One of the reasons people buy used cars is the desire to own a functional car at half the price. But what happens when the used car becomes too burdensome to maintain? Buying a used car may seem cheaper, but pre-owned cars come with lots of hidden costs that vary greatly from model to model. These range from basic repair and maintenance costs to insurance and resale value.
And the risk of high maintenance and repair costs tends to rise with the value of the car. In the following list, we'll provide you with 10 seemingly-great performance bargains packing a V8 under the hood that will likely leave you stranded on the side of the road, or else completely drain your wallet with repair costs.
8 2018 Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar is well known for its stunning sports cars. The company has a rich background of uncompromising quality and luxury but, this is not necessarily the case with the 2018 F-type. Yes, sure it has a quality interior, handles really well, and has a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque; but, the F-type falls short in some areas.
For example, it has a frustrating infotainment system that freezes and lags while in navigation mode. Another common problem is the car's fragile electronic differentials that tend to leak and fail. Air conditioning is also a major issue with the 2018 F-Type. Because of its low reliability rating, the 2018 F-type ranks near the bottom of the luxury sports car class.
7 2017 Chevrolet Camaro
There's no denying that the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro is a fun sports car to drive. It is lighter, slimmer, and more powerful than its predecessor. It can achieve a top speed of 205 mph. This sixth-generation sports car offers decent headroom, and has a contemporary dashboard design. However, that doesn't mean that it makes it the best option in the used car market. Firstly, excessive use of plastic on the interior, outdated design, and countless complaints make this car less luxurious and make several car enthusiasts question its price.
Secondly, the car's limited outward visibility means that it has a larger blind spot than similar sports cars and would require a blind spot monitor to get around which costs close to $300 to add on. Plus, pre-owned Camaros usually have a lot of mechanical problems which makes this car costly to maintain.
6 2007 Audi R8 V8 Coupe
Audi has clearly made a name for itself in the automobile industry as a high-performance car manufacturer. The R8 is one of the cars that the brand has become very well known for. Yet this doesn't mean that all R8 model years are held in high regard.
The 2007 Audi R8 V8 coupe was Audi's first mid-engine supercar with a top speed of 185 mph. Although $29,000 may seem like a good price to pay for a used great high-performance car that was once over $100,000, this car has its fair share of issues. There are often complaints of failing transmission and suspension problems.
5 2018 Maserati GranTurismo
The 2018 GrandTurismo features classic Italian styling, an up-to-date multimedia system, and comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger. It is sporty, loud, and more reliable than other Maserati models but that doesn't mean it isn't faultless. When compared to its competitors, it doesn't fare well.
Firstly, this car consumes a lot of fuel and repairing any damages can be costly. Its rarity also means that spare parts are difficult to source and expensive to purchase especially without any warranty or insurance. Used 2018 GrandTurismos also break down often which can be a very big inconvenience for the driver.
4 2015 Ford Mustang
The Mustang is arguably Ford's most popular and successful nameplate yet. With agile handling, a beautiful interior, and a range of powerful engine choices, this car has a good reputation. The ride it provides is a smooth one, even on rough pavements. Sixth-generation mustangs like the 2015 model have a more aggressive look compared to earlier models, along with punchy engines that can produce up to 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
However, the 2015 Mustang has its fair share of drawbacks too. It has cramped rear seats that are ideal for young children but not for adults and its infotainment system is complicated to use. On the used market, these issues simply multiply. Used Mustangs often have engines that stall mid-drive and even fail to start. Some used 2015 Mustang owners have even reported their mirrors getting stuck and their car batteries dying unexpectedly.
3 2006 Dodge Charger R/T
To continue its muscle car heritage, Dodge released the first-generation LX platform Dodge Charger in 2006. The full-sized four-door sedan boasted aggressive looks and performance that was impressive at the time of its inception. It still does.
Yes, sure this car still looks amazing and has a powerful V8 engine under its hood but, it faces a lot of issues. Failing power windows, poor wheel suspension, and brake problems are good examples.
2 2014 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a true American car with a high-revving engine and mean exterior to match its reputation as a beast on the road. For the 2014 model year, Dodge gave the Challenger a new look, but retained the Challenger's signature headlights. All trim levels came with performance-tuned suspension. However, it had a relatively low-performance rating compared to its rivals, to begin with.
Many competitors in its class, such as the 2014 Camaro, offer more engaging handling. Second-hand buyers often complain about the car's gear selection failure and electrical problems, which can be frustrating to drivers. Oil leakages are also common with used 2014 Dodge Challengers.
1 2017 Jaguar XE
The Jaguar XE is a highly competent sports sedan and is, without a doubt, one of the best cars to own. It has a stylish exterior, an above-average interior, and provides a smooth ride. A used 2017 model isn't necessarily the worst car one could buy used, however, if the one being bought has been poorly maintained, there are bound to be problems.
For example, there are a lot of complaints about the car failing to start or the engine stalling. In addition to that, these cars are quite costly to keep in tip-top shape. The cost of repairs, insurance, fuel, and maintenance averages at $5,000 per annum.