These 5 Cool Cars Are Way Too Unreliable For Me to Buy
If you’re anything like me, you open Cars & Bids “just for two minutes”… and somehow you wake up three hours later watching a YouTube video about rotary engine apex seals you didn’t even know you cared about.
(carsandbids.com ➚)
And every time, the same thought pops into my head:
Because as cool as they are, reliability is not their strongest feature. Especially now, when the world is moving toward hybrids and EVs that don’t scream, shake, or leak (most of the time).
So let’s dive into five legendary cars that I love, adore, admire
and will definitely not be purchasing unless I suddenly develop the patience of a monk and the wallet of a lottery winner.
The E60 M5 is iconic: a Formula-1-inspired V10, 8,250 RPM, a sound that makes angels cry.
But the ownership experience? That makes bank accounts cry.
(caranddriver.com➚)
Why It’s Too Unreliable For Me:
Meanwhile, a modern BMW plug-in hybrid says:
Tempting? Yes. Practical? Absolutely not.
My heart says V10. My brain says “please don’t.”
But the reliability… oh boy.
(autoexpress.co.uk ➚)
Why I’m Scared To Buy One:
Jeep now makes the 4xe plug-in hybrid silent electric torque, fewer tantrums, and far less fuel burned.
Yet somehow, I still look at used SRTs thinking:
But that engine…
That sweet, sweet, unreliable engine.
Why I Won’t Buy One:
Today Mazda is flirting with rotary-range-extender EVs same fun sound, none of the drama.
The RX-8 is legendary… but maybe better as a poster.
Every used Range Rover repairs like a cloud filled with lightning.
Reasons My Wallet Trembles:
Land Rover’s newer plug-in hybrids? Much better.
The electric Range Rover coming soon? Even better.
But the old ones?
Those are “character building.”
But when something breaks (and yes, something will break), your mechanic suddenly speaks in five-figure numbers.
Why I Won’t Click “Bid”:
Hybrid/EV Comparison:
Rolls and Bentley are moving toward electric luxury, which honestly makes perfect sense. Silent, smooth, instant torque it fits their entire personality.
And way fewer “Your Air Suspension Has Failed” warnings.
Maybe reliability isn’t everything.
Maybe life is more exciting when your car might break at any moment like a high-stakes automotive reality show.
But as hybrids and EVs keep getting smoother, quieter, cheaper to run, and basically stress-free, it’s hard not to look at my favorite unreliable legends and think:
These five cars are cool, iconic, emotional, exciting, and so full of personality that they practically wink at you through the screen on Cars & Bids.
But they’re also unreliable enough that I’d rather enjoy them from a distance
while driving something hybrid or electric that doesn’t require therapy afterward.
Because at the end of the day, loving cars is easy.
Owning unreliable ones?
That’s a full-time hobby.
Car and Driver – https://www.caranddriver.com
Auto Express – https://www.autoexpress.co.uk
Road & Track – https://www.roadandtrack.com
Motor1 – https://www.motor1.com
PistonHeads – https://www.pistonheads.com
If you’re anything like me, you open Cars & Bids “just for two minutes”… and somehow you wake up three hours later watching a YouTube video about rotary engine apex seals you didn’t even know you cared about.
(carsandbids.com ➚)
And every time, the same thought pops into my head:
Because as cool as they are, reliability is not their strongest feature. Especially now, when the world is moving toward hybrids and EVs that don’t scream, shake, or leak (most of the time).
So let’s dive into five legendary cars that I love, adore, admire
and will definitely not be purchasing unless I suddenly develop the patience of a monk and the wallet of a lottery winner.
BMW E60 M5 - The V10 Dream, The Wallet Nightmare
The E60 M5 is iconic: a Formula-1-inspired V10, 8,250 RPM, a sound that makes angels cry.
But the ownership experience? That makes bank accounts cry.
(caranddriver.com➚)
Why It’s Too Unreliable For Me:
- S85 V10 rod bearing anxiety
- SMG transmission that feels like it wants to retire early
- Maintenance bills that could fund a small solar farm
Meanwhile, a modern BMW plug-in hybrid says:
Tempting? Yes. Practical? Absolutely not.
My heart says V10. My brain says “please don’t.”
Jeep Grand Cherokee - King of the Road, Emperor of Check Engine Lights
The Grand Cherokee is the SUV equivalent of a golden retriever: strong, friendly, and occasionally chaotic.But the reliability… oh boy.
(autoexpress.co.uk ➚)
Why I’m Scared To Buy One:
- The famous “Jeep Electrical Experience™”
- Transmission moods
- Suspension components that prefer early retirement
Jeep now makes the 4xe plug-in hybrid silent electric torque, fewer tantrums, and far less fuel burned.
Yet somehow, I still look at used SRTs thinking:
Mazda RX-8 - Rotary Magic, Rotary Problems
The RX-8 is pure enthusiasm on wheels. Suicide doors, perfect balance, and an engine that sounds like a caffeinated blender at 9,000 RPM.But that engine…
That sweet, sweet, unreliable engine.
Why I Won’t Buy One:
- Apex seals playing Russian roulette
- Oil consumption that rivals two-stroke scooters
- Compression tests that frequently end in tears
Today Mazda is flirting with rotary-range-extender EVs same fun sound, none of the drama.
The RX-8 is legendary… but maybe better as a poster.
Range Rover - Luxury Royalty, Mechanic Loyalty
Every Range Rover drives like a cloud wearing a tuxedo.Every used Range Rover repairs like a cloud filled with lightning.
Reasons My Wallet Trembles:
- Electronics that behave like they’re haunted
- Air suspension that drops faster than my crypto portfolio
- Cooling system drama
Land Rover’s newer plug-in hybrids? Much better.
The electric Range Rover coming soon? Even better.
But the old ones?
Those are “character building.”
Bentley or Rolls-Royce - Unmatched Luxury, Unmatched Repair Quotes
These cars are dreams. Palaces on wheels. Moving luxury hotels.But when something breaks (and yes, something will break), your mechanic suddenly speaks in five-figure numbers.
Why I Won’t Click “Bid”:
- Maintenance bills that feel personal
- Parts that take three weeks, two specialists, and maybe a priest
- Insurance premiums that gently whisper: “Are you sure?”
Hybrid/EV Comparison:
Rolls and Bentley are moving toward electric luxury, which honestly makes perfect sense. Silent, smooth, instant torque it fits their entire personality.
And way fewer “Your Air Suspension Has Failed” warnings.
But Maybe…
Maybe reliability isn’t everything.
Maybe life is more exciting when your car might break at any moment like a high-stakes automotive reality show.
But as hybrids and EVs keep getting smoother, quieter, cheaper to run, and basically stress-free, it’s hard not to look at my favorite unreliable legends and think:
In Conclusion
These five cars are cool, iconic, emotional, exciting, and so full of personality that they practically wink at you through the screen on Cars & Bids.
But they’re also unreliable enough that I’d rather enjoy them from a distance
while driving something hybrid or electric that doesn’t require therapy afterward.
Because at the end of the day, loving cars is easy.
Owning unreliable ones?
That’s a full-time hobby.
Recommended Reading
Car and Driver – https://www.caranddriver.com
Auto Express – https://www.autoexpress.co.uk
Road & Track – https://www.roadandtrack.com
Motor1 – https://www.motor1.com
PistonHeads – https://www.pistonheads.com