Not every cool car is a great idea. Some are money pits wearing a good outfit—tempting you with their styling, street cred, or nostalgic pull, only to reward you with a tow bill and a headache. Over the past couple of decades, prices for many of these “cool” cars have shot up, driven by collectors and internet hype.
But here’s the thing: just because a car looks great in a garage or earns likes on social media doesn’t mean it’s fun—or smart—to own. These are the cars that seem great on paper… right up until your wrench hand cramps and your savings account disappears.
E60 BMW M5
A V10 in a BMW sedan sounds like the kind of thing dreams are made of. And for about five minutes, it is. But the E60 M5 is infamous for its mechanical issues—starting with rod bearings that wear out like clockwork, and a gearbox that likes to throw tantrums.
Even well-maintained examples come with high-risk ownership. Between coolant leaks, VANOS failures, and electronics that never quite cooperate, this is a car best left to those who can wrench—or those who enjoy writing large checks to specialists.
Ferrari F355
The F355 is gorgeous and sounds incredible when it’s running right—which, unfortunately, isn’t often. Weak valve guides, fragile exhaust headers, and eye-watering service costs turn what looks like a dream into a logistical nightmare.
A simple belt service can cost thousands, and that’s before the real issues show up. Sure, it’s better than the 348 it replaced, but that doesn’t mean it’s a safe bet. If you’re not financially prepared to treat it like a vintage race car, it’s probably best admired from a distance.
Mazda RX-8
Lightweight and nimble, the Mazda RX-8 has all the right ingredients—until you look under the hood. The rotary engine is fun in theory but unreliable in reality. Apex seals fail, compression drops, and rebuilds become a regular event.
If that wasn’t enough, the car guzzles oil and premium fuel, even when healthy. While prices are low, there’s a reason they’ve stayed there. Unless you’re prepared for frequent maintenance—or want to learn how to rebuild a rotary—there are better options.
Maserati GranTurismo
There’s no arguing with the way the GranTurismo looks or sounds. The Ferrari-sourced V8 is a highlight, and the styling still holds up. But owning one means dealing with electronics that often misbehave and maintenance bills that arrive like clockwork.
Fuel lines that corrode and leak are common, and interior quirks don’t help. While prices have come down on the used market, so have expectations. If you’re planning to daily drive it, you might want a second car… and a third credit card.
Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is off-road royalty, with unmatched aftermarket support and go-anywhere capability. Unfortunately, it’s also a bit of a disaster on pavement. Comfort takes a back seat to durability, and build quality can be all over the map.
Then there’s the infamous death wobble, often caused by front suspension issues. CarEdge says you’ve got a 31% chance of a major repair in the first decade of ownership. It might be a legend on the trail, but it’s no picnic around town.
Pontiac Solstice
The Pontiac Solstice looks like it should be a serious player, especially in GXP trim. But underneath, it’s a reminder of GM cost-cutting. The base model is underpowered, and reliability was spotty from the start.
Interior materials feel cheap, visibility is poor, and trunk space is barely usable. It looks the part of a fun roadster, but in reality, it’s more frustrating than fun. For similar money, you could be in a Miata—and you wouldn’t need a tool roll in the glovebox.
Lamborghini Countach
Few cars have a visual presence like the Countach, but driving one is more like a punishment than a pleasure. The cabin is cramped, the clutch is heavy, and visibility is almost nonexistent. Reversing one requires either a miracle or an open door and a long neck.
Then there’s the cost—just getting one serviced can feel like financing a small condo. It might’ve ruled the bedroom poster wars, but in the real world, it’s best left parked at a museum or auction house.
Saturn Sky
The Saturn Sky had the right idea: affordable, rear-drive fun with great looks. But while the design turned heads, the driving experience didn’t hold up. It borrowed a lot from GM’s parts bin, and it shows.
Electrical gremlins, interior rattles, and questionable build quality all add up. The Sky is fine in small doses, but long-term ownership often means chasing down minor issues that eventually add up to one big headache.
DeLorean DMC-12
There’s nothing else quite like the DeLorean DMC-12. Its stainless steel panels and gullwing doors are straight out of a sci-fi movie. But once the novelty fades, you’re left with a car that’s underpowered, overhyped, and constantly begging for attention.
The PRV V6 engine makes just 130 horsepower, and parts availability can be a problem. With clean examples now commanding prices around $60,000, you’re paying big money for style over substance.
Maserati Shamal
The Shamal is rare, fast, and visually dramatic. But beneath its sharp styling is a platform that traces back to the Biturbo—and it didn’t leave its problems behind. Electrical failures, oil leaks, and flaky electronics are part of the deal.
Maserati did improve build quality by the time the Shamal hit showrooms, but not enough to justify current prices unless you’re very mechanically inclined—or just want to stare at it in a garage.
Mini Cooper (R50/R56)
Early BMW-era Mini Coopers are undeniably fun to drive, but ownership can feel like playing reliability roulette. The R50’s gearbox was a known weak point, and the R56 followed it up with timing chain issues and persistent oil leaks.
They’re charming, sure, but most are aging poorly. Even simple maintenance can turn into an ordeal thanks to tight engine bays and inconsistent build quality. They’re cool cars—just not ones you want to depend on.
Aston Martin DB7
The DB7 makes all the right first impressions. Gorgeous body, luxury badge, and a surprisingly reasonable price for a used Aston. But underneath, it’s a mixed bag of Ford parts and fragile electrics held together with hope.
Expect issues with power steering, water ingress, and various sensors. Repairs aren’t just expensive—they’re Aston expensive. It’s a fine car to rent for a weekend, but unless you’re already on a first-name basis with a British car specialist, it’s better left as a fantasy.
E90 BMW 335i
The E90 335i offers great value on paper: sharp handling, a handsome design, and a twin-turbo inline-six that responds beautifully to tuning. But its low entry price has also made it a magnet for owners who mod first and maintain later—if at all.
Failing turbos, water pump issues, and overheating problems are common, especially on neglected examples. If you’re buying used, assume you’ll have to fix something. If you can’t do the work yourself, budget for repairs—or walk away.
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*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
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