You want a sports car that thrills, not one that drains your time or wallet. This article helps you avoid models that look exciting on paper but often leave owners with expensive repairs, poor resale, or frustrating compromises. You’ll learn which cars to steer clear of and why they can become costly regrets.
Flip through the list to protect your budget and your driving enjoyment. Each entry highlights real-world pitfalls so you can decide which models deserve a spot in your garage — and which deserve a pass.
Maserati GranTurismo
If you crave Italian style and a Ferrari‑derived V8, the GranTurismo delivers striking looks and an addictive soundtrack.
You should know maintenance and running costs run high, and some model years report electrical and suspension complaints.
Fuel economy is poor compared with most luxury sports cars, so expect frequent fill‑ups and higher ownership costs.
If you want head‑turning design but need reliable, inexpensive daily use, this may not fit your needs.
Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 slips between VW and Porsche heritage, so you might find it less refined than other Porsches. Its mid-engine layout gives balanced handling, but many models felt underpowered and oddly priced for the era.
You should watch for corrosion, parts scarcity, and electrical quirks when shopping. Values and appreciation have risen, yet restoration costs can surprise your budget.
Chevrolet Camaro (third-gen)
You might be tempted by the third‑gen Camaro’s 1980s styling and available V8 power, but prepare for electrical gremlins and emissions‑era finicky electronics. Parts can be scarce or costly, and transmission issues are common enough to affect ownership costs.
If you value a reliable daily driver, this generation often demands frequent tinkering and patience. For a weekend project or Sunday cruiser you’ll enjoy the character, but expect repairs and restoration work.
Fiat Barchetta
You might admire the Barchetta’s classic Italian looks, but ownership brings compromises. The front-wheel‑drive layout and shared Punto underpinnings limit the driving dynamics you’d expect from a true sports car.
Expect common Fiat quirks: electrical gremlins and aging interior trim can frustrate you over time. Parts and specialist labor may add up if you plan to keep one as a weekend driver.
Dodge Neon SRT-4
You’ll appreciate the SRT-4’s turbocharged punch, but it comes with trade-offs that often frustrate owners. Reliability can be inconsistent, and maintenance costs climb if previous owners modified the engine.
Interior quality and refinement lag behind rivals, so long drives feel less comfortable. Parts are affordable, yet you’ll spend more time wrenching than relaxing if you buy a worn example.
Pontiac Fiero
You might be drawn to the Fiero’s mid‑engine styling and compact footprint.
Early models felt underpowered, with slow acceleration that frustrated drivers used to sharper sports cars.
You should know reliability was a real issue; wiring and engine problems led to high failure and recall rates.
Later updates improved performance, but the Fiero’s reputation for fires and uneven build quality stuck with it.
Cadillac Allanté
You’ll notice the Allanté’s Italian-styled body stands out, but that flair came with high production costs and reliability headaches. Early models suffered from electronics and build-quality issues that make maintenance more demanding than you’d expect.
If you like vintage luxury looks, the Allanté can appeal to collectors who are willing to invest time and money. Expect parts scarcity and the need for a knowledgeable mechanic when shopping for one.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive
You’ll appreciate the Electric Drive’s instant torque and 740+ hp figure on paper, but ownership brings high cost and limited support.
The car uses four inboard electric motors and a heavy battery pack that adds complexity and reduces usable range compared with conventional SLS models.
Service, parts, and repair expertise are rare, so you should expect expensive maintenance and potential difficulty finding qualified technicians.
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