Are you in the market for a muscle car? Do you know which one you want? I bet you do! But when it comes to laying down the cash, will you choose the best one for you?

Very few people approach a car purchase as a strictly practical endeavor. Even people who say a car is just a means to an end maintain brand loyalty. Of course, Motortopians love cars and that’s why we connect here. We know buying a car is an emotional activity.

Sometimes emotions lead to bad decisions. That Chevy convertible you’re looking at is an awesome value, but reconsider how it would fit in your budget, your muscle car plans and your garage. Spending every penny on the purchase means you can’t upgrade the wheels or pay to have a craftsman apply the ghost flames you’ve always wanted. That small block won’t run as good at the strip as the big block would have...and what do you mean you don’t have garage space? Did you budget for a storage facility?

These considerations are easier made before you are standing in front of what could be your dream car. Here are other suggested questions to ask before you begin your muscle car search:

1. How will you enjoy your muscle car? Car shows for fun? Local drag racing? Restoration competitions? Daily driver?
2. Do you want to wrench on it or modify it yourself?
3. Is your muscle car an investment?
4. Does the rest of the family agree with the budget amount?
5. Will you keep the car forever or soon trade it for another fun ride?

Answer the questions honestly and your muscle car search will be a joy. You won’t waste time looking at high-end investment cars if your dream is to become the local drag strip king. You won’t buy a car that needs extensive mechanical repair if you can’t do it yourself or don’t want to pay for restoration. You won’t buy a trailer queen if you’re looking for a daily driver. (Check out the just for fun muscle car selector quiz at www.find-your...om/muscle-car quiz.html.)

Based on your answers, it may seem like the car that fits you doesn’t exist. Doing online searches or reading muscle car magazines shows there are two predominant choices right now: expensive investment quality cars or cars that show every minute of their 35 years but are still selling at a high price.

Keep looking! Trends show muscle car prices are down (31% since January per the June issue of the carsonline enewsletter) but sales are strong. The economy has forced some collectors to sell at bargain prices. Once you know exactly which muscle car is the right one for you, you’re ready to get a great deal and won’t make an impulse purchase that you’ll regret.

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