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Sports cars exist to bridge the gap between affordability, drivability and usability, and look to merge funky looks with ample performance. It’s essentially taking a regular car and making it more enjoyable for when the mood takes you there.
But while this category of car is heavily praised – and rightfully so – there are a few blunders that have happened over the years that mean some of the least reliable sports cars ever made may pose a tempting purchase, but should really be avoided at all costs.
This becomes even worse when it’s a sports car from a “regular” brand, since reliability and longevity are two of the strongest pillars behind what tends to make a regular carmaker just that. Their cars are built for the masses, but sometimes, the masses should steer well clear. Here’s our list of the 10 least reliable sports cars from regular brands:
10 Fiat 124 Spider
Here at HotCars, we absolutely love the Fiat 124 Spider. It’s cutesy, affordable and definitely delivers the thrills. But despite it essentially being a rebadged MX-5, the 124 Spider somehow loses the stern reliability offered by the former. For those that opt for the manual gearbox versions, a tempestuous first gear could become a problem over time.
Other common issues are associated with the engine, electric and exhaust system – all of which could lead to lengthy periods in the garage, as well as an unwanted large bill. Beyond this, the air-con and infotainment unit are both known for going wrong. We definitely miss the budget Italian roadster, but we understand why it didn’t take off the way it should’ve.
9 Acura RSX Type-S
There are plenty of reasons why gearheads should consider buying the Acura RSX Type-S, but one main reason why they shouldn’t: reliability. Yes, it’s an extremely good-looking car, and plenty of used 2002 Acura RSX Type-S’ are going for as low as $4,500, but is it really worth it, given that you’ll probably spend that much alone on maintaining it within the first year?
Issues are headlined by faulty timing valves, gasket leaks and issues with the thermostat. None of these are cheap to fix, and that’s before we even get to the main issue: motor oil leaks thanks to unreliable oil pressure sensors. This could eventually lead to a complete engine failure, and getting a replacement one of those certainly won’t be cheap.
8 Pontiac Solstice
The Solstice was meant to signal the dawn of a successful new age for Pontiac. Even today, it still looks fantastic, and a throaty 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine put out 177-hp and 166 pounds of torque. That meant a 0-60mph run in a touch over five seconds; plenty fast enough for a car of this nature. But instead, the Solstice ended up being one of the biggest sports car flops of the century.
Aside from an often loose gas cap (resulting in an engine warning light), noise from its direct injectors and rear axle pinion seal leaks are just a few of the things that will keep you up at night. The cast iron engine header also tends to wear quite quickly, so be ready for an expensive bill when it eventually snaps.
7 Chevrolet Camaro (Third Generation)
The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most important cars to come out of America. Its lineage has lasted for nearly 60 years now, and a fair few of its generations are considered classics. The current models are barnstorming the market right now, and the fourth-gen Chevy Camaro will soon be a collectible in our opinion.
But the third generation that came just before it should be kept at a distance. Regular engine issues, electric problems, and fuel and cooling system mishaps are among its favorite ways to give you a headache. Core plug leaks and engine stalls, which are often followed by a failure to turn over, make the third-gen Camaro extremely unreliable. If you were to get one, though, don’t put a cow on its roof.
6 Nissan 350Z
Make no mistake, a used Nissan 350Z is a great bargain sports car, and there are few better ways to join the JDM lifestyle for cheaper. But given that many examples are rolling over 100,000 miles now, owners are reporting oil consumption issues, multiple sensor failures, clicking driveshafts and even timing chain and tensioner problems.
Buying a used 2003 Nissan 350Z is tempting, especially when they can be had for under $10k. We’d definitely not discourage you from getting one, but do be conscious that you may end up forking a lot of money on it over time – essentially neutralizing the many positives that come with owning one of these cars.
5 Mercedes-Benz SL (R230)
Yet another car we really hate having to include on this list. The early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has really matured into a handsome brute, and we adore how it has evolved over the years. The same can be said of many Silver Arrow’s from that era, but the other side of the common ground fence between them is a damning reliability record.
The R230 generation SL is littered with issues, ranging from transmission drive selector module failures to faulty crankshaft sensors, and even annoying interior niggles like the panoramic sunroof refusing to work. So, while the 2001-2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a great machine, we’d suggest you think twice before actually taking the plunge. Remember: head over heart!
4 Saturn Sky
Any company that names itself after a planet or a celestial habitat will have lofty ambitions, and Saturn was no different – until its eventual liquidation in 2010, that was. It’s actually a pretty similar car to the Pontiac Solstice, both in its design and in that we actually like the Saturn Sky.
Sadly, this roadster is absolutely inundated with engine and transmission issues. Furthermore, Saturn had to recall numerous cars due to faulty passenger airbags, leading to frequent seat damage. So not only was it unreliable, the Sky was actually quite dangerous. Used 2010 Saturn Skys are still going for close to $15k, so please look elsewhere for that sort of money!
3 BMW Z4 (G29)
The basis for the new Toyota Supra, the current generation BMW Z4 is still one of the most fun sports cars you can get if you’ve got around $30k to spend. However, there is a gray area to be found here, because Z4s are either extremely reliable or completely unreliable. It depends on the model year and specs you have.
BMW has previously had to recall a number of Z4 examples for incorrectly manufactured brake discs, faulty steering tie rod and possible fuel leaks. Recalls have even happened for crankcase bushing, so despite being a tremendous car, you should check a Z4 with a fine comb before considering purchase, and check with a BMW dealer that it isn’t one of the affected models.
2 Subaru BRZ
This one will ruffle a few feathers. The Subaru BRZ is a great car, there’s no denying that, and it is frequently hailed as one of the best beginner sports cars you can buy. Its prudent power supply doesn’t diminish the all-round engaging drive on offer, and given how many entered circulation, you’re not short on options either.
But it’s not without fault. The BRZ is known for its clunky engine idling and, if it’s got a manual gearbox, a really stiff gate that makes it unenjoyable to use. Owners have also previously noted fuel pump issues, so while many do consider the Subaru BRZ to be a modern sports car bargain, be very wary if you opt to buy one.
1 Mazda RX-7 FD
We struggled to decide between this and its RX-8 sibling. It’s pretty much set in stone that everybody loves an RX-7, and those who say they don’t are lying. It’s arguably the most beautiful 90s Japanese sports car for under $50,000, and its screaming rotary engine has bucket loads of potential for tuning. The RX-7 is also a great first drift car, but gremlins appear in more than one place with it if you aren’t careful.
With the engine alone, apex seal failures, low engine compression, catalytic converter issues and cracked turbo manifolds are among the most frequent problems. The list is endless, really, and that’s the biggest shame with RX-7 ownership: you get one because you love the way it looks, and you really want to experience what its rotary has to give. But that joy will likely be cut short on a regular basis, as is the case with many of the cars on this list.
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