Driving and maintaining a race car is not the same as maintaining a regular car; a sedan, for example, is not built for sharp turns and high acceleration. Racing cars are built in a way to get super high performance for a short period. This is why their parts and maintenance techniques are also different.
This is why some people wonder whether they should buy a second-hand racing car. Race cars are expensive, and it will be a tough call to make if it’s your first time buying one. While some people prefer buying a brand new one, getting a second hand is not bad either. You can use it for a few years, gain more experience and then shift to a better, newer model.
But if you decide to go for a second-hand model, be sure to learn all the pros and cons of getting a second-hand race car.
Good Mileage of a Used Car
The first and foremost thing you need to understand before buying a secondhand race car, or any car for that matter, is its mileage. A car that has gone over its per year mileage means it will be causing you a heap of trouble.
If you are wondering what mileage is good for a used car then you can find it yourself. To find out the right mileage for your secondhand car, just multiply its age by 12,000.
For example, if a car is 3 years old, then the right mileage for it would be 36,000. If the car has been driven more than 36,000 miles in 3 years, then that means this car is not in a suitable state. On the other hand, a lower mileage means that the car has been hardly used and is in good condition.
Pros of Buying A Second-hand Racing Car
First, let us look at some of the advantages of buying a secondhand racing car. Check them thoroughly as it will help you in your decision-making.
1. More Affordable
Secondhand objects will have a lower price than store-bought products. This is because they have been used multiple times before, and the new owner will need to repair a lot of things or change and modify some parts of the vehicle according to their taste.
Generally, the price of a second hand car can be up to 70% lower than the original price of the car. It all depends on the model, the date of purchase, the amount of miles driven, and other indicators. So check various owners or shops and check the most reasonable price.
2. Low Insurance Cost
The insurance cost of any materialistic belonging such as a car will go down as time goes by from its date of purchase.
This is because the more time passes on and the more time it has been used, its effectiveness will decrease, and its lifespan will gradually decrease as well. So the more its lifespan goes down, the lower the insurance cost. This is a great thing to look for in a secondhand racing car.
3. Modify To Your Heart
When you buy a brand car from the store, it will obviously come with a warranty of at least three years. If you try to modify your newly purchased car within that period, it will completely abolish the validity of the warranty.
This is why if you intend to modify your car, you can either wait for the warranty period to end or buy a second-hand car that is already way past that time period. Since it does not have any running warranty now, you can modify your car in any way you want.
Cons of Buying a Second-hand Car
You need to check some disadvantages of a used car too. Here are some of them:
1. Second-hand Problems
Since you are buying a secondhand car, no matter how appealing it may seem, be sure that deep down, it will have some hidden problems. The older the model of the vehicle, the more likely you will find some secondhand problems.
So, make sure before finalizing the deal you are getting your car checked by a trusted and professional mechanic. Otherwise, you will buy something with money far beyond its worth.
The most common secondhand problems include engine failure, drivetrain problems, braking problems, and electrical problems in the dashboard.
2. A Lot of Maintenance
As mentioned before, a secondhand car will likely have much more problems than a newly bought car. The older the car, the more the issues.
And because there are a lot of problems, a lot of maintenance and a lot of repair work is necessary.
If the car is not checked properly before buying, you may be spending more time fixing and repairing different parts of the car than actually driving it. Worst case scenario, you need to replace all the car’s vital parts with new ones.
3. Old Technology
New cars and models will have better technology, making driving much more fun and easier. A simple feature can drastically improve how you handle the car and your overall driving experience.
Unfortunately, older cars do not come with these advanced features. Because of this, your driving experience may feel a bit lacking compared to others, and you may or may not enjoy your ride. Another big disadvantage is their oil consumption technology. Newer cars can go longer with less fuel than old secondhand race cars.
Final Thoughts
Buying a second-hand car has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to drive a cool car with exquisite mods, but at a relatively low price, then you can definitely go for a secondhand car, but be sure to check it beforehand for any hidden problem it may have.
