What is a sports car, and what to consider when buying one?

Defining a sports car precisely can be challenging, but most would agree that it's typically a high-performing, two-door automobile designed for speed and agility. These cars typically boast sleek and aerodynamic designs, often with low-slung bodies. Renowned for powerful engines, they offer a thrilling driving experience. In essence, a sports car prioritises performance and style, often focusing on the sheer joy of driving rather than practicality or utility.

Looking for the best sports car in Australia? You may find this roundup of the top choices by Drive, a reliable car review site, helpful. However, keep in mind that the "best" sports car varies depending on your preferences. Take your time exploring the different options available to find the ideal sports car that suits your style and provides the experience you seek.

1. Nissan Z Coupe

The new Nissan Z Coupe is the 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Sports Coupé. With a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, it's the most powerful Nissan Zed car to date, according to Drive.

While sharing the same platform as its predecessor, the new Nissan Z features a redesigned body and interior with minor yet worthwhile improvements. Under the bonnet lies the thrilling twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring an exhilarating drive. Interestingly, this version is likely to be the last petrol model before a switch to an electric variant in the next decade. 

2. Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86, the runner-up in the 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Sports Coupé category, has undergone significant improvements, addressing its previous limitations in power and handling.

The 2.4-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine now delivers enough performance to justify its sports-car label, even though you can't expect it to be a grand prix winner. The cabin has also received a major overhaul, becoming more user-friendly.

3. Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ, a strong competitor in the 2023 Drive Car of the Year Best Sports Coupé category, shares many similarities with the Toyota GR86 but comes with a comparatively lower price tag. However, Drive reveals that during testing, judges lauded the Toyota GR86 for its composure on a variety of roads, praising its smoother and more refined suspension than its jointly developed counterpart, the Subaru BRZ, which shares the same production line and engineering teams.

A sports car isn't exactly a practical vehicle but an extension of the owner's style and personality. If you're looking for a sports car, you'll most likely want to pick up one that matches your style and gives you the exhilaration you seek. Yet, budget and safety are two important parameters you shouldn’t ignore, even when buying a sports car.

Safety considerations when buying a sports car

While sports car enthusiasts are often drawn to speed and style, it’s also important to focus on the safety aspect when choosing a sports car. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is a reliable source for checking and comparing the safety ratings of different cars. ANCAP Safety is a car safety assessment program based in Australia that conducts crash tests on vehicles and awards safety ratings ranging from one to five stars.

Whether you're beginning your search for a sports car or have a shortlist of your preferred models ready, be sure to compare ANCAP Safety ratings for different sports car models before making the final choice. The higher the rating, the safer the car is deemed to be. 

When comparing safety ratings, you should also pay attention to when a car was rated. Even though ANCAP updates its safety rating criteria annually, the ratings themselves remain valid for up to six years. So despite the same rating, a car that was recently rated is likely to be safer than the one that received the rating previously.

Setting a budget for your sports car

Sports cars often come with higher price tags than standard cars, and fuel efficiency tends to be lower. Many people purchase sports cars out of passion and use them as second cars, reserving them for special occasions rather than daily commuting. 

If you're considering buying a sports car, be prepared for both the upfront and ongoing costs, which can be significantly higher than those of standard cars. However, there are affordable sports car options available, and the price can vary depending on the make and model you choose.

When setting a budget for a sports car, consider not only the initial purchase cost but also the ongoing expenses like maintenance, fuel, and insurance premiums, which tend to be higher for sports cars. If fuel efficiency is a concern, you may want to explore electric sports car models. However, the upfront cost of an electric car is likely to be higher than a conventional car. It's essential to be realistic about what you can afford and find a car that fits comfortably within your budget.

While a sports car may be appealing, make sure you won't run into financial trouble by owning one. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, exploring the used car market could be a viable solution. Yet, purchasing a second-hand sports car requires extra caution due to the wear and tear they often endure.

Sports cars are built for high-speed and exhilarating driving, which can strain their engines and safety features over time. This risk may be higher if the car lacks a consistent service history. To assess the car's condition, a thorough test drive and a close review of the service record are essential.

Another important concern when purchasing a used sports car is the authenticity of the engine. Car enthusiasts sometimes replace the original engine for performance or due to damage. To confirm the original engine, match the engine number on the registration papers with the car. 

It’s also advisable to look up the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). This can help you determine whether the vehicle possesses a clear title and hasn't been reported as stolen. For added assurance, you could also consider a police check on the seller to verify their record and make sure the car isn't linked to illegal activities.

If you've decided to purchase a sports car but can't or don't want to pay for it upfront, you may consider a car loan to finance your purchase. However, it's crucial to approach this decision with caution and avoid overspending. Remember that while a car loan allows you to spread the cost over time, you'll still be responsible for paying back the borrowed amount, along with interest.

Before you apply for a car loan, consider using RateCity's car loan calculator to assess repayments for various loan sizes. This can help you to set a practical budget for your purchase without stretching your finances. Also, check your credit score before applying, as it can influence your borrowing capacity and the interest rate on the loan.

When searching for a car loan, remember that the type of loan you select can significantly impact the overall cost of the car. Different lenders offer varying interest rates, loan terms, and fees, all of which can affect your total expenses for the sports car. Researching and comparing loan options can help you find the most cost-effective loan that meets most of your requirements.