When purchasing a sports car, we don’t always focus on the more practical aspects, such as reliability and maintenance costs.
Sports cars are generally not designed with practicality in mind. They are often too compact to accommodate passengers comfortably and sit too low to handle anything other than pristine tarmac.
However, there are some exceptions to this, such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru Impreza WRX.
That being said, we still expect our cars to function properly, especially on those rare occasions when we get the chance to take them out for a drive.
Even with minimal expectations, certain cars still manage to fall short but that doesn’t mean we don’t still want them.
10. BMW E36 M3
This model has built a significant reputation over time, now almost infamous for being driven by enthusiasts who are not afraid to push their cars to the limit.
While driving a performance car as intended is an exhilarating experience, it can take a toll on the otherwise dependable inline-six engine.
Additionally, there will inevitably be instances where drivers push beyond their skill level, leading to accidents that often result in structural damage repairs for which are frequently handled by budget body shops.
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9. Maserati Biturbo
From the moment it hit the market, this car was a letdown. It was intended to be Maserati’s offering for the masses, but spoiler alert it wasn’t.Unfortunately, it turned out to be nothing more than an overpriced lemon.
In an effort to cut costs, Maserati used subpar materials, which compromised build quality and led to the all-too-familiar rust issues that plagued many classic Italian cars.
And yet, despite its flaws, we still find ourselves wanting one especially now that they’re so affordable.
8. Lancia Beta Coupe/Montecarlo
As dedicated Lancia enthusiasts (and yes, we are huge fans of Lancia automobiles), we might argue that fixing these cars is manageable. However, welding a frame is anything but simple it’s a complex task that requires professional expertise.
These cars should be handled with caution. Lancias were never particularly well-built, and they have a notorious tendency to deteriorate quickly. Yet, despite their flaws, they remain undeniably stunning vehicles.
7. Alfa Romeo GTV6
These were among the last cars that Alfa Romeo produced before Fiat took over, and they are far better than many people give them credit for.
The Alfa Romeo name has never been synonymous with “reliability,” but if you find one that has been well cared for, it can bring plenty of joy.
That said, it may still inexplicably leave you stranded on a dark road in the middle of the night.
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a classic Italian sports coupe produced between 1980 and 1986. It was a high-performance variant of the Alfetta GT, featuring a 2.5-liter SOHC V6 engine that became one of Alfa Romeo’s most celebrated powerplants.
With 160 horsepower and 157 lb-ft of torque, the GTV6 offered respectable performance for its time, capable of 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph.
Despite some reliability quirks—common with classic Alfa Romeos—the GTV6 is highly regarded among enthusiasts today. Its combination of Italian styling, racing pedigree, and an iconic V6 engine makes it a beloved classic in Alfa Romeo’s history.
6. Lotus Esprit Turbo
While the first-generation Esprit captured everyone’s attention by taking Bond underwater, the second-generation model became more notorious for its reliability issues.
Finding one that has been well-maintained or has had all the essential mechanical work done can be a worthwhile investment. It’s a bit of a gamble but one that just might pay off.
The Lotus Esprit Turbo was a high-performance version of the Lotus Esprit, first introduced in 1980.
It took the sleek, wedge-shaped design of the original Esprit and significantly boosted its power with a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine, turning it into one of the most exciting British sports cars of its era.
5. Alfa Romeo 4C
When it’s on the road, this car will bring more smiles than almost anything else but the problem is, it won’t be on the road very often or for very long.
Whether it’s worth the trouble is something you’ll have to decide for yourself. However, these cars stir up more emotion than any inanimate object should, making it all too easy to let your irrational side take over.
Also Read: 10 High-Performance Sports Cars with Surprisingly Low Maintenance Costs
4. Maserati Ghibli
While the Ghibli boasts stunning aesthetics both inside and out, its breathtaking design can never fully make up for its notorious reliability issues.
Maserati seems determined to disregard all the valuable lessons Ferrari—its stablemate has mastered over the years when it comes to building a dependable performance car.
3. Mazda RX7
The Wankel engine may have met its unfortunate demise in the final year of the notoriously unreliable RX8.
However, reliability was always a concern for the RX7 as well, with apex seals prone to failure. Yet, the fact that its production run lasted as long as it did is a true testament to its enduring appeal.
2. Maserati GranTurismo
Maserati was once a brand synonymous with greatness, but in recent decades, it has struggled to uphold a reputation for reliability.
With the inclusion of the 4C (which they manufacture), Maserati has four cars on this list proving that despite their flaws, they remain highly desirable.
However, they really shouldn’t be. This particular model is notorious for suddenly losing all its coolant, leading to overheating and, shortly after, catastrophic engine failure.
1. BMW E60 M5
The E60 M5 has arguably the worst reputation of any modern sports sedan when it comes to reliability and maintenance costs.
Its V10 engine was once named “Engine of the Year,” back when climate change wasn’t as much of a global concern as it is today. However, that achievement has long since faded from most people’s memories.
It is now widely regarded as one of the least reliable cars BMW has ever built and that’s saying something due to its notorious rod bearing issue.
Despite this, it still delivers an incredible sound and has the power to leave plenty of supercars trailing behind.