I’m a Mechanic: 5 Sports Cars I Would Never Buy
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Speed thrills, but it can also cost you. Many drivers dream of owning a sports car, especially if they’ve got cash to burn and a need for speed. But not so fast — see what we did there?
Before you invest in a flashy coupe or muscle car, it’s worth asking: are you really getting your money’s worth? GOBankingRates spoke with Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, to uncover which sports cars aren’t worth the price — and why some fast rides might leave you with buyer’s remorse instead of adrenaline.
Nissan Z
- MSRP: $44,110 to $66,890
About the Nissan Z, Chris Pyle remarked, “All that power but wimpy brakes to stop it.” As he explained it, its ABS system has serious issues, “often leading to the ABS thinking you are losing control and derating the engine performance.”
Plus, he said the car requires pricey 93 octane fuel. Performance cars are notorious for costing you a premium at the pump.
Audi R8
- MSRP: $161,395 to $253,290
Audis are sleek and gorgeous — but this particular version might also be a money pit. “Cars are not investments, but this one is crazy, losing 50% of the value in the four-to-five-year range,” Pyle said. He pointed out that even basic maintenance is quite expensive and that’s before factoring in “expensive loan, insurance and repair costs.”
It’s rumored that the Audi R8 will make a comeback in 2027 (its last new design release was in 2023), but the price tag is projected to be $210,000 to $225,000, which is pretty spicy no matter what your standards are.
Jaguar F-Type
- MSRP: $79,175 to $116,275
There’s no denying that the Jaguar F-Type is a beautiful car, but it might also empty your bank account. According to Pyle, “[It] marks every box for what you want and like from the car.” But, once the warranty expires, he added that “you will be at the dealership often for engine electrical issues.”
Toyota Supra
- MSRP: $57,445 to $60,595
Fast and Furious fans, listen up. Pyle advised staying away from the four-cylinder version of the Toyota GR Supra. “The six-cylinder is awesome,” he said, comparing the two. The real problem? “Some of the parts under the hood are not made by Toyota; they are BMW, which makes it hard to acquire them in a timely fashion,” he explained.
Chevy Camaro
- MSRP: $32,495 to $54,895
Many of us want a slice of Americana — and what’s more American than a Chevy Camaro? Probably the huge bills that will come along with owning it. “It has reached the end of life. So, parts will become scarce,” Pyle said. He wasn’t impressed with recent models either. “The quality is really cheap inside and out,” he added. As for future value? “[It] will only collect people offering you far less than what you think it is worth,” he said.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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