentially scoring you a great deal on a relatively new sports car.
More From GOBankingRates
