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Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
7 Sports Cars To Avoid Buying
If you're all about handling, speed, acceleration, cylinder engines and turning heads wherever you go, then nothing but a sports car will do. Whether you're in the market for a new 2025 model or a beloved classic from years past, there's no shortage of automakers hoping to trade horsepower, cornering, maneuverability and style for a big chunk of your savings account. Consider This: Find Out: However, before you drop serious money on a sports car, make sure you know which models to avoid. You don't want to drive home with a high-priced, high-powered bundle of buyer's remorse. GOBankingRates spoke with auto industry insiders who cautioned against buying the following sports cars because they cost too much, are unreliable, lack features or have comparable rivals that offer more for less. MSRP: $159,995 to $191,995 Nearly every automotive expert GOBankingRates consulted put the same $174,000 (depending on the model year) vehicle at the top of the list of sports cars you shouldn't buy. Among them was Erin Kemp, a consumer advocate with Bumper. 'The Maserati GranTurismo is a car that consumers should think twice about before purchasing,' she said. 'The GranTurismo catches the eye of many drivers for being stylish and having a compelling performance profile, but owners often have trouble with its reliability. 'Many have reported problems related to its engine and electrical system. When things do go wrong, the repairs are very costly, too. Cars like this aren't meant to have a bunch of miles on them, so you can run into expensive problems if you use them for everyday driving.' MSRP: $99,150 No one is saying that the Lotus Evora — produced for a little more than a decade ending in 2021 — isn't an extraordinary machine. In fact, in a bon voyage tribute during its final production year, The Drive called it 'the perfectly imperfect sports car.' It's just that with a nearly $100,000 starting price, a little less imperfection would be nice. 'The Evora boasts a raw driving experience, but it's been criticized for reliability issues over the years,' said Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, which specializes in international car shipping and relocation. 'Plus, its interior lacks the polish and comfort features found in other sports cars at its price point.' Be Aware: MSRP: $79,175 to $114,275 Jaguar has long been synonymous with power, performance and style, but the British luxury brand also has developed a reputation for frequent breakdowns. Earned or not, that reputation has followed its lineage to the F-Type. 'The Jaguar F-Type is a beautiful car with a potent engine lineup, but it has been criticized for its reliability,' said 30-year auto industry veteran Frank De Mulder, founder of Classic Car Maintenance. 'Some owners have reported electronic and powertrain issues, which can be costly to repair out of warranty.' With a starting price of just over $79,000, the last thing drivers need are frequent trips to the shop — plus, several rivals make a more compelling case. 'A Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette might offer similar performance with a better reliability track record,' said De Mulder. MSRP: $68,745 to $139,920 Alfa Romeo discontinued the 4C in 2020; and, while it's still a popular sports car with plenty of loyalists, De Mulder thinks they could do better. 'The Alfa Romeo 4C is a pure driver's car but comes with significant sacrifices in terms of comfort and convenience,' he said. 'It lacks power steering, and its cabin is quite sparse. While it's a blast on the track, those looking for a sports car to enjoy on all occasions might prefer the Porsche Cayman, which offers thrilling performance without compromising on comfort.' MSRP: $148,495 to $164,295 Like the Alfa Romeo 4C, 2020 was the final production year for the BMW i8, and similarly, De Mulder thinks some of its competitors make a more convincing case for your dollars. 'The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid that offers a glimpse into the future with its futuristic design,' De Mulder said. 'However, its performance doesn't quite live up to its supercar looks, and for the price, there are several other options that offer better performance and a more engaging driving experience, such as the Acura NSX.' MSRP: $122,985 to $222,985 With 565 horsepower, the Nissan GT-R has the power to match its $122,000 estimated starting MSRP. However, at least one industry veteran thinks the lineup has gotten stale. 'The Nissan GT-R, which was once a significant challenge to modern supercars, now feels like one of the most clichéd sports cars on the road,' said Steve May, an automotive expert who founded NumberPlates4You after 25 years in the automotive industry. 'I believe that since Nissan stopped updating the R35 GT-R, the aftermarket scene took over its evolution.' Car and Driver backs that up with this summation, 'R35 generation dates to 2009, interior lacks refinement, seems crude and rude by today's standards.' 'If I were looking for more bang for my buck,' May said, 'I might consider some Porsche models or even yield to a whim and go for a Corvette.' MSRP: $448,400 Like nearly all auto enthusiasts, May appreciates the power, beauty and performance of the Porsche Carrera GT, but he thinks its safety features are insufficient enough to disqualify it from your shortlist. 'In my years in the auto industry, the Porsche Carrera GT stands out as one of the riskiest cars from the brand,' he said. 'While its 5.7-liter engine is incredibly powerful, I feel like driving this car feels raw, especially with its mighty V10. 'The Carrera GT might not be the best choice for beginners since it misses out on essential safety features like traction control and ABS. I believe that with such a tight margin for error, even skilled drivers would find this car challenging.' Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates10 Most Expensive Meals in the World10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle This article originally appeared on 7 Sports Cars To Avoid Buying
