Is buying a used sports car a bad idea?

[u/yoyo588]

Hi guys! I'm curious if it's a better idea to buy a new BRZ or a used one.

I found a 2019 BRZ Limited with 53,000 and it's listed for $18,995. It has an aftermarket exhaust and a rear bash bar, which makes me suspect that it's been heavily tracked.

I paid for a pre-purchase inspection and everything passed except for 3 stored/pending/permanent codes that came up. For some reason, the check engine light came on when I drove it back to the dealer 🧐

Thanks for any help!

[u/MinuteOk1678]

A cel on a used car is a bad sign especially from a dealer.
What kind of dealer i.e. Oem (same oem) or a random used car dealer?
Ultimately it will depend on the codes.... what codes did it throw?

Personally I would never buy a modded car (as described), let alone a modded sports car. Sports cars get beat on during a lease and then ditched at the end. Rarely is proper maintenance performed unless it is in the lease contract. Such service would/ should show up on a car history report should a dealer o a reputable shop do the maintenance.

[u/justaguestaccount → u/MinuteOk1678]

I feel its a 2-way street. Buying a sports car from a 18 year old is different than buying one from someone older. Given that majority of sports cars owners are enthusiasts, im sure most take great care of their car and the maintenance schedule.

[u/MantuaMan → u/justaguestaccount]

Whoever owns a sports car is an 18 yo regardless of real age.

[u/yoyo588 → u/MinuteOk1678]

Thanks for responding! It's from a random used dealer. There were actually 4 codes: The first one is Evap, 2 of them are U0073 and the other is U0155. Are these red flags?

And yeah, I'm a bit weary now making this purchase... Would you recommend that I buy one that's used but fully stock then? I doubt I'll find something that hasn't been touched :/

[u/Master-Thanks883 → u/yoyo588]

PCM CODE AND CANBUS CODE are not good that computer was either pulled, chip modification, then the EVAP says emissions modification . Or was in an accident not reported, was the radio a stock unit or aftermarket

[u/yoyo588 → u/Master-Thanks883]

Aw hell nah 😭 There was one accident reported. And to my knowledge, the radio is stock.

[u/Anxious-Depth-7983]

A check engine light is telling you to walk away it hasn't been well maintained.

[u/yoyo588 → u/Anxious-Depth-7983]

Do you think these codes (Evap, U0073 and U0155) could cause a check engine light? I'm just confused why the mechanic said the engine was fine

[u/imothers → u/yoyo588]

Check engine lights should really be called "check emissions related systems" as that is what they monitor. Sometimes the problem is on or in the engine, but it can be other places too. Evap is related to the gas tank (managing the gas fumes in the tank).

[u/Miss_Management]

TBH, if you can't afford a new sports car I wouldn't buy one. Can you afford the insurance, maintenence, and repairs? Is this a second car or your main? That sort of thing. And to add, no, I would not buy a used car whose check engine light just came in.

I know a sports car sounds nice, but it can be more of a headache then anything depending on your situation. Personally, I've been thrilled with my purchase of an Impala Limited. Over 300hp and its a sedan, so lots of space. It may not look like much, but it hauls!

[u/yoyo588 → u/Miss_Management]

Thank you for responding! These are all great questions. I'm actually trying to sell my Mini Cooper, which was a HUGE headache for me so I definitely don't want to struggle with another car.

And thanks for the recommendation!! I didn't know impalas hauled ass like that! 😂 Glad to hear that you're enjoying it!

[u/Miss_Management → u/yoyo588]

I bought the limited 2014 version at a year old and got a killer deal on it because they switched to a new body style that year. Chevy doesn't tend to have great resell value over the years, so expect that. And I did have to replace the throttle valve even though it's a manufacturing issue (they recalled it for all previous years but mine, cost $550) but it is otherwise a great car.

I still have it. I love it so much that my next car I hope is an Impala as well. Maintenance can be a bit painful, but at least still in my budget, an oil change for example is about $75/6-7k miles since it only takes synthetic. Batteries and tires are a bit weird and cost a bit extra since it's a limited version and requires a different size everything, it seems. The limited version is known to my mechanics and local AutoZone as the cop car version. They haul so much a$$ it's unreal.

ETA: her name is "The Beast".

[u/AutoModerator]

Please take the time to flair your post accordingly. Click the flair option under you post settings and select the appropriate one for your post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/MantuaMan]

Yes

[u/Practical_Ride_8344]

Do your research before you purchase anything.

Emotional decisions can be costly.

If you see something repairable in your budget then go for it.

FYI, in many states a dealer cannot sell a car with the check engine light on because it won't pass emissions. If you can get them to fix it that would be great and have the emissions done by them.

[u/imothers]

I wonder of the dealer cleared the code (turned off the light) without fixing the issue. Or maybe the previous owner did that right before before trading the car. That would explain why the light came back on - that's what should happen if the problem has not been fixed.