The appeal of a stylish or luxurious vehicle is strong. Many buyers prioritize aesthetics or prestige over practicality. However, some high-end or visually striking cars come with a hidden cost: unreliability.
Auto enthusiast Doug DeMuro recently highlighted five models he admires but would advise against for daily driving. His reasoning isn’t about lacking desire for these cars, but about the inevitable headaches they bring. Buying a car is often the second-largest financial decision for many Americans, so choosing wisely matters.
The E60 BMW M5: A Garage Queen
The E60 BMW M5 is a performance sedan with a V10 engine and manual transmission—a combination many enthusiasts love. However, DeMuro points out that BMW essentially outsourced reliability testing to its customers. The car requires constant adjustments just to become unreliable, a frustrating experience even after repairs. The E60 M5 is best suited for admiring in a garage rather than relying on for daily commutes.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: Style Over Substance
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV, often chosen for its off-road capability and family-friendly space. DeMuro acknowledges the Grand Cherokee’s strengths, including modern features and a stylish interior. Yet, Jeep consistently ranks poorly in reliability surveys, making it a risky choice for long-term ownership. DeMuro opted for a Toyota Sequoia instead, prioritizing dependability.
Mazda RX8: The Affordable Sports Car with a Catch
The Mazda RX8 is an accessible sports car praised for its smooth handling and balanced performance. DeMuro himself loves the driving experience. The issue is maintenance. The RX8 demands specialized care that most dealerships cannot provide, requiring owners to take on DIY repairs or risk frequent breakdowns.
Range Rover: Luxury That Breaks Down
Range Rovers exude luxury and off-road capability, making them desirable to many. DeMuro has owned multiple Range Rovers and appreciates their design. The problem? They remain notoriously unreliable, even with modern technology. Newer models with advanced infotainment and off-road features haven’t improved dependability, unlike his Toyota Sequoia.
Rolls-Royce and Bentley: Short-Term Glamour
Rolls-Royce and Bentley represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury. DeMuro admits enjoying his rental experiences with these brands. However, these cars aren’t built for frequent, everyday use. They age poorly, often facing issues when driven regularly rather than displayed as status symbols.
Ultimately, while these vehicles offer prestige or unique features, their unreliability makes them poor choices for practical drivers. Investing in a car should prioritize long-term dependability over short-term thrills.
