If you value handling, speed, acceleration, and direction wherever you go, look no further than a sports car. Whether you’re after a brand new 2024 model or a classic model you’ve loved for years, add horsepower, cornering, maneuverability, and style to your savings account. There’s no shortage of automakers willing to trade for the lion’s share.
But before you drive home an expensive, high-performance bundle that will leave you with buyer’s remorse, be sure to find out which models to avoid.
GOBankingRates spoke to auto industry insiders who found that the following sports cars are either too expensive, unreliable, lack features, or have comparable competitors that offer more for less. We are warning you not to purchase it because it exists.
Maserati GranTurismo
Nearly every car expert surveyed by GOBankingRates has the same $174,000 car at the top of their list of sports cars to avoid.
Among them was consumer advocate Erin Kemp. bumper.
“The Maserati GranTurismo is a car that consumers should think twice about before purchasing,” she said. “The GranTurismo attracts the attention of many drivers due to its stylish design and attractive performance profile, but owners often have issues with its reliability.
“Many problems have been reported related to the engine and electrical system. If it breaks down, repairs are also expensive. Cars like this are not designed to cover a lot of miles, so If you use it for daily driving, it can cause expensive problems.”
Lotus Evora
No one is saying that the Lotus Evora, which was produced for more than 10 years until 2021, isn’t a special machine. In fact, The Drive called it a “perfectly imperfect sports car” in its tribute to the Bon Voyage in its final year of production.
However, with a starting price of $100,000, it would be nice to have fewer imperfections.
“While the Evora boasts a vivid driving experience, it has long been criticized for reliability issues,” said Joe Giranda, the company’s director of sales and marketing. CFR Classicspecializes in international car transportation and relocation. “Additionally, its interior lacks the refinement and comfort features found in other sports cars in its price range.”
jaguar f type
Jaguar has long been synonymous with power, performance and style, but the British luxury brand has also developed a reputation for being prone to breakdowns. Earned or not, that reputation has carried over into his F-Type.
“The Jaguar F-Type is a beautiful car with a strong engine lineup, but it has been criticized for its reliability,” said founder Frank de Mulder, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry. classic car maintenance. “Some owners have reported problems with electronics and powertrains, and repairs that are not covered by warranty can be costly.”
With a starting price of $78,000, drivers won’t have to make frequent trips to the store. Additionally, several rivals have more compelling arguments.
“A Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette may offer similar performance with a better reliability track record,” de Mulder said.
Alfa Romeo 4C
Alfa Romeo discontinued the 4C in 2020. And while it’s still a popular sports car with a huge following, De Mulder thinks it can do better.
“Although the Alfa Romeo 4C is a pure driver’s car, it makes significant sacrifices in terms of comfort and convenience,” he said. “There’s no power steering and the cabin is very sparse. It’s great fun on the track, but if you’re looking for an all-around fun sports car, the Porsche Cayman offers thrilling performance without sacrificing comfort. You might like it.”
bmw i8
Like the Alfa Romeo 4C, 2020 is the final production year for the BMW i8, and similarly, De Mulder believes some competitors have a more convincing case.
“The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid that offers a glimpse of the future with its futuristic design,” said de Mulder. “However, its performance doesn’t quite live up to its supercar appearance. Given the price, there are several other options that offer better performance and a more engaging driving experience, such as the Acura NSX. there is.”
Nissan GT-R
With 565 horsepower, the Nissan GT-R has plenty of power to match its MSRP of $120,990. But at least one industry veteran thinks the lineup is outdated.
“The Nissan GT-R was once a great challenge to modern supercars, but now it feels like one of the most banal sports cars on the road,” says the automotive expert who founded the Nissan GT-R. said Steve May. license plate 4 you After working in the automotive industry for 25 years. “Since Nissan stopped updating his R35 GT-R, I think that evolution has carried over into the aftermarket scene.”
Car and Driver magazine backs that up with its summation: “The R35 generation dates back to 2009, and the interior lacks sophistication and looks rough and crude by today’s standards.”
“If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, you might consider some Porsche models, or you might just give in to your whims and go for a Corvette,” May said.
Porsche Carrera GT
Like just about every car enthusiast, May appreciates the Porsche Carrera GT’s power, beauty, and performance, but doesn’t think the safety features are enough to disqualify it from the shortlist.
“In my many years of experience in the automotive industry, the Porsche Carrera GT stands out as one of the brand’s riskiest cars,” he said. “The 5.7-liter engine is incredibly powerful, but driving this car feels raw, especially with the powerful V10 engine. The Carrera GT also features important safety features such as traction control and ABS Due to the lack of features, it may not be the best choice for beginners. With so few margins of error, even experienced drivers will find this car challenging.”
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