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Sedans That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Early 2025
If you have been in the market for a sedan, there is some good news on the car-buying horizon: in the first quarter of 2025, prices are expected to fall for a number of sedans from a variety of auto manufacturers. These price drops are expected to be significant to save you money, so you will not want to wait long to buy if you are hoping to get behind the wheel of one. Here are four sedans that will have massive price drops in early 2025. For You: Trending Now: With a significant price cut of $6,000, the 2025 bZ4X has some of the most significant price cuts compared to past models, according to Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, a car shipping company. 'The reduction in its price makes it more competitively appealing in the EV market. However, its limited range and slower charging speeds have the potential to discourage other buyers,' Giranda said. 'These factors, combined with aggressive lease and financing deals, are likely to contribute to its depreciation in the used market,' he added. Consider This: From Giranda's perspective, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is also expected to have some of the most significant price drops at the beginning of 2025. 'Like other car manufacturers, Hyundai is known for aggressive discounts and lease incentives for newer models, which puts pressure on the prices of recently used inventory,' Giranda explained. 'The upcoming 2025 Elantra is also likely to draw consumer attention with its new tech, thus making the 2023 models less desirable,' he added. 'This will be a good time for buyers looking for a modern mid-size sedan with good safety features at an economical price to make the purchase.' The 2022 and 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV models will lose value significantly as Chevrolet stops producing the Bolt to focus on new Ultium-based EVs, in Giranda's professional assessment. 'This announcement has already slowed demand, and these models will soon look out of date as EV technology progresses,' Giranda explained. 'For buyers interested in an affordable entry point into EV ownership with federal incentives no longer applying, this price drop makes the Bolt incredibly enticing.' One of the most notable names for sedans, last year's Toyota Camry is expected to go way down in terms of price from now until the beginning of April. 'With the 2025 model coming out, the 2024 Camry is slowly decreasing in value,' Giranda said. 'The 2024 model's pricing is stabilizing, but as time progresses, there is a greater chance for the 2024 Camry to undergo a price dip due to the newer model being released.' More From GOBankingRates Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper-Middle Class in 2025 The Money You Need To Save Monthly To Retire Comfortably in Every State Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money OnThis article originally appeared on 4 Sedans That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Early 2025
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Cars With High Resale Value That Rarely Need Repairs
Shopping for a vehicle can be fun, as well as overwhelming. To see if a new ride fits your budget, you might be trying to narrow down what it takes to fix that car while it is in your ownership, along with how much you might get for selling it at some point down the road. Check Out: Try This: Finding an automobile that does not need a lot of maintenance and can fetch a good price in the future is tough, though not impossible to find. Here are four cars with high resale values that rarely need repairs. According to Joe Giranda, the director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, the Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup that earns praise for not only toughness, but a strong resale value. The 2025 Tacoma starts at $31,590, and after 5 years, Giranda said it 'will still be worth approximately 67% of its original value.' As for repairs, Giranda explained, 'Annual repair cost is around $673, and major repairs are rare, with only an 18.5% chance over 10 years. This model's reliability comes from a strong suspension system and its straightforward design enhanced by Toyota Safety Sense features.' Consider This: Starting at $24,250, the Honda Civic retains 62.5% of its value after 5 years, and its owners spend an average of about $368 per year on repair costs, Giranda said. 'This reliability is primarily a result of the efficient engines and quality build,' explained Giranda, adding that there are a number of factors that cause the Civic to stand-out as an excellent buy among vehicles within its class. The 2025 Outback starts at $29,010 and 'retains roughly 70% of its original worth after five years,' Giranda said, noting that the annual repair cost of $847 is offset by the moderately low chance of major fix-it jobs for the next decade. 'Moreover, the Outback's spacious and trim technologically advanced interiors, paired with its superior symmetrical AWD and drivetrain, make it a truly reliable vehicle,' Giranda added. 