They Looked Perfect, but These Cars Bled Cash
For some dream cars, the fantasy fades fast when reality kicks in. Behind their sleek, head-turning appeal, these vehicles are notorious for sky-high repair bills and relentless reliability issues. The result? Maintenance costs that would bankrupt Scrooge McDuck!
Maserati Biturbo (1981–1994)
Once marketed as an affordable way to the dream of Italian luxury, the Biturbo turned out to be a reliability nightmare! Its twin-turbo V6 was fragile, the electronics gremlins capricious, and parts prices astronomical. What seemed like an exotic bargain became a garage-bound burden.
Jaguar XJ12 (1972–1997)
With a buttery smooth V12 engine under the hood, the XJ12 offered effortless luxury and performance. Unfortunately, it also brought eye-watering repair costs and a reputation for constant electrical hiccups. Ownership felt regal until you got a king’s ransom in maintenance bills.
BMW 850i (1990–1999)
The 850i had presence and power, but not even its stylish pop-up headlights could make up for complexity so extreme it was just too expensive to own. With a V12 engine, notorious early ’90s electronics, and limited parts support, maintaining one can feel like restoring a spaceship on your own dime.
Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1980–1987)
This Italian coupe had a raspy V6 engine and sharp handling, but it also brought the full Alfa experience: erratic electrics, bodywork that drew rust like a magnet, and a constant need for attention. It was a joy to drive; however, the trick was jumping in the driver’s seat when it was actually running.
Lotus Esprit (1976–2004)
Angular and exotic, the Esprit was Britain’s Ferrari-fighter, and its performance was indeed impressive. On the other hand, its build quality wasn’t! Owners faced cooling issues, fragile interiors, and tricky maintenance, making it the kind of dream that cost your bank account to keep alive.
Ferrari Mondial (1980–1993)
On the surface, the Mondial offered a mid-engine Ferrari experience at a “reasonable” price. But owners quickly discovered hidden high maintenance costs, complex servicing needs, and electrical problems aplenty. It’s a red-badged headache that reminds buyers to beware of the prancing horse’s upkeep.
Range Rover Classic (1970–1996)
Early Range Rovers exude charm - they’re Stylish and have real off-road chops - but they’re like pedigree pups, and also demand constant care. Electrical bugs, plagues of rust, and fragile drivetrains mean you’ll either become a mechanic or get very familiar with one. It’s luxury meets land drain.
Porsche 928 (1978–1995)
Intended to replace the 911, the 928 was a luxury GT with a powerful V8 growl. The tech-heavy design and complex systems aged poorly, though; even simple repairs often required deep dives into a now-scarce parts bin. It was gorgeous and easy to love, yes - but it was not easy to own.
Aston Martin Lagonda (1976–1990)
Few cars are as futuristic - and frustrating - as the Lagonda. It had edges so sharp it could cut itself and advanced digital dashboards (for the time), so it’s a retro icon of excess. Yet the electronics are notoriously unreliable, so restoration costs can spiral fast.
DeLorean DMC-12 (1981–1983)
Thanks to its iconic role in “Back to the Future” the DeLorean became a legendary vehicle, though it left owners facing a reality much less fantastical. It was underpowered, finicky, and difficult to repair, it’s a stainless-steel money trap; most owners wish they could travel back in time and stop themselves buying it.W
Mercedes-Benz SL600 (1993–2002)
Part of the V12-powered R129 series, the SL600 is as heavy on charm as it is on complexity. It’s full of advanced tech for its time, but that means sky-high repair bills today. Hydraulic suspension issues and engine-related costs can turn a surface stunner into a financial fiasco.
Citroën SM (1970–1975)
With sleek styling, a Maserati engine, and hydropneumatic suspension, the SM was the ultimate French exotic, and sounded like a heartstopper on paper. Unfortunately, all that innovation came with complicated upkeep. The unique tech requires specialized care, and replacement parts don’t come cheap - or easy - so its repair bills are the most likely cause of a heart attack.
Audi V8 (1988–1993)
The Audi V8 was meant to rival BMW and Mercedes in the luxury sedan game, and it certainly brought Quattro traction and snarling V8 power to the table. It also had an incredibly high-maintenance drivetrain and outdated electronics, which turns ownership into a pricey challenge these days.
TVR Chimaera (1992–2003)
Hand-built and wonderfully raw, the Chimaera offers power and performance at a cost: it also provides an unpredictable ownership experience. Build quality is inconsistent, and maintenance demands can be intense. It’ll rock your socks when it works, and you’ll tear your hair out when it doesn’t.
Saab 900 Turbo Convertible (1986–1994)
Turbocharged, quirky, and retro cool, the Saab 900 Turbo drop-top has a cult following, though you’ll need a cult leader’s bank account to afford its maintenance. Convertible top issues, turbo wear, and parts scarcity can quickly add up, so what starts as a charming throwback can end with surprising repair receipts.
Chevrolet SSR (2003–2006)
The SSR was a retro-styled pickup with V8 muscle and a retractable hardtop. Unfortunately, its complexity and lackluster performance didn’t justify the price - and neither do the expensive fixes for its possessed electrical systems and seemingly cursed power top malfunctions.
