10 car models that spend more time in the service than on the road

The concept of a sports car has been around for almost as long as the car itself. Different countries have their own vision of what the ideal sports car should be. And it was European manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, BMW and Porsche who were among the first to come up with the correct formula.

The fact is that sports cars have always been at the forefront of technical development, as they host and test the latest technologies, which are then embodied in mass models. Unfortunately, manufacturers often put reliability on the back burner in their quest for more power and more luxury. The result is cars that would be brilliant if they didn't have major flaws.

10 models that are more often in service than on the road (List):

10. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is one of the most interesting new products on the market in the last decade. After years of building beautiful but mostly representative sedans, FCA decided to bring Alfa Romeo back to its former glory with models such as the 4C and Giulia. This is how the Quadrifoglio was born, which, thanks to its 2,9-liter Ferrari V6 engine, became the fastest sedan on the planet.

This model has the most important thing for a great sports sedan - bright looks, amazing performance and practicality, which makes it ideal for everyday use. However, it lacks the most important thing - reliability. Julia's interior is badly done and the electronics are criticized. As a rule, in Italian, the engine also has a lot of problems.

9. Aston Martin Lagonda

In the 70s, Aston Martin tried to create a successor to their Lagonda Rapide model. So in 1976, the Aston Martin Lagonda was born, an incredibly modern luxury sports sedan. Some say it's one of the ugliest cars ever made, but others think its wedge-shaped design is amazing. Thanks to its powerful V8 engine, the Lagonda was one of the fastest 4-door cars of its day.

Perhaps the most amazing feature of the Aston Martin Lagonda is its LED digital display with touch panel and computer control system. At that time it was the most technologically advanced car in the world, but its reliability was terrible precisely because of the computer systems and electronic displays. Some of the produced vehicles were damaged even before they arrived at the customer.

8.BMW M5 E60

We can't talk about the greatest BMWs of all time, let alone the M5 (E60) sports sedan. Some love its design, others consider it one of the ugliest 5 Series ever. However, the E60 remains one of the most desirable BMWs. This is largely due to the engine - 5.0 S85 V10, which produces 500 hp. and makes an incredible sound.

Despite its huge popularity, the BMW M5 (E60) is one of the most unreliable cars of the brand ever created. His engine may sound great, but he has a lot of problems with major parts that fail quickly. The SMG gearbox often has a hydraulic pump defect that sends the machine straight to the workshop.

7. BMW 8-Series E31

Unlike the M5 (E60), the BMW 8-Series (E31) is one of the most beautiful cars the Bavarian marque has ever made. In addition to its impressive design, it offers a choice of V8 or V12 engines, with the 850CSi V12 version being the most sought after on the market.

It is this engine, the M/S70 V12, however, that is the car's Achilles' heel. It was created by combining two V6 engines, which makes it very technically challenging. There are two fuel pumps, two control units and a huge number of air flow sensors, as well as crankshaft position sensors. This made it not only very expensive and unreliable, but also difficult to repair.

6. Lemon SM

The Citroen SM is one of the most impressive cars of the early 1970s, designed by the Italians and built by the automaker that brought the DS legend to the world. It received the brand's unique hydropneumatic suspension, combined with impressive aerodynamics. Power 175 hp powered by a Maserati V6 engine driving the front wheels. The SM is characterized by exceptional comfort and excellent handling.

In theory, this model should be a success, but the Maserati V6 engine spoils everything. It has a 90-degree design, which is not only inconvenient, but also not reliable at all. Some motorcycles explode while driving. Also problematic are the oil pump and ignition system, which fail directly in cold climates.

5. Ferrari F355 F1

The F355 is considered by many to be one of the "last great Ferraris" as it was designed by Pininfarina and is truly one of the best sports cars of the 90s. Under the hood is a V8 engine with 5 valves per cylinder, which emits a scream similar to that of a Formula 1 car.

As with all models of the brand, repairing this one is a real and very expensive nightmare. Every 5 years the motor is removed to replace the timing belt. The exhaust manifolds also prove problematic, as are the valve guides. All of these parts cost about $25000 to repair. Throw in a troublesome $10 gearbox and you'll see why this car isn't a joy to own.

4.Fiat 500 Abarth

The Fiat 500 Abarth is one of the funniest little cars to come out in the last 20 years. With a punchy engine and retro styling combined with a grumpy driving streak, the subcompact is highly desirable, but it can't make up for the appalling reliability and poor build quality.

The fact is that cars of this class have reliability problems, since they are mainly associated with the connection of the engine and gearbox, as well as the turbine. At the same time, the hatchback is not cheap at all, as for its maintenance. It's a shame, because the Fiat 500 Abarth may be one of the best models in its class ever built.

3. Jaguar E Type

Without a doubt, the Jaguar E-Type is one of the most beautiful sports cars of the twentieth century. Its elegant form won the respect even of Enzo Ferrari, who said that the E-Type is the most beautiful car ever made. It was more than just a coupe and its powerful engine helped.

Unfortunately, like many British cars of the time, the E-Type's shiny engine was its biggest weakness. He has problems with the fuel pump, alternator and fuel system, which tend to overheat. In addition, it turned out that the car rusts in hard-to-reach places - for example, on the chassis. And if this is not detected in time, there is a danger of a catastrophe.

2. Mini Cooper S (1st generation 2001-2006)

As with Fiat's 500 Abarth, the Mini brand is also keen to recreate its iconic supermini models. The British manufacturer was bought by BMW in 1994 and development of the new Cooper began the following year. It hit the market in 2001 and people immediately fell in love with it because of its retro design and great performance (in this case, it's the S version).

However, some basic details of the model prove to be a serious problem. Automatic versions made before 2005 have a terrible CVT gearbox that fails without warning. Cooper S ailments include compressor lubrication problems that can damage the engine, and brittle front suspension that can lead to accidents.

1. Porsche Boxter (986)

The first generation of the Porsche Boxter, also known as the 986, was launched in 1996 as the brand's new sports car, available at an affordable price. They were lower than the Porsche 911, which should have provided more buyers. Unlike the 911, which has an engine in the rear, the Boxter sits in the middle, driving the rear vehicles. With a powerful 6-cylinder boxer engine and excellent handling, the model quickly established itself in the market and gained respect.

However, the boxer who is called the perfect boxer has a huge problem that begins to manifest itself later. This is a chain bearing that wears out quickly without indicating that it will fail. And when that happens, it will be too late. In most cases, pistons and open valves collide and the engine is completely destroyed.