'Because of its exceptional durability and off-road prowess, the Toyota 4Runner is regarded as a solid SUV option among cars with high resale value,' Giranda said. With a starting MSRP of $40,770 for a 2025 model, the Toyota 4Runner remarkably only loses about 30.2% of its value after five years, according to Giranda, who emphasized its strong resale value. 'Owners spend around $514 annually on repairs, and the risk of major breakdowns is very low due to its sturdy body-on-frame construction, which contributes to its reliability and toughness,' Giranda explained. 'The combination of great resale value, off-roading capabilities and spacious interiors certainly justifies the premium price of this SUV.' More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on 4 Cars With High Resale Value That Rarely Need Repairs
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2 New Luxury Cars That Most Likely Aren't Worth the Expensive Upkeep
Luxury cars are, by virtue of being what they are, expensive. The average luxury car price hovers at about $75,000, but you can easily find ones that go for six figures. And when you tack on taxes, maintenance, repairs, depreciation rates, and possible financing charges, you're looking at potentially spending thousands or tens of thousands more than the sticker price. Trending Now: Check Out: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 But worth is very subjective. For some, the concept of spending more than $20,000 on a car seems overkill. For others, spending $100,000 is perfectly acceptable — even with the potentially expensive upkeep. Still, if you're thinking about buying a luxury car this year and want to know which ones might not be worth the upkeep, and which are, here are some options. According to Joe Giranda, a car expert and director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic, the Maserati Grecale might not be worth the cost. This luxury SUV costs about $75,000, but can feel 'underwhelming for the cost.' 'While it carries the prestigious Maserati badge, its interior quality and tech features don't measure up to competitors like the Porsche Macan,' he said. 'For a similar price, you can get more refined craftsmanship and technology elsewhere.' Maseratis are also notoriously expensive to maintain. According to ConsumerAffairs, they cost an average of $1,600 a year in preventive maintenance alone. The typical vehicle costs closer to $650 in both maintenance and repairs. Read Next: The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is luxurious with a futuristic design. It's even got a solid electric range of about 305 miles. It also costs around $105,000 at base. According to Giranda, this vehicle doesn't quite measure up to its competitors in terms of price or quality of the interior materials. 'At this price, there are other luxury EVs that deliver better value,' he said. While this particular electric SUV hasn't been out long, Mercedes-Benz tends to have high upkeep costs. In the first decade of service alone, some models cost about $14,175. This is higher than similar luxury brands by nearly $1,100. While the Maserati Grecale and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV might not be worth the expensive upkeep, the following vehicles might be, according to Giranda: Genesis GV80: 'Genesis has built a reputation for blending luxury with practicality, making it an excellent choice,' he said. This particular SUV has the advanced tech, sleek design and high-quality materials you'd expect in such a vehicle — but the starting price is only about $57,000. That's lower than you'd get with other luxury SUV brands. Lexus LC 500: The Lexus LC 500 has a starting price of about $99,000, making it one of the more expensive options on this list. That said, Giranda pointed out that it has a stunning design and offers a luxe driving experience. Lexus is also known to be a reliable brand, meaning less frequent trips to the auto shop. When it comes to any vehicle, luxury or otherwise, one person's experience will very likely differ from the next. You could end up with a Maserati Grecale, for example, and find it's worth the upkeep and associated costs. Or you might purchase a Lexus LC 500 and find that it isn't. It's ultimately about what you're looking for, what you're willing to deal with, and your financial situation. That said, here are some tips to making shopping for a luxury car a bit easier: Do your research. Before making the investment, compare different luxury cars to see what's available, the various price points and which ones have what you need. Set a price point and a budget. No matter how tempting that upgrade might be, try to stick to a budget you're happy with. Make sure your budget also accounts for any other upfront and ongoing expenses so you don't end up in a sticky spot. Test drive some cars. Online research is one thing, but nothing beats a good test drive. After you've created a shortlist of vehicles, take the time to test drive them. Compare dealerships. Don't go with the first dealership you find that sells the car you want — unless it's truly the perfect fit. Compare several places, look for any current incentives or promotions, and narrow down your list until you find the right one for you. More From GOBankingRates 4 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money 4 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money That Actually Work This article originally appeared on 2 New Luxury Cars That Most Likely Aren't Worth the Expensive Upkeep Sign in to access your portfolio
