Classic cars are often sold on nostalgia and looks, but the truth is that some are much harder to live with than others. While they may shine at car shows and draw admiring glances, the experience of owning them can be a financial and mechanical nightmare. As a mechanic, there are certain models that consistently stand out as cars to avoid—not because they lack charm, but because keeping them on the road can test patience, wallets, and even sanity. Here are eight classics that look tempting but come with major headaches.
Jaguar XJ6
The Jaguar XJ6 has always been a car that turns heads with its long sleek body and refined interior. It carries the aura of a true British luxury car. Unfortunately, once the hood is opened, mechanics know they are in for trouble. The inline six engine was smooth when it worked, but oil leaks, overheating, and constant electrical problems made it one of the most high maintenance cars of its era. Lucas electrics earned the nickname “the prince of darkness” for good reason, with lights and ignition systems failing regularly. Even today, restoration projects often stall not because of rust or bodywork but because of endless mechanical gremlins. Market values remain low compared to its German rivals, but most mechanics will warn potential buyers that the purchase price is only the beginning of the expenses.
Triumph Stag
The Triumph Stag is one of the best examples of how a car can look like a million dollars but drive like a money pit. Styled as a competitor to the Mercedes SL, it had a glamorous image and a unique 3.0 liter V8 engine. Unfortunately, that engine became notorious for overheating, warped cylinder heads, and repeated head gasket failures. The cooling system was poorly designed from the start, and even meticulous maintenance often could not prevent problems. Owners often resorted to swapping in different engines, sometimes even Rover V8s, just to keep them drivable. Today, mechanics consider the Stag a cautionary tale: it is an attractive car that hides deep rooted flaws that are expensive to fix, keeping prices modest compared to more dependable classics.
DeLorean DMC 12
The DeLorean DMC 12 will always be remembered for its stainless steel panels and gullwing doors, thanks in large part to its starring role in Back to the Future. But beyond its iconic looks, it is a car that is deeply flawed mechanically. The Peugeot Renault Volvo V6 under the rear deck struggles to produce much more than 130 horsepower, making the car painfully slow compared to its image. Parts availability has improved somewhat thanks to niche suppliers, but repairs remain expensive and complex due to the unusual construction. For mechanics, working on a DeLorean is frustrating because of its fragile components and awkward layout. Market prices today are inflated by nostalgia rather than performance or reliability, which makes it one of the most disappointing classics to actually own.
Maserati Biturbo
The Maserati Biturbo, introduced in the early 1980s, was supposed to bring Italian performance to a wider audience. Instead, it became one of the most infamous cars to own or repair. Its twin turbocharged V6 looked good on paper but was plagued with reliability issues, and poor build quality across the board made these cars incredibly fragile. Electrical problems, interior components falling apart, and turbochargers that failed prematurely gave it a terrible reputation. Even Maserati fans admit the Biturbo is best avoided, and mechanics often refuse to take them on because parts are scarce and repairs never seem to end. In the collector market today, Biturbos remain cheap, but that low price is deceptive. The true cost comes in the constant upkeep that keeps them off the road more than on it.
Fiat X1/9
The Fiat X1/9 is a striking little mid engine car designed by Bertone, with the looks of a scaled down Italian exotic. It was nimble and fun to drive, but owning one long term was often a disappointment. Rust attacked the body quickly, particularly in damp climates, and electrical systems were unreliable. The small engines weren’t particularly powerful, and the transmissions often suffered from weakness. Mechanics frequently see them as cars that require constant attention, more like a hobby than a dependable vehicle. Survivors today are rare, and while they are cheap to buy, most require extensive restoration. Collectors may find the X1/9 appealing for its style, but mechanics know it as a car that was charming but deeply flawed in execution.
Cadillac V8 6 4
In the early 1980s, Cadillac attempted to push technology forward with its V8 6 4 engine, which could deactivate cylinders to save fuel. Unfortunately, the technology was far ahead of the electronic systems of the time. Owners found that the system often failed to switch cylinders correctly, leaving the engine running poorly or cutting out unexpectedly. For mechanics, diagnosing and repairing these early cylinder deactivation systems was nearly impossible, and most owners eventually had the engines converted to run as full time V8s. The idea was ahead of its time, but the execution was disastrous. Collectors today generally avoid the V8 6 4 Cadillacs because even when restored, the system is unreliable, and the cars do not carry strong market values.
Renault Le Car
The Renault Le Car was introduced as a cheap and cheerful import, but it quickly earned a reputation as fragile and unreliable. Its small four cylinder engines were underpowered, rust was rampant, and electrical faults were common. Parts were difficult to source in North America even when the cars were new, and today they are almost impossible to find. Mechanics dreaded working on them because they broke frequently and never seemed to stay fixed. While some enthusiasts appreciate the Le Car as a quirky European oddball, most agree it is one of the least rewarding classics to own in the United States or Canada. Its market value reflects this, as even pristine examples rarely fetch more than a few thousand dollars.
Austin Healey Sprite
The Austin Healey Sprite, known affectionately as the “Bugeye,” is adorable to look at, but it is also one of the most frustrating British classics to maintain. Its tiny engine and simple mechanics might sound easy, but the truth is they required constant fiddling to stay running properly. The electrics were notoriously unreliable, and rust attacked the thin bodywork quickly. Mechanics often describe the Sprite as a car that teaches you how to wrench because you’ll be working on it more often than driving it. Collectors love the cuteness, but unless you are committed to regular maintenance and have a soft spot for old British engineering, it is a car better admired than owned.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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