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So you’ve decided that 2024 is the right year to buy that sports car you’ve been visualizing. That’s great, but there’s no shortage of new and used options. Don’t fret; having options is a good predicament. Better yet, minding these tips could mean you pick the perfect ride for you, whether it be a Ford Mustang, Toyota GR86, or Mercedes-AMG SL.

Keep these tips and considerations in mind when shopping for that sports car in 2024

If you’re ready to buy that sports car in 2024, you should first figure out what you want. These four considerations could help you narrow your choices down.

  • Buy within your budget
  • If you’re looking for an engaging driver’s car, consider the Subaru BRZ
  • Do you want a convertible? That limits your options
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) for used sports cars

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for that perfect sports car in 2024 is your budget. A new sports car will, in the vast majority of cases, cost more than a used model post-depreciation. 

A silver 996 Porsche 911 sports car is one of the best affordable 911 options on the market.
996 Porsche 911 | DarthArt via iStock

For instance, if you’re hell-bent on a Porsche 911, you can find a decent used 996 Carrera that could cost between $25,000 and $35,000. That’s a whole lot more affordable than a new 911, the cheapest of which starts at around $116,050. Peruse sales websites regularly to find and compare values on your next sports car.

If you want an engaging driver’s car, the Subaru BRZ marries visceral driving experiences with a budget-friendly starting price. At $31,315, the BRZ is one of the cheapest sports coupes on the market. Better yet, the eager 2.4L Boxer engine and manual transmission combination are easy to live with and fun to drive. What’s more, it’s a mechanical twin; you can opt for the Toyota GR86 for a similar, slightly sharper sports car sibling.

Furthermore, not every sports car is available as a convertible. For instance, the Toyota GR Supra and Nissan Z are hardtops only. Conversely, the G29 BMW Z4 and Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster are exclusively drop-tops. Figure out what kind of body style you want in your next vehicle.

Finally, any used sports car buy in 2024 is best conducted after a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI). We discovered thousands of dollars of unseen repairs when we had an X150-generation Jaguar XK inspected, and we’re glad we did. A PPI could save you from an expensive headache.