These 9 Sports Cars Break Down Quicker Than the Average Vehicle
You don’t have to be part of “The Fast & Furious” franchise to enjoy a sports car. Many of them are fun, flashy vehicles that are great to take out on the weekends and always turn a head or two when they are driving down the road. Unfortunately, sports cars can hit the fritz fairly frequently, often costing expensive repairs that are not budget-friendly or ones that come sooner than non-sports cars.
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“The common thread among these vehicles is the high complexity of their engineering, which, while enhancing performance, can also lead to greater fragility,” said Joe Giranda, the director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic.
“High-performance engines and sophisticated electronics are more prone to issues and require more frequent upkeep,” he said. “Moreover, the use of exotic materials and specialized parts can drive up repair costs and contribute to the cars’ shorter lifespan compared to more pedestrian vehicles.”
Owning and fixing up a luxury vehicle is not cheap, so you want to make sure that if you are in the market for a sports car that you avoid a few. Here are the nine sports cars that break down quicker than the average model.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
This model from Alfa Romeo, while having an outstanding reputation for performance and expert Italian design, does not have the same standing when it comes to reliability.
“Owners have reported issues such as erratic electronic systems to premature wear and tear on engine components,” Giranda said. “Its high-strung twin-turbo V6 engine delivers outstanding performance, but it demands meticulous maintenance and can lead to costly repairs.”
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Lotus Elise
With outstanding handling and construction that’s known to be lightweight for speed and acceleration, the Lotus Elise is what you think of when the term “sports car” comes to mind.
Sadly, Carl Rodrigeuz, founder and owner of NX Auto Transport, said that “this focus on performance comes at the expense of creature comforts and durability.”
“The Elise’s minimalist design means it lacks many of the features found in more mainstream sports cars and its advanced composite body panels can be costly to repair,” Rodriguez said.
Jaguar F-Type
Giranda explained how Jaguar F-Type buyers can choose from a “vigorous V6 to a powerful V8 engine” that adds to the sport’s cars “potent mix of performance and luxury.”
On the other hand, Giranda pointed out that the F-Type “…has been criticized for its electrical issues and less-than-stellar build quality. These factors can lead to frequent repairs, particularly with the vehicle’s infotainment system and powertrain problems.”
TVR Sagaris
“TVR’s unique approach to building cars, including the extensive use of fiberglass for the bodywork, has led to concerns about durability and long-term reliability,” Rodriguez said.
“The Sagaris also has a reputation for being challenging to maintain, with limited access to parts and specialized knowledge required for repairs,” he said.
So while this British sports car charms you with a bold design and performance driven by super power, it ultimately comes up short in terms of longevity.
Maserati GranTurismo
A classic design? Check. That one of a kind V8 sound? Double check. So what are the GranTurismo’s shortcomings? Technology and reliability, according to Giranda.
“The car features an older infotainment system that lacks modern functionalities and the build quality doesn’t always justify its price tag,” Giranda said, going on to describe that “[m]aintenance is not only frequent but also expensive, impacting its long-term durability.”
Noble M600
Rodriguez called the Noble M600 “a rare and exotic sports car” because of its credibility for “raw performance and race car-like driving experience.”
Unfortunately, the high-performance V8 engine and lightweight construction only add to the frequency of breakdowns and the regular, not to mention pricey, trips to the mechanic.
“The M600’s limited production numbers and bespoke nature also mean that finding replacement parts can be challenging and expensive,” Rodriguez said.
Aston Martin Vantage
For Giranda, the Aston Martin Vantage “is a true beauty, offering bespoke customization and an engaging driving experience.”
Unfortunately, there are also some bugs to the Vantage. Or in Giranda’s words “electronic gremlins,” show up as build quality inconsistencies from time to time.
“These issues can detract from its overall reliability and result in higher-than-expected maintenance efforts,” Giranda said.
BMW M3
“Renowned for its dynamic driving characteristics and advanced technology, the M3 is a favorite among driving enthusiasts,” Giranda said.
Nonetheless, Giranda explained how the “…complex and high-performance nature means it’s susceptible to rapid wear of components like brakes and tires and potential electronic malfunctions. Regular and intensive maintenance is crucial to keep it running smoothly.”
BMW i8
Another BMW that feels like it should be more reliable than it actually is, the i8 model is lacking in terms of being a car that will last a long time and that will not frequently be needing a fix up at a wallet-busting cost to the owner.
“The BMW i8 is a sports car not worth buying,” said Ben Michael, director of auto at Michael & Associates, who noted that the i8 actually was discontinued by BMW because of the mounting number of problems it gained a reputation for.
“While other BMW vehicles are pretty great in terms of durability and reliability, they missed the mark with the i8,” Michael explained. “So, if you see a used one for sale, know that it’s probably not worth the price.”
Any time you purchase a vehicle — whether that be a sports car or not — it’s vital to do as much research as you can, try several models out and do not get in over your head when it comes to the financing of what could turn out to be a lemon.
“For potential owners, it’s important to weigh the thrill of driving one of these sports cars against the practical considerations of higher maintenance and repair costs,” Giranda said.
“When considering sports cars, enthusiasts often seek models that deliver exhilarating speed and cutting-edge aesthetics. However, some of these vehicles might not be as reliable over the long term compared to others,” he said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These 9 Sports Cars Break Down Quicker Than the Average Vehicle
