Dream Cars That Come With High-Maintenance Issues
Classic dream cars are meant to be visually pleasing and exciting to drive. However, they are notoriously difficult to maintain; it is challenging to keep them legal due to their age and revised safety regulations. Want to know more? Continue reading to unearth 35 dream cars from the past that are a nightmare to maintain.
BMW 02 Series
One of BMW’s most exquisite models is the 02 Series, which features a more elegant overall design and the iconic BMW front grille. On the downside, the suspension, which requires frequent repair, is the primary cause of the car's numerous problems.
Fiat 500
Since its debut in July 1957, the Fiat 500 has absolutely dominated European cities. But not all is sunshine and rainbows. Its small size forced the manufacturers to install tiny, air-cooled engines, which overheat when used for extended periods of time. Probably not the best car to go on a road trip with then.
DeLorean DMC-12
With a big thanks to the ‘Back to the Future’ films of the ‘80s, the DeLorean is one of the most adored dream cars ever. But prepare to empty your savings if you want one, as the gull-wing doors will inevitably result in astronomically costly repairs.
(C3) Chevrolet Corvette
Many people consider the Chevrolet Corvette to be their dream car due to its streamlined design, which instantly draws attention. Unfortunately, because they have special features like a frequently malfunctioning vacuum system that powers the headlights and window wipers, they are particularly challenging to service.
Triumph Stag
The Stag is the next hot pick, and when we say hot, we mean hot, because the car's cooling system is notoriously bad and causes overheating problems. Any kind of defense is lost as the car is also prone to rust, which also makes maintaining its best appearance a headache.
Fiat X1/9
Fiat is famous for making aesthetically pleasing, yet unstable motors. This is also true of the X1/9 model, which considers rusting a hobby and an engine that loves to break down. Even though it looks gorgeous, the fact that components are so hard to come by doesn't help!
Lotus Esprit
Lotus vehicles, particularly the vintage versions, are challenging to repair because of their intricate and sophisticated designs. Owners of Lotus Esprits frequently deal with transmission and engine issues, few of which are fixable by your local walk-in mechanic.
Maserati Biturbo
The Biturbo has plenty of luxury, which Maserati has always been known for. However, because the V6 engine in the vehicle requires regular maintenance to function properly, it falls short in terms of dependability. Drivers also have persistent, bothersome problems with its outdated electronics. What a headache!
Ferrari Mondial
The Mondial sold rather well until production stopped in ‘93. Even Ferrari themselves characterized it as the first of their cars with an all-around appeal. Today, however, the car's appeal is no longer as strong because its V8 engine appears to require frequent repairs.
Porsche 914
Maintenance will be a major problem as, like many other vintage vehicles on this list, it will be difficult to find a repair shop qualified to work on a vintage Porsche 914. Trying to find the parts, which are becoming more and more expensive every year, makes matters worse. Sounds like a task no one’s up for.
Aston Martin Lagonda
If James Bond wants to successfully pursue a worldwide supervillain, he probably won't be getting into a Lagonda anytime soon. The car's complicated electrical system and frequent suspension and engine problems have earned it a bad reputation.
Saab 99
It seems that the Saab 99's regular electrical, engine, and rust issues were not discovered over its 16-year manufacturing lifespan. Nevertheless, the Saab 99 adheres to the common Swedish automotive motto of being a safe and easy car to drive - until it isn't!
BMW E24 6 Series
The E24 6 Series has the elegant, fashionable, and distinctly German appearance of a vintage BMW. However, it suffers from a wide range of mechanical issues and doesn't operate as efficiently as cars from its home nation are typically known for.
Citroen SM
This car's hydraulic system is known to be a common difficulty for drivers, and the engine is susceptible to frequent failures and timing belt problems. There are so many more trustworthy solutions on the market, so steer clear of this one!
1st Gen Ford Mustang
Although the original Ford Mustang is one of the most recognizable vehicles in the US, it has its issues. The car's body is a magnet for rust, and the brakes aren't very dependable. Any owner will tell you that maintaining them is super taxing - both on your head and your bank!
Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS
Production of the Ferrari 308 lasted ten years (‘75 to ‘85), and it became one of the most popular and accessible Ferraris ever made. Fortunately, you won't have to pay a lot of money for a car that has a reputation for having engine issues, making this car the definition of a “double-edged sword”!
