European cars carry a certain prestige in America. Regardless of who you are or where you live, owning a vehicle manufactured in Europe makes a statement about your personality and values.
That allure makes it tempting to explore the used car market and see what options are available.
However, the real risk comes from being drawn in by a car that appears stylish, carries an impressive pedigree, and seems like a great choice only to end up draining your finances faster than snap oversteer can send you into a ditch.
So, how can you steer clear of that financial pitfall and secure a car that truly delivers a rewarding ownership experience? Fortunately, avoiding these pitfalls isn’t overly complicated, and today, we’re here to help make that process even easier.
Whether you’re in the market for something compact and aggressive or a full-fledged supercar, we’ve got you covered with today’s list of vehicles that could turn into financial nightmares.
Also Read: Top 12 Supercars That Were Built With Jet Engine Technology Offering Unmatched Performance
10. Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat’s return to the American market didn’t go quite as planned. Despite support from Jeep and Chrysler, the brand has struggled to maintain stability.
Electrical system issues have plagued many of their models, and the Abarth, pictured above, is the most temperamental of them all.
It’s undeniably fun when it runs properly but that’s about the best thing that can be said about it.
9. BMW E60 M5
Truly the last of its kind among naturally aspirated super sedans, the wild V10-powered M5 stands as a piece of automotive history one that serves as a cautionary tale about why meeting your heroes doesn’t always end well.
From notorious rod bearing failures to a transmission that relentlessly wears down its clutch, the E60 is riddled with mechanical issues. Unfortunately, that’s just the harsh reality of owning one.
8. TVR Chimaera
As much as I love TVR, the Chimaera simply doesn’t live up to its stunning appearance. While it may look the part, the reality is far less impressive.
Much of the exterior was poorly assembled, leading to noticeable panel gaps.
On top of that, bolts have a tendency to come loose, and finding replacement parts has become an almost impossible task in today’s market.
7. MINI Cooper S
MINI Coopers are charming, quirky little cars that deliver plenty of fun when they’re running properly. Their lightweight design allows them to tackle corners without excessive understeer.
However, the real issue is their lack of reliability. Regardless of the generation, these cars always seem to be plagued by problems whether it’s failing coolant tanks, faulty turbochargers, troublesome valves, or some other mechanical headache.
6. VW Golf GTI
Volkswagen has a habit of producing performance-oriented models that feel more like afterthoughts, and the GTI is no exception.
What had the potential to be a true homage to the original GTI ended up being too heavy and bloated to ever fully live up to that legacy.
Over time, these cars have proven to be notoriously unreliable, with their engines even becoming the subject of a class-action lawsuit due to widespread mechanical issues.
Also Read: 10 Luxury Cars That Constantly Have Expensive Repairs
5. Maserati GT Coupe
Maserati re-entered the U.S. market more than 15 years ago, and among its offerings was the GT Coupe.
While undeniably a beautiful car, it’s important to remember that it shares a significant amount of Ferrari-derived technology.
As a result, not only is it prone to frequent breakdowns, but the cost of replacement parts is staggeringly high.
4. Ferrari 360 Modena
I have a deep appreciation for Ferrari, but this particular model comes with a recurring complaint I’ve heard from four different owners.
If left sitting for even a short period, the 360 Modena has a tendency to leak all of its oil sometimes in just a matter of weeks.
While I fully support driving your car regularly, you shouldn’t have to take it out every single month just to prevent it from breaking down.
3. Audi B5 S4
When properly set up, the S4 can be an absolute beast on both the track and the drag strip. The real issue, however, lies in the sheer amount of labor required to maintain it.
Even routine, everyday services often require the entire engine to be removed, making ownership a serious commitment. If you truly want this car, you need to be fully dedicated to the extensive upkeep it demands.
2. Audi B6 S4
With the release of the B6, Audi addressed the issue of requiring engine removal for many routine maintenance tasks.
However, they introduced a new problem by placing the timing chain at the back of the engine and using subpar guides to keep it aligned.
This design flaw has led to widespread cases of sudden, catastrophic engine failure, causing the car’s market value to plummet significantly.
1. Jaguar XJS V12
The XJS is a timelessly elegant car, but by 2020, most of them had completely deteriorated. The Jaguar XJ-S V12 (later known as the XJS) is a classic British grand tourer produced by Jaguar from 1975 to 1996.
It was designed as a successor to the legendary Jaguar E-Type but with a focus on luxury and high-speed cruising rather than outright sportiness.
From the moment they were released, these Jaguars were infamous for their unreliable electronics, and maintaining one today is an absolute nightmare.
Known for its smooth performance, the V12 was one of the most refined engines of its time, offering effortless power delivery.
Initially, the XJS came with a manual transmission, but most were equipped with 3-speed or 4-speed automatic gearboxes, with later models featuring a more efficient GM-sourced 4-speed automatic.
It’s no surprise that V12 models can often be found for under $5,000 a price that speaks volumes and serves as a clear warning to steer clear.
While it was initially overshadowed by the E-Type, the Jaguar XJS V12 has earned its place as a timeless classic, celebrated for its luxurious ride, powerful engine, and unmistakable styling.
