If you’re reading Motorbiscuit, then it’s likely that you’re either doing research or are really into cars. And if you’re really into cars, then it’s likely that your dream car is some kind of supercar or at least something that’s astronomically priced. It’s OK to dream, but what if that dream suddenly becomes obtainable?

A high-paying job, or maybe a huge bonus might get you closer to getting that Porsche or Audi R8 that you’ve always wanted, but are you sure you’re ready for such a big purchase? Here are three questions you can ask yourself to find out.

Am I sure that I want the car?

This question is good for car shopping in general, no matter what kind of car you’re shopping for. However, when it comes to shopping for a supercar, it’s even more important that you be honest with yourself on this one. Because buying a used car that potentially costs upwards of $100,000 can be like taking home a purebred puppy; it sounds great in your mind, but in reality, it can cause problems later on.

As always, make sure to do copious amounts of research on the car that you want and even jump on the message forums and see what other owners are saying about their experience. Think about how much you plan on driving the car, and if it’s going to be a daily driver, then find out if it will be comfortable enough for that. Above all else, make sure that you really want the car, because ultimately, it’s not a puppy.

Will I be able to afford the maintenance?

Maintenance on most exotics can get really expensive. For example, an oil change on an Audi R8 can cost $500-$600 and a windshield replacement is roughly $1,300. So if you’re used to maintaining a 2005 Toyota Corolla, then you might want to take a second look at your piggy bank and make you know what you’re getting into.

On average, you can expect to pay around $2400 to $3000 per year to maintain a supercar, depending on what year, make, and model it is. It could be cheaper if you can do some of the work yourself, of course. But if not, then we recommend sticking to a supercar that’s a little more low-maintenance like an Audi R8. (We’re not biased or anything)

Will I be able to afford the higher insurance cost?

Again, as with any car, insurance costs can vary. It not only depends on the type of car that you’re buying, but it also depends on your age, location, driving record, etc. In any case, expect to pay anywhere around $3000 to $5,000 per year depending on the type of coverage you get and the insurance company you go with. Some companies may even have special plans for exotics like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

Do the math

If you do come to the conclusion that you’re going to buy the supercar that you’ve always wanted, make sure to calculate all of the buy-in and ownership costs as diligently as possible. Just think of it like buying a regular car, but amplified to the tenth degree. Unless, of course, you just have a lot of money to burn and money doesn’t matter. In that case, have fun!