7 Italian Cars To Stay Away From Buying
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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Italy has always been romanticized for its food, culture, history, sites and craftsmanship. Lots of automotive enthusiasts praise Italian-made vehicles for their sleek designs and powerful performance.
But just because a car was made in Italy does not mean that it’s the best you can get from the country. Italian journalist and car enthusiast Alessandro Ferrari once said, “While Italian cars are known for their style and passion, some models suffer from reliability and maintenance problems.”
Here are seven Italian-made cars to avoid buying, as well as each vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Lancia Delta
- MSRP: $10,000
Jon Lin, a seasoned mechanic and owner of JB Motor Works, said that the Lancia Delta is a “hatchback [that] was an attempt to revive the iconic Delta name, but it fell short.”
“This hatchback may have its charms, but it’s notorious for electrical faults and inconsistent build quality, making it a less-than-ideal choice for long-term ownership,” added Shawn Miller, an automotive blogger at Modified Rides.
Miller continued, saying, “Poor build quality, underpowered engines and a lack of refinement make it a car to avoid. Used models can be found for under $10,000, but they’re not worth the trouble.”
Lancia Ypsilon
- MSRP: $15,000
According to Joe Giranda, the director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic, the Lancia Ypsilon is exclusive to the Italian car market, and though it might appeal to local consumers, “its appeal is limited internationally.”
Geoff Cudd, consumer advocate and owner of Find The Best Car Price, highlighted that the Lancia Ypsilon, “while offering unique styling and a distinct driving experience, typically incur high ownership costs over time due to expensive parts and specialized service needs.”
Giranda added, “The car offers minimal technological updates and moderate performance, which does not justify its price for most non-Italian consumers. Its narrow interior and limited driver-assistance features make it less competitive globally.”
Fiat 500L
- MSRP: $25,000
Despite its attractive entry point in the Fiat lineup, Giranda said the 500L struggles with a reputation for reliability issues.
“This compact MPV may look cute, but it’s plagued with reliability issues,” agreed Lin, describing the problems most frequently reported on the Fiat 500L, including faulty transmissions, electrical gremlins and poor build quality.
“The build quality has been a common complaint among owners, and it has historically ranked low in consumer satisfaction surveys,” continued Giranda. “Its resale value tends to depreciate more quickly than its competitors, making it a less attractive investment for the long term.”
Fiat Punto
- MSRP: $27,000
The Fiat Punto was once a popular choice, but as newer and more advanced models have entered the market, the Punto has not kept pace.
“It was discontinued in many markets due to declining sales, poor crash test results and a lack of innovation in safety features,” Giranda explained, cautioning that “for those looking for modern safety and technology, the Punto falls short.”
Alfa Romeo Giulia
- MSRP: $41,000
The Alfa Romeo Giulia has been plagued by reliability issues that can turn ownership into a frustrating experience, according to Carl Rodrigeuz, the founder and owner of NX Auto Transport.
“From electrical problems to mechanical failures, owners have reported various issues that detract from the overall ownership experience,” Rodrigeuz explained. “Additionally, the Giulia’s resale value tends to be lower compared to its German rivals, further diminishing its appeal in the long run.”
“It has been criticized for its cramped interior and less-than-impressive fuel economy, which doesn’t align with its premium price tag,” said Giranda. “Additionally, its infotainment system and connectivity features feel outdated compared to its contemporaries.
Rodriguez cautioned, “potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs and reliability concerns associated with owning an Alfa Romeo.”
Maserati Ghibli
- MSRP: $77,500
Many car experts find that the Maserati Ghibli presents a paradox: it carries the prestigious Maserati badge but hasn’t lived up to the brand’s luxury performance standards in some respects.
This Italian made vehicle falls short in terms of reliability and overall value in Rodriguez’s opinion.
“Owners have reported frequent visits to the service center for various issues, ranging from minor annoyances to major mechanical problems,” said Rodriguez.
He pointed out that “the high maintenance costs and depreciation further add to the reasons why the Ghibli may not be the best choice for buyers looking for a trouble-free ownership experience.”
Giranda added, “Critics point out that despite its high price, the interior materials and technology do not match those found in comparably priced luxury vehicles. The Ghibli also suffers from higher-than-average depreciation rates, affecting its overall value as an investment.”
Rodriguez suggested, “buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before committing to a Ghibli, as its charm may be overshadowed by its maintenance costs and reliability concerns.”
Lamborghini Espada
- MSRP: $200,000
“Lamborghinis are such a high-luxury status that they cross over into the threshold of not only being expensive to buy, but also expensive to maintain,” said Ben Michael, the director of auto at Michael & Associates.
Lin said, “A classic Lamborghini may seem like a dream come true, but the Espada can be a nightmare to own.”
That’s due to the fact that, according to Lin, “parts are scarce, maintenance is expensive and the complex V12 engine requires constant attention.”
“It can be difficult to find a dealership or shop who can repair these cars when needed,” noted Michael, “and if you need any parts replaced, you may have to wait a while for them to be shipped to your location.”
Lamborghinis also often require specific fluids and tools that many mechanics in the states don’t regularly have available to them.
As with any car purchase you might be considering, it’s important to do your homework, test drive a few options and ultimately not be swayed by one opinion or review.
“It’s also worth noting that the market for such cars is very niche, which affects resale value negatively,” Cudd said of all of the Italian cars on this list.
“Potential buyers should be wary of these factors when considering Italian cars that might seem appealing at first glance but could lead to financial strain in the long run.”
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