Classic cars are designed to be easy on the eye and thrilling to drive. However, they are notoriously hard to maintain, with their age and updated safety regulations making it a challenge to keep them legal. Here are 19 of the most challenging classic cars to maintain.
BMW 02 Series
The BMW 02 Series is one of the manufacturer’s most beautiful offerings, featuring the classic BMW front grille with a more sophisticated overall shape. It’s a shame that the car has so many issues, mainly related to its suspension, which needs regular maintenance.
Fiat 500
Fiat 500s are a staple of European city life and have been since they were first introduced in July 1957. Being small and compact, the manufacturers had to fit small, air-cooled engines into the 500s, which tend to overheat if used for too long and require fine-tuning. That’s not ideal!
DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean is one of the most beloved cars ever, much because of the Back to the Future movies of the 1980s. Unlike most classic cars, the DeLorean has gull-wing doors, which open vertically rather than horizontally, so as AutoTrader documents, such unique features will inevitably lead to outrageously expensive repairs.
Chevrolet Corvette (C3)
Chevrolet Corvettes are many people’s dream cars, with their streamlined curvature making them an instant eye-catcher. Unfortunately, they are very difficult to maintain, as they feature unique aspects such as an often faulty vacuum system that operates the headlights and window wipers.
Triumph Stag
The next hot pick is the Triumph Stag; when we say hot, we mean hot, as the car’s cooling system is traditionally terrible, often resulting in overheating issues. The car is also prone to rust, making it a nightmare to keep it looking at its best, defeating the point.
Fiat X1/9
Like its fellow Italian counterparts, Alfa Romeo, Fiat is known for producing stylish yet unreliable motors. The X1/9 model is no exception, with a repeatedly faulty engine and a tendency to rust. It doesn’t help that parts are in extremely short supply, although we must admit it looks beautiful!
Lotus Esprit
Lotus cars are complicated and sophisticated in design, which makes them difficult to maintain, especially the classic models. Lotus Esprit owners tend to be burdened with engine and transmission problems, not many of which can be resolved by generalist mechanics.
Maserati Biturbo
Maserati has always been associated with luxury, which the Biturbo offers in spades. However, it fails to deliver reliability, as the model’s V6 engine requires consistent maintenance to keep it running. Its old-time electronics also present drivers with constant nagging issues.
Ferrari Mondial
Ferrari described the Mondial as the first of their models with an all-around appeal, which helped it sell relatively well until manufacturing ceased in 1993. However, the car’s appeal isn’t nearly as widespread today, as its V8 engine seems constantly in need of repair.
Porsche 914
Like with many classic cars on this list, finding a mechanic with the expertise to work on a classic Porsche 914 won’t be easy, making maintenance a real issue. Things are made worse when you try to source the parts, which are rare and increasingly expensive year on year.
Aston Martin Lagonda
It’s unlikely that James Bond will be hopping into an Aston Martin Lagonda anytime soon if he wants to successfully chase a global supervillain. The car has become known for its frequent engine and suspension failures, as well as issues with its complex electrical system. Oh dear!
Saab 99
The Saab 99 survived 16 years of manufacturing, which was apparently not enough time for its frequent electrical, engine, and rust problems to come to light. Still, as Classic Cars Magazine suggests, the Saab 99 follows the typical Swedish motoring mantra of being a safe and easy car to drive… until it’s not.
BMW E24 6 Series
The BMW E24 6 Series looks exactly like a classic BMW: classy, stylish, and very German. However, it doesn’t perform with the efficiency that its home country’s cars are usually associated with, suffering from a wide array of mechanical problems.
Citroën SM
The Citroën SM is a French-branded car fitted with an Italian Maserati engine. This engine is vulnerable to constant breakdowns and timing belt issues, and the car’s hydraulic system is also known to be a frequent problem for drivers. There are so many more reliable options to choose from!
First Generation Ford Mustang
The first-generation Ford Mustang may be one of the most iconic motors in the United States, but it isn’t free from problems. The brakes aren’t overly reliable and will need constant servicing, while the car’s body is prone to rust. Any owner will tell you they’re exhausting to maintain!
Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS
Manufacturing of the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS lasted a decade between 1975 and 1985, becoming one of the most numerous and easily attainable Ferraris of all time, according to Hagerty. Thankfully, as it’s common, you won’t have to pay a great deal for a car notorious for engine problems.
Alfa Romeo Spider
The unfortunate reputation of modern Alfa Romeos is that they are infamously unreliable, so you can only imagine what it’s like to own a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider. They require regular maintenance to ensure all is in order, with the car’s electrical system notoriously shaky.
Jaguar E-Type
Last but not least, the classic Jaguar E-Type epitomizes the thrill of the ‘60s with its streamlined shape and growling engine. Unfortunately, spare parts for the car are hard to source, and when you do find them, you can expect to pay a fortune. The car also requires specialist skills to fix, making it an all-round nightmare to maintain.
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