Muscle cars have captured the imaginations of generations of drivers. They embody a uniquely North American style of car manufacturing, having originated out of the classic era defined by the high-compression V8 engine. Today, muscle cars attract drivers who either want a vintage piece of Americana or they love improving their rides by adding aftermarket performance parts and seeing what they can do with a used vehicle. That said, buying a used muscle cars can be dicey. This guide will help you avoid unexpected costs and get the muscle car of your dreams.
#1 Keep Your Options Mainstream
If this is going to be your first muscle car or you`re a beginner gearhead, one of the best things you can do is to stick with mainstream brands and models. These are cars like the Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and other classics. You can pick from whatever your favorite era of muscle cars are, whether you`re looking for a vintage model or you want a deal on a more contemporary vehicle, but these are the big names that won`t steer you wrong.
When you stick to mainstream models, you`re going to have more options in front of you than if you seek out something rarer. Plus, it should be easier to find replacement parts if it turns out your car needs work.
#2 Repairs Are a Common Extra Cost
When you buy a new car, you don`t usually consider the cost of immediate repairs in your budget. When you`re buying a used muscle car, you absolutely should consider the cost of typical repairs or replacement parts that you may need.
Muscle cars tend to be driven by those who like to test the limits of their vehicles. That can put some wear and tear on them that you won`t necessarily find in your average commuter car. Be prepared to replace brakes and tires, or get a new clutch right off the bat. Of course, you can anticipate these costs with a proper inspection.
#3 Make Sure the Car Fits Your Needs
Muscle cars are popular for their power, handling, and the joy they bring back to driving, but you still need to make sure that your purchase is going to fit all of your practical needs. If you already have a daily that you can use for errands, family, or getting to work, you can pick any vehicle you need.
If you anticipate bringing the kids or extra passengers along in your new muscle car, there are options beyond the standard two-door coupe. The Dodge Charger is known for being a four-door muscle sedan that can do double duty when you have more practical things to do than burn rubber.
#4 Do a Thorough Inspection
Whether you`re purchasing from a dealership or a private individual, the pre-purchase inspection is essential. Given that muscle cars tend to attract more aggressive drivers, you`re going to want to be thorough with your inspection to identify any potential issues.
Problems aren`t necessarily deal breakers, but they should be accounted for in the sticker price, and you should be prepared to deal with them before you get on the road yourself.
You can enjoy the power and style of vintage and used muscle cars for less. Use this guide to make sure you know what you`re getting into first.