I’m a Mechanic: 4 German Cars I Would Never Buy and Why

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Think German engineering means reliability? While you may be right when it comes to many areas of design, it’s not always the case. While German cars might look stunning in the dealership, some of them could leave you stranded — and break your budget.

While many German vehicles are the epitome of precision and performance, some models are costlier than you’d expect once you factor in gas, maintenance and unexpected repairs. GOBankingRates spoke with an automotive expert to uncover which German cars may be more trouble than they’re worth.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

• MSRP: $33,670 to $42,105

Love driving but hate headaches? Though German automotive engineering is synonymous with the Volkswagen brand, this might not be the car for you. 

“[This model] is known for being tough to handle on the road and in evasive maneuvers,” auto expert Chris Pyle from JustAnswer warned. Even worse? He said it’s “mentally tiring to drive on the interstate.” Add in “expensive repairs that come about too often” and “common engine and transaxle failures,” and you might want to golf elsewhere.

Porsche Cayenne GTS

• MSRP: $99,195 to $163,495

You want to be the cool parent in the carpool lane, but this SUV meets sports car might make you cry instead. Yes, it is a luxury car with high speed, an all-wheel drive system and anti-lock brakes, but is it worth it?

Like its VW cousin, Pyle noted that this Porsche model is notorious for engine and transmission troubles. “When it fails, the parts are ridiculously high in cost.” To make matters worse, he noted that you may have trouble finding the parts at all.

Mercedes-Benz CLC

• MSRP: $7,810 to $14,990 (model only produced from 2008 to 2011)

Nothing says “I’ve made it” like driving something from the German automaker Mercedes — until it leaves you stuck in the parking lot. 

According to Pyle, the Mercedes-Benz CLC “has some strange brake-related issues that come up for no reason and no warning,” and that’s in addition to “problems with the shifter getting stuck and unable to move.” The cherry on top? Pyle warned that often, the repairs needed can only be done at the dealership.

Audi RS6 Avant

• MSRP: $127,895 to $200,195

The newest versions of the Audi RS6 Avant will cost a pretty penny. If you see one of these beauties being sold at an affordable price, there’s probably a reason. (Hint: It’s not a good one.)

Pyle didn’t mince words when he said, “These can be found cheap, but that is because the previous owner is sick and tired of it. They spend more time in the shop than out driving. One thing after the other.”

He added, “It seems like the repairs never stop, like the car does not want to be a good one.”

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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