Drive Hubler Certified Pre-Owned

Nov 10, 2023
A red 2020 Toyota GR Supra parked in the garage of a used sports car dealer.

What do you envision when you think of a used sports car? You might imagine a potently powerful machine with a sleek physique built for adrenaline-pumping weekend joyrides in the sun. But what if I told you that a sports car can also be a great daily driver? Here at DriveHubler Certified Pre-Owned, we’re proud to be your trusted used sports car dealer. We know that many enthusiasts grapple with the decision of whether to buy a sports car for daily driving. Let’s go over the pros and cons of owning a sports car as a daily driver so that you can make an informed decision.

The Allure Of Sports Cars

The biggest appeal of sports cars is that they are thrilling to drive. There is no doubt that these cars are designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience with their superb power, spirited handling, and special ability to make the driver feel connected with the road. It’s a little thrilling to hear the rumbling pitch of a high-performance engine and feel the sudden, enthralling thrust of acceleration from a vehicle crafted for excitement.

Of course, sports cars look great. They offer eye-catching designs that turn heads no matter where they go. With their cutting lines, aerodynamic bodies, and aggressive styling cues, sports cars know how to make a bold statement on the road. If you crave the type of attention that a vehicle like this brings with it, a sports car is a phenomenal option.

Handling and performance are high points for sports cars—it’s what they are engineered for, after all. They take sharp corners with no problem, and you can accelerate quickly in them, making open highways and winding roads fun. If you’re looking for a lot of precision and agility, a sports car will give them to you.

Daily Driving Needs

A sports car can be a daily driver, but it will have to check some pretty big boxes—the biggest being comfort and convenience. Comfort is critical to daily driving. Since you will likely spend a lot of time inside your car, you will want a smooth ride quality, supportively structured seats, and an infotainment system that is easy to use and can make your daily commute smooth and pleasant. This can be at odds with a sports car’s basic construction. Cargo space is another factor. You need a car that can handle your everyday needs, from toting around your golf clubs to bringing groceries home. Sports cars aren’t exactly known for abundant cargo or cabin space, which can hamper daily driving.

Fuel efficiency is a third concern that buyers consider when looking for a daily driver. You might incur a lot of stop-and-go traffic during the daily commute, and the big, powerful engines in sports cars tend to not be the most fuel-efficient option for these scenarios. This is why it is important to consider your driving distance each day and the cost of fuel when considering whether a sports car is a good fit for you.

A man with sunglasses driving a red 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata with the roof down.

The Advantages Of Daily Driving A Sports Car

Sports cars can do many things very well, and they certainly make commutes more enjoyable. They have responsive handling and high-octane acceleration that can make each ride feel like an adventure. Even a long drive to work can feel delightful in a great used sports car. You can enjoy a high-quality ride that provides a lot of joy. Contemporary sports cars typically come equipped with sport-tuned suspension systems that give them comfortable and controlled ride qualities, even on rough road surfaces. They don’t jar you out of your seats with every single bump anymore.

There are a lot of safety features on relatively new sports cars since safety is a priority for all automakers. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking systems are just some of the driver-assist features that you can find in a sports car that is even just a few years old. These features help make life on the road safer and less stressful, assisting you in navigating traffic and reducing the risk of getting into a collision.

There’s also an emotional element to owning a sports car. Not only does it give you a sense of status, but it can boost your confidence and make you feel like you’ve accomplished something significant. You show up to work with a glint in your eye and standing taller. A sports car is a reward for your hard work and dedication.

The Cons Of Daily Driving A Sports Car

Of course, there are some downsides to driving a sports car as your everyday commuter. First and foremost, sports cars don’t have much cargo space for your everyday items. If you need to haul big loads on a regular basis, a sports car will likely feel impractical.

Fuel costs associated with sports cars can be a bit distressing since their high-performance engines often require more and higher octane fuel than most suburban commuter vehicles. Going to work day after day in a sports car can add up quickly, especially when gas prices are high. This should definitely factor into your purchasing decision.

While many contemporary sports cars have made major strides in terms of comfort, there is still a chance that you’ll find one that falls short on comfort compared to SUVs and sedans. They generally have firmer suspensions, lower ride heights, and restrictive cabin space, making them less than accommodating for lengthy daily drives. Finally, you will need to bear in mind that sports cars are often powered by rear-wheel drive and don’t have much ground clearance. This makes them less able to deal with heavy snow or rain. Bad weather can make them slide off the road, so if you face this in your neck of the woods, a sports car might not be a great daily driver for you.

A red 2022 Ford Mustang GT500 parked at a mountain overlook.

Making The Decision

How are you supposed to make a decision about buying a sports car as a daily driver? Start by assessing your needs. How long is your daily commute? What type of cargo will you need to transport? How are the roads you travel on? If your everyday commute matches up with the strengths of a sports car, then it could be a good fit.

Of course, you must be realistic about how much money you can spend. Account for the purchase costs, but don’t forget the long-term ones as well. Maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs need to be factored in when considering whether you can afford to drive a sports car every day.

You might wish to take the two-car approach, as many sports car fans do. They drive their practical vehicle during the week, but when the weekend hits, they break out the sports car and enjoy the best of both worlds. If you have children, you might need to trade cars with a partner, depending on school drop-offs, soccer practice, or tuba lessons.

Whatever you do, make sure you take an extended test drive in the used sports car that appeals to you before you decide to buy it. This lets you evaluate its real-world performance, practicality, and comfort. Of course, it might also tempt your adventurous side and affect your decision in another direction.

You might wish to buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model—it can be a wise choice. CPO cars offer warranty coverage for peace of mind, plus they have been inspected and—as needed—refurbished to meet the high standards set by their manufacturers. You can get a vehicle that is only a few years old with low mileage for a reasonable price when you decide to go CPO.

Some Final Food For Thought

The idea of driving a sports car as an everyday commuter isn’t as much of a pipe dream as it seems. Sure, there are some practical aspects to take into consideration, but the pros of driving an eye-catching sports car you love can outweigh more practical considerations for some people. Ultimately, your decision on whether to buy a used sports car for a daily driver will depend on your personal preferences, unique needs, and your budget.

DriveHubler Certified Pre-Owned is your trusted dealer for used sports cars, and we offer a wide variety of high-quality CPO models that balance your desire for performance with reliability. Whether you are seeking a sleek and riveting commuter vehicle or a weekend fun-mobile, there’s a used sports car waiting here for you.

Your daily commute can be just as enthralling as your weekend adventures with the right sports car. You just need to find the one that strikes the right balance between your needs and wants.