Supercars: The ultimate Christmas toy for a true petrolhead
Lucky enough to be in the market for some seriously exotic machinery? Here’s where to start, says .
Almost all drivers dream of owning a supercar — but it’s a reality that only a lucky few will ever get to experience.
If you’re finally in a position to make this dream come true for you however, there are a few important things you’ll need to keep in mind.
While buying a regular car brings its own set of challenges, a supercar is a whole other ball game. There’s a lot to consider — some are hard to find, insurance could be an issue, and then there’s finding a place nearby with the know-how for its servicing, which on this level of car is more crucial than most.
Here’s our guide to help get you on the path of supercar ownership...
I want a supercar! Where do I start?
Just like any car-shopping, you need to know exactly what you’re after, whether that’s something to show off with in summer, tuck away in the garage as an investment, or hound around the Nurburgring.
It’s also worth considering your budget, of course. If you’re buying new, prices can be difficult to source once you reach a certain part of the market — so don’t expect to be able to just find out how much that McLaren 600LT, or Ford GT 9 you crave will be on finance, without jumping through some hoops.
Start by heading online to use configurators (just about every firm has one), and creating your perfect spec. That can then be sent off to your nearest dealer, who can discuss prices with you there.
The used market is a whole different ball game. Supercars on the lower end of the scale tend to depreciate a fair bit, so be prepared - just as with any car — to research things to look out for.
Issues can be common on this kind of machinery, simply due to how complicated and fragile components can be, and of course you’ll need to ensure the car has been well-kept. Sometimes, a cheap deal isn’t the best deal.
Time to shop around and test drive! Do I need to do anything differently?
Just like any car, once you’re in the classifieds, it’s best to shop around and take a look at a number of examples of cars you’re looking at.
For pre-registered cars, that might be finding the right spec, while used brings condition and history to the table. Take your time to research, and don’t just settle on the first thing you come across.
As for test drives, these are also the same — albeit potentially harder to book, as a seller or dealership won’t want just any regular punter to turn up asking for a spin in their exotic machinery. Research issues and things to look for in a particular supercar — which are often well-documented online by owners — and use the test drive as an opportunity to sniff them out.
It’s very easy to get excited by the prospect of driving what could be your very first supercar — but don’t let that cloud your judgement on a test drive. After all, once you have the right machine, you’ll have time to enjoy it.
I’m ready to buy! What next?
You’ve found the right car, and everything is in place for you to make the purchase.
First, decide how you’re paying — if you’re buying it outright, lucky you! Otherwise, search around for the best deals on finance or a loan. It’s also worth remembering that despite these exotic machines costing huge sums of money, there’s still room to haggle — unless you’re at the ultra-desirable end of the scale.
Payment plan secured, it’s time to look at insurance. Believe it or not, most regular insurance companies will be able to offer an insurance quote on your new supercar just like a regular family hatchback — albeit premiums will likely be higher.
There’s also the option of specialist insurers which focus exclusively on high-end machinery, and may be able to offer a cheaper quote as a result.
It’s also worth keeping in mind general maintenance and running costs are going to be higher before fully committing. With fragile components prominent in many supercars, they require more care and attention than most daily runabouts will - so be prepared to spend a good amount on servicing and repairs if needed.
I have the keys! Anything else I should know?
Well done, you’ve entered the elite world of supercar ownership. Go show it off to the world! Or stick it in the garage for investment, that’s your call now.
If it’s the former, be prepared to be asked questions about it frequently from admirers and those envious alike. Oh, and the occasional social media appearance of course.
We should also hit home the point on being sensible with the performance. Supercars tend to have bags of power, which is fine on a racetrack, but do avoid the temptation to hit the boot on every straight, clear road you see.
Even more so if this is your first time driving a car of this type, as the performance could prove overwhelming.
Stay safe and have fun!