Bentley Continental GT (2003–2011)
Early Continental GTs are now relatively affordable - but they weren’t cheap to fix when they were new, and they definitely aren’t now! Everything from suspension components to electronics malfunctions can cost a small fortune, making them risky purchases without a deep wallet.
Jaguar XK8 (1996–2006)
Sleek and seductive, the XK8 is often available at tempting prices, but many owners find themselves caught in a tangle of timing chain tensioner failures, failing transmissions, and cooling system woes. Fixing one properly isn’t cheap - in fact, it’s probably comparable to owning an actual jungle cat.
Renault Avantime (2001–2003)
As a luxurious French coupe-minivan hybrid, the Avantime is a true oddball - which makes it cool and rare, these days! Unfortunately it shares parts with low-volume Renaults, and everything from windows to electronics can prove nightmarish to diagnose and fix. It has an obscure appeal, but that makes it harder to keep.
Subaru SVX (1991–1996)
Futuristic design and flat-six power made the SVX stand out by suggesting sporty performance, yet its weight and quirky transmission made it less exciting than drivers expected. Add in transmission issues and fragile window seals, and what looked like a dream turns into high-maintenance reality.
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur (1980–1999)
Rolls-Royce are famous for their prestige and few cars match the presence of a Silver Spur in particular, but behind the stately facade lies a complex web of hydraulic systems and electrical problems. Parts and labor don’t come cheap, and upkeep can outpace the purchase price in no time.
Mazda RX-8 (2003–2012)
The RX-8 delivered sharp handling and rotary-powered thrills - at least, it did when it ran right! The same engine that draws in collectors is prone to flooding, apex seal wear, and high oil consumption which makes ownership tricky. Sure, you can pick up a used one cheaply, but it comes with incredibly high upkeep demands.
Peugeot 604 (1975–1985)
A forgotten French executive car with sleek Pininfarina styling, the 604 is rare - and for good reason. It rusts if you talk about rain around it, has fragile components, and there’s limited support for it, meaning it often ends up as an expensive restoration project you didn’t agree to.
Chrysler TC by Maserati (1989–1991)
A joint venture that tried to blend Italian flair with American practicality, the TC didn’t impress in either department. Quirky parts, poor resale, and head-scratching reliability make this “collectible” more cursed than classic.
Lancia Beta (1972–1984)
The Beta had style and innovation; It also had a rust problem so severe it sparked a scandal. Even preserved examples suffer from reliability issues and hard-to-source parts. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in sharp Italian design.
Volkswagen Phaeton (2002–2016)
VW’s luxury flagship was built to challenge the best, and as a side effect it came with tech far beyond most mechanics’ comfort zones. The Phaeton is now cheap to buy - probably because it demands deep pockets for repairs, especially when the electronics or air suspension go wrong.
Cadillac Allanté (1987–1993)
With Italian styling and American power, the Allanté sounded amazing on paper. In practice, its complex assembly process (including air-shipping bodies from Italy) and underwhelming performance turned it into a costly and quirky misfire.
Triumph Stag (1970–1978)
The Stag’s V8 soundtrack and convertible style drew in buyers by the bucketload, who were then stuck with overheating, head gasket failures, and fragile drivetrains. Enthusiasts adore them, but they’ll warn you to buy one only if you have a mechanic’s number on speed dial.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 (2009–2016)
It had power and aggressive looks, but the Genesis Coupe didn’t age gracefully. Transmission issues, interior quality complaints, and rising parts costs can turn this budget sports car into a money dump with a pretty face.
Opel GT (1968–1973)
The “mini Corvette” looked fantastic, but its parts supply and fragile mechanicals can make restoration more expensive than expected. Finding good examples is hard; keeping them running is often even harder.
Fiat X1/9 (1972–1989)
Wedge-shaped and mid-engined, the X1/9 had all the exotic vibes of a supercar in miniature. Unfortunately, rust, unreliable electrics, and a tightly packed engine bay mean it’s often more fun to look at than to own.
Lincoln Blackwood (2002)
This luxury pickup was short-lived for a reason! It combined Lincoln opulence with pickup impracticality and a high price. Poor sales led to poor parts availability, making it a collector’s oddity with frustrating maintenance costs. And don’t forget that shag carpet bed. Yikes!
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (1990–2000)
The 3000GT VR-4 is packed with tech - twin turbos, all-wheel drive, active aerodynamics - which makes it a joy to drive... when it works. But aging electronics and complex systems make it a time bomb for the unprepared wallet.
Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 3–4) (1983–1993)
The Alfa Romeo Spider oozes charm, but like real arachnids, it's not for the faint of heart. Regular maintenance, fussy carbs (on earlier models), and limited parts availability can turn this sunny-day cruiser into a web of bills from which there’s no escape.
Bugatti EB110 (1991–1995)
A unicorn of the ’90s supercar world, the EB110 was advanced and rare, but with rarity comes cost. Specialized parts, limited support, and six-figure service bills make it more akin to a unicorn that eats the bills in your wallet, and then starts on your bank account.
