Rev up your engines! Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that can save you thousands of dollars and endless frustration—5 used sports cars you should never buy. Buying a used sports car can seem like a great idea, but it’s one of the toughest things to do right. Why? Well, sports cars are built for performance, which often means they’ve been driven hard, and over time, that wear and tear can really start to show. In this article, I’ll break down five specific models that you should avoid like the plague if you’re thinking of buying used.
But before we dive in, let’s lay out the two major pitfalls of buying any used sports car:
- Aggressive Driving: Most sports cars have been driven to their limits, meaning they could have serious underlying problems.
- Depreciation: Many sports cars lose their value quickly, making them seem like a bargain—but their low resale value often hides the expensive repairs and upkeep that come with them.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s get into the five used sports cars you should never buy.
1. Mercedes SL600: A Tempting, But Costly Mistake
The Mercedes SL600 is one of those cars that might seem like a steal when you see it listed at a fraction of its original price. After all, who wouldn’t want a V12 luxury sports car that originally sold for over $100,000, now available for $15,000 or even $8,000?
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Well, as with most things in life, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The SL600 is notorious for being a money pit. Yes, it’s a Mercedes, and yes, it has a V12 engine, but the upkeep costs are astronomical. The parts are expensive, and the repairs often require specialized labor. One of my customers bought one as a weekend car and barely drove it—he knew he’d be putting tons of money into it if he did. If you want a Mercedes to show off in your driveway, go for it. But if you’re planning to actually drive the car, prepare to spend a small fortune.
2. Pontiac Solstice: Fun to Drive, but Prone to Falling Apart
The Pontiac Solstice is another example of a sports car that looks great on the outside but hides some serious problems under the hood. While it’s a fun car to drive and has a cool, sporty design, the Solstice is known for falling apart as it ages.
Even if you find one with low miles, you’re still going to deal with GM’s notorious reliability issues. I’ve had customers who bought Solstices as weekend toys, and even though they didn’t put many miles on them, the cars still started to break down. The Solstice is more of a lawn ornament—something to look at, but not something you can rely on to give you years of trouble-free driving.
3. Porsche 911 (M96 Engine): The High-Cost Heartbreaker
I know, I know—the Porsche 911 is iconic. But here’s the deal: if you’re thinking about buying one used, especially a model with the M96 engine, you need to be ready for some seriously expensive repairs. The M96 engine had significant internal issues, leading to engine failures in many cases. And when it comes to replacing a Porsche engine, you’d better have deep pockets.
One of my customers bought a used 911 and was initially thrilled with the “great deal” he got. But after a few years of ownership, the repair costs piled up, and he realized he had spent more on maintenance than the car was even worth. Porsche parts are expensive, and the labor to fix them isn’t cheap either. So, unless you’ve got the money to keep up with the high cost of ownership, steer clear of used Porsches.
4. Dodge Challenger (2013-2014): A Muscle Car with Weak Reliability
The Dodge Challenger, especially the 2013-2014 models, is another used sports car that you should avoid. Yes, these cars pack a lot of horsepower, and the V8 engines are fun to drive, but the problem is in their reliability. Consumer Reports didn’t even finish their reliability test on these models because they had so many issues.
Challengers are often driven hard—burnouts, drag races, and general abuse are common for these muscle cars. If you buy one used, you’re taking a huge gamble. Even if the car seems fine initially, chances are it’s already been through the wringer, and expensive repairs are on the horizon. If you love Challengers, your best bet is to lease one new, so you know exactly what you’re getting into and aren’t stuck with a lemon after a few years of ownership.
5. Audi S5: A Beautiful Nightmare
The Audi S5 is yet another German car that looks like a great deal on the used market but quickly turns into a nightmare once you own it. A new Audi S5 might have set you back around $54,000, but after just a few years, you can find them for $20,000. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast.
The problem with Audis, especially the S5, is that they become money pits as they age. Parts are expensive, and unlike Toyota or Honda, it’s hard to find affordable aftermarket parts for Audi vehicles. One of my customers needed a simple fuel pressure regulator, and instead of a reasonably priced part, the dealership told him he had to buy an entire assembly for nearly $1,000! He quickly realized he was in over his head and sold the car, losing only a few thousand dollars. But that’s a cheap lesson compared to the long-term costs of owning a used Audi.
Final Thoughts: Avoid the Temptation of Cheap Used Sports Cars
So, there you have it—5 used sports cars you should never buy. While these cars might look like great deals on the surface, the hidden costs can quickly turn your dream car into a financial nightmare. If you’re serious about buying a used sports car, make sure to have a trusted mechanic check it out before you sign on the dotted line. And remember, sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you a lot in the long run.
Buying a used sports car is all about finding the right balance between fun and practicality. Hopefully, this list helps you avoid the worst money pits out there, so you can enjoy your ride without breaking the bank.
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