Alfa Romeo Spider
You can only imagine the headache you get with possessing a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider, given the sad reputation of the car being notoriously unreliable. Since the car's electrical system is infamously untrustworthy, you’ll be visiting your mechanic every week!
Jaguar E-Type
With its head-turning design and beastly engine, the iconic Jaguar E-Type perfectly captures the buzz of the ‘60s. Sadly, finding replacement parts for the vehicle is difficult, and when you do, the cost will likely be high. With this, it's a nightmare to maintain, as it also takes specialized talents to fix.
Ferrari 512 TR
The Ferrari 512 TR displeases with its expensive upkeep and patchy dependability despite its historic status. On paper, it seems amazing, but thanks to its infamously complicated electrical system, you should anticipate regular appointments with the mechanic.
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron has a quad-turbocharged W16 engine and an incredible top speed. However, the car's maintenance costs tens of thousands of dollars; the Veyron is a money trap, as it requires continual maintenance.
Lamborghini Gallardo
This Lamborghini reputation model is far from a dream. Even though the car's V10 sounds amazing, the electric gremlins and hefty clutch soon make the ride less enjoyable. Sure, it looks good, but be prepared for a costly ride with many mechanical headaches.
Jaguar X-Type
Fans weren't impressed by the Mondeo DNA that was hidden beneath the X-Type’s glossy grille. The 2001 model had an uninspired design, and awkward handling made it fall short. It dragged the brand through mid-range mediocrity rather than enhancing it.
Aston Martin DB9
The DB9, hailed as a high-end sports vehicle, fell short in terms of dependability. Despite its beautiful design, this one frequently experiences engine problems and complex electronics. It is more of a nightmare than a dream as it spends more time in the shop than on the road.
Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo is where luxury and annoyance collide. Its owners frequently have to contend with poorly designed electronics and excessively intricate mechanical parts. It’s also a money hole for most people.
1st Gen Porsche Cayman
With a thrilling driving experience, the Cayman was a more reasonably priced addition to the Porsche lineup. However, IMS bearing failure, a problem that results in costly engine damage, was infamous for early versions.
McLaren MP4-12C
The MP4-12C caused a stir with its remarkable acceleration and carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. Regrettably, early variants of the car had some serious flaws, such as electrical breakdowns and premature brake wear.
(C4) Chevrolet Corvette
Many owners wished for a better-built sports vehicle because of this one's cheaply constructed interior, frequent suspension problems, and mechanical irregularities. The Corvette was a letdown as its performance wasn’t enough to conceal its flaws.
Lotus Elise
Driving aficionados have long preferred the Lotus Elise thanks to its lightweight and agile handling; but the ride is stiff, and the cabin is minute. Furthermore, if you want a balance between performance and daily utility, you may find its lack of comfort off-putting.
BMW M6
The M6 received praise for both its opulent interior and V10 engine. Owners quickly discovered, though, that the car's complexity - especially its engine and transmission - led to numerous mechanical issues. So, the M6's remarkable performance was soon eclipsed by the hefty cost of maintenance.
Ferrari 348
Although the Ferrari 348 had supercar swagger, driving it was anything but a dream. In 1989, it was known for being harsh and had erratic, twitchy handling, particularly while traveling at high speeds. Additionally, the build quality was poor. Ouch!
Jaguar XJ220
Expectations were the issue, not speed. By the time of its debut, Jaguar had switched to a twin-turbo V6 and rear-wheel drive system, after teasing a V12 and all-wheel drive. Lawsuits ensued, buyers felt deceived, and the showroom's demise was inevitable.
Dodge Viper
The Viper had a huge V10 and no driver aids when it first hit the road in 1992. No traction control, no roof, no mercy. It was unpolished and almost irresponsible. Many simply held on and hoped, while others described it as exciting. Risky!
Lamborghini Jalpa
Lamborghini was hoping for a more "affordable" exotic, but the Jalpa ended up being more of a letdown than a dream. Enthusiasts were turned off by the awkward style and hurried construction quality.
BMW I8
This car's futuristic exterior was the perfect disguise for its underwhelming 3-cylinder hybrid engine. It fell short of sports car mediocrity despite promising supercar performance. Onlookers may have been impressed with the doors, but nobody seems really excited behind the wheel.
Tesla Model S
This car gets an F grade on fundamentals. Despite their speed and technological prowess, the early Model S models have panel gaps and screen failures. Reports from customers reveal patchy dependability beneath the futuristic shell it wears.
