Owning and driving classic cars is a passion that many car enthusiasts share. The process of upgrading, repairing, and restoring a vintage vehicle can be both a cathartic and rewarding experience. However, with an array of classic cars from various eras, choosing the right one can be daunting.
Budget constraints often determine the choices, as rare and prestigious models such as Ferraris and Duesenbergs remain out of reach for most collectors. While American classics like the Dart or Thunderbird are popular choices, many enthusiasts seek something different—European classics.
However, European cars, particularly those that were never originally sold in the U.S., can present unique challenges, making them potentially impractical and costly to own and maintain.
Restoring a European classic car is a difficult endeavor for an American enthusiast. Obtaining spare parts can be a nightmare, especially for models not sold in the U.S. Mechanics with expertise in these vehicles are scarce and often retiring, leaving fewer professionals capable of maintaining them.
Moreover, some European classics are exquisitely designed but poorly built, leading to frequent breakdowns. The cost of continuous repairs, combined with the rarity of replacement parts, makes some models a financial burden rather than a rewarding investment. Below are ten classic European cars that, despite their allure, may turn into costly mistakes.
1. Citroën DS: A French Engineering Marvel with Hidden Costs
The Citroën DS, launched in 1955, was a revolutionary vehicle with innovations like hydropneumatic suspension and rotating headlights. It provided an unmatched driving experience and even saved French Prime Minister Charles De Gaulle from an assassination attempt.
However, owning a DS in the U.S. can be extremely challenging due to its rarity and the difficulty in sourcing parts. Skilled mechanics who understand its complex hydraulic system are hard to find, and importing parts from France can be prohibitively expensive. While the DS remains a desirable collector’s car, only those with the expertise and financial resources should consider owning one.
2. BMW M6 E64: A High-Performance Machine with Expensive Problems
The BMW M6 E64, produced from 2005 to 2010, featured a powerful V10 engine inspired by F1 technology. Its luxurious interior and aggressive styling made it an appealing choice for enthusiasts.
However, despite its impressive performance, the car suffers from serious reliability issues. Common problems include rod bearing failures, which can necessitate full engine replacements costing over $8,500, and SMG transmission failures that add several thousand dollars in repairs.
While it may be tempting to buy an M6 at a depreciated price, the ongoing maintenance costs can quickly surpass the car’s value, making it a poor financial investment.
3. Porsche 911 (996): A Controversial Chapter in Porsche’s History
The Porsche 911 (996), produced in 1997, marked a significant shift in the company’s design philosophy, including the introduction of water-cooled engines. While it offered excellent performance, its aesthetic departure from traditional round headlights and its less engaging driving experience alienated many Porsche purists.
The most notorious issue with the 996 is the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage and repair costs exceeding $10,000.
Unlike its air-cooled predecessors, which have appreciated in value, the 996 has struggled to gain collector status, making it a risky investment for those seeking appreciation in value.
4. Volkswagen Phaeton W12: The Overengineered Luxury Sedan
The Volkswagen Phaeton W12 was Volkswagen’s ambitious attempt to enter the luxury car market. Featuring a meticulously crafted design, a powerful engine, and an array of cutting-edge technologies, it was intended to rival premium sedans.
However, the Phaeton failed to attract buyers due to its exorbitant price tag, making it one of VW’s biggest commercial failures. The car’s complexity has made maintenance a nightmare, with numerous electrical systems prone to failure.
Some owners have reported spending up to $50,000 on repairs over a decade, making the Phaeton a financial liability rather than a luxury investment.
5. Aston Martin Lagonda: A High-Tech Disaster
Aston Martin’s Lagonda, produced from 1976 to 1990, was designed to be a state-of-the-art luxury sedan. It featured a radical wedge-shaped design and one of the first digital dashboards in automotive history.
However, the advanced electronics were fragile and prone to frequent malfunctions. Even for wealthy collectors like Rodger Dudding, who owns 24 Lagondas, keeping the car operational has been a constant struggle.
The cost of repairs and the difficulty in sourcing electronic components make the Lagonda a high-risk purchase for anyone without deep pockets.
Also Read: 10 Best Luxury Sedans That Offer Next-Level Comfort and Unmatched Performance in a High-End Package
6. Maserati Biturbo: Italian Luxury with Endless Headaches
The Maserati Biturbo, launched in 1981, was an attempt to create an affordable luxury sports car. Featuring a twin-turbocharged V6, plush interiors, and elegant styling, it seemed like a dream come true. However, its engineering flaws quickly became apparent.
The car suffered from electrical issues, carburetor problems, and rapid corrosion due to poor-quality steel. While later models improved reliability, early Biturbos developed a reputation for being highly unreliable, making them an expensive and impractical choice for collectors today.
7. Jaguar XJS: British Elegance with Mechanical Nightmares
The Jaguar XJS, produced from 1975 to 1995, was designed as a luxurious grand tourer powered by a complex V12 engine. While its interior boasted high-quality leather and wood finishes, the engine bay was a labyrinth of wiring and vacuum lines that could easily fail.
Common issues included electrical faults, overheating, and even spontaneous fires. The XJS, though elegant and powerful, requires significant maintenance efforts, making it an impractical choice for those unwilling to invest substantial time and money into upkeep.
8. BMW 3 Series E92: A Modern Classic with Reliability Concerns
The BMW E92 3-Series, produced from 2006 to 2013, is a relatively modern car that many consider a future classic. It offered a balance of luxury and performance with a variety of engine choices, including turbocharged options.
However, the E92 suffers from numerous reliability issues, such as turbocharger failures, electronic steering lock malfunctions, and defective high-pressure fuel pumps. Additionally, the series was affected by the Takata airbag recall. While the E92 remains a desirable sports car, its maintenance costs can quickly become overwhelming.
9. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow: Affordable to Buy, Expensive to Own
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, produced from 1965 to 1980, was a symbol of luxury, featuring a hand-crafted interior with premium materials. However, maintaining a Silver Shadow is a costly endeavor.
Its hydropneumatic suspension is expensive to service, brake replacements can exceed $1,000, and even the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament can cost a small fortune to replace. Despite their relatively affordable purchase price, Silver Shadows often become money pits due to their high maintenance costs and specialized repair needs.
10. BMW 850i E31: A Grand Tourer with a Demanding Maintenance Schedule
The BMW 850i E31, launched in 1989, was an ultra-luxury grand tourer featuring a 5.0-liter V12 engine. While it delivered exceptional performance, its complex mechanical systems made maintenance extremely demanding.
Service intervals must be strictly followed to prevent catastrophic failures, and even minor repairs can be costly. Many owners have found that the expense of keeping an 850i running far outweighs its purchase price, making it an impractical choice for anyone without substantial disposable income.
Classic European cars hold an undeniable allure, offering unique designs, luxurious interiors, and fascinating engineering. However, many models come with excessive maintenance costs, unreliable mechanical systems, and hard-to-find replacement parts.
While enthusiasts with deep pockets or mechanical expertise may find joy in restoring these vehicles, the average collector should carefully weigh the financial implications before committing to ownership. In many cases, the dream of owning a classic European car can quickly turn into a costly nightmare.
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