Rookie Guide - How to Buy a Muscle Car Part 2 - Determine How You Plan to Use the Car

This series is designed for the person new to the muscle car world. You know you'd like to own one, but you have no idea where to start. We'll assume that you want to really like the car as well - even if you are purchasing it as an investment. Our series will deal with the following topics (and by the end you'll be ready to wheel your new ride down the road):

1) Determine the make and model you want

2) Determine how you want to use the car (drive often, show car only, etc.)

3) Determine your price range and payment method

4) Evaluate the car, set up insurance, and purchase

Since we've already deal with Topic #1 (Deciding which make and model car to choose) we can now move on to the next step.

Today's topic: Determine how you want to use the car

This portion of your muscle-car-to-be process is a critical one, as when it's all said and done.....what you end up doing with the car is almost the entire reason to purchase one! Below are the six most common uses of muscle cars today:

* Weekend Funmobile

* Car Show Winner

* Pro-Touring Car (i.e. - a muscle car that can go, stop, and turn)

* Drag Racer

* Investment

* Drive Anywhere, Anytime

Now that we know what the common uses are, let's break those down a bit - and see which one if a fit for you!

Weekend Funmobile:

A car that fits this category is one that you purchase simply for the please of driving it on nice days. It's never going to see snow, and will only see rain if you can't beat the storm clouds home. It need not have it's original engine, transmission, etc., nor does it need not have a $20K paint job. It's only real goal is to be a reliably running, comfortable driving car that is likely in stock condition with the addition of a set of nice sounding mufflers. Hop in and take the friends and family over to the Dairy Queen!

Car Show Winner:

A car that fits this category on a consistent basis will either be an all original numbers-matching car (meaning it has it's original engine and transmission) that is in meticulous condition, or is a modified car - also in meticulous condition. As a general rule of thumb, the popular models (Camaro's, Charger's, etc.) are a good fit here. If they are a modified car, the modification will need to be unique and really well done (it needs to look expensive). This is a car that won't be driven all that much - perhaps only a few times a year. It's main goal is to sit, look pretty, and win you some trophies!

Pro-Touring Car:

A Pro-Touring car is a muscle car modified with some of the latest "go fast" suspension, wheels/tires, and braking components required to make a world-class handling cars. It will likely have some engine mods done as well. (View products from Heidts, Detroit Speed, Hotchkis, and Griggs to get a general idea of what I am referring to.) You can purchase an existing car and bolt on the fun parts, or purchase a car that is already modified.