Tempting but Treacherous: The Unreliable European Cars We Love Anyway

Sent: Apr 28, 2024

The Most Unreliable European Cars That We'd Still Drive

Possibly the most critical factor in car ownership is its reliability. Everyone pays for a vehicle once, but those who don’t do their research or choose with their heart can subject themselves to a lifetime of financial and emotional pain. Now, whatever constitutes something as “worth it” is entirely subjective; however, I’d argue that more than a few models toe that line so well that we could all see ourselves sitting behind the wheel. Enthusiasts count them out as unreliable, and that is just about a fact, but their positive qualities shine so brightly or uniquely that ownership almost makes sense. In case you haven’t heard of them or are looking to make a potentially financially ruinous decision, here are some of the coolest unreliable models ever produced.

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The Mercedes-Benz C30 CDI AMG - The Diesel AMG Forbidden Fruit

The AMG brand has undergone several evolutions over the years dedicated to building the most developed Mercedes vehicles money can buy. Racing fame in the seventies gave way to the tuner boom of the eighties, where they captured the hearts and minds of many an enthusiast. Their acquisition by Mercedes in the nineties cemented their connection to the brand, and they’ve been a household name ever since. Paramount to their reputation are the tuned engines that turn gasoline into earth-moving torque and a thunderous soundtrack. Though, I should say that that’s every AMG model but one. What few in the ‘States realize is that for a brief time under the Mercedes banner, AMG strayed from tradition and put their engineering expertise into a diesel.

BMW E90 vs. F30: Which One Should You Choose?

BMW's 3-series is a perpetual competitor in the sport sedan market, a market that it created back in the mid-seventies. Sharp handling, sporty looks, and luxurious interior have made it the go-to choice for buyers looking for a grocery getter with some style, whether it's new or used. The G20 offers more tech and luxury than ever before in its seventh generation, as shown by its base price sitting above $40,000. If you're dead set on Bavaria's best but prefer to let others eat the depreciation, the F30 and E90 generations offer incredible value for money. Both feature plenty of tech and are connected to a considerable aftermarket scene dedicated to making them better than OEM.

The Definitive Guide To BMW X5 & X6 Suspension & Brakes (BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6)

The BMW X5 was never supposed to be an SUV. Instead, BMW called it an SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle. The idea was to create a large family car with the body of an SUV but with the driving characteristics of their sports sedans. That driving dynamic was readily apparent in the original X5 and has shown itself to be a recurring trait in every X5 since. Their on-road poise regularly gets them high marks from independent journalists compared to similar products from Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, and Lexus. The fourth-generation X5 ended its run in 2018, and it now exists as an interesting, capable, and modern choice for a used SUV. If suspension feel is your number one priority, the X5 is going to be difficult to beat.

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The Most Unreliable European Cars That We'd Still Drive Possibly the most critical factor in car ownership is its reliability. Everyone pays for a vehicle once, but those who don’t do their research or choose with their heart can subject themselves to a lifetime of financial and emotional pain. Now, whatever constitutes something as “worth it” is entirely subjective; however, I’d argue that more than a few models toe that line so well that we could all see ourselves sitting behind the wheel. Enthusiasts count them out as unreliable, and that is just about a fact, but their positive qualities shine so brightly or uniquely that ownership almost makes sense. In case you haven’t heard of them or are looking to make a potentially financially ruinous decision, here are some of the coolest unreliable models ever produced. Read more » The Mercedes-Benz C30 CDI AMG - The Diesel AMG Forbidden Fruit The AMG brand has undergone several evolutions over the years dedicated to building the most developed Mercedes vehicles money can buy. Racing fame in the seventies gave way to the tuner boom of the eighties, where they captured the hearts and minds of many an enthusiast. Their acquisition by Mercedes in the nineties cemented their connection to the brand, and they’ve been a household name ever since. Paramount to their reputation are the tuned engines that turn gasoline into earth-moving torque and a thunderous soundtrack. Though, I should say that that’s every AMG model but one. What few in the ‘States realize is that for a brief time under the Mercedes banner, AMG strayed from tradition and put their engineering expertise into a diesel. Read more » BMW E90 vs. F30: Which One Should You Choose? BMW's 3-series is a perpetual competitor in the sport sedan market, a market that it created back in the mid-seventies. Sharp handling, sporty looks, and luxurious interior have made it the go-to choice for buyers looking for a grocery getter with some style, whether it's new or used. The G20 offers more tech and luxury than ever before in its seventh generation, as shown by its base price sitting above $40,000. If you're dead set on Bavaria's best but prefer to let others eat the depreciation, the F30 and E90 generations offer incredible value for money. Both feature plenty of tech and are connected to a considerable aftermarket scene dedicated to making them better than OEM. Read more » The Definitive Guide To BMW X5 & X6 Suspension & Brakes (BMW F15 X5 & F16 X6) The BMW X5 was never supposed to be an SUV. Instead, BMW called it an SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle. The idea was to create a large family car with the body of an SUV but with the driving characteristics of their sports sedans. That driving dynamic was readily apparent in the original X5 and has shown itself to be a recurring trait in every X5 since. Their on-road poise regularly gets them high marks from independent journalists compared to similar products from Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, and Lexus. The fourth-generation X5 ended its run in 2018, and it now exists as an interesting, capable, and modern choice for a used SUV. If suspension feel is your number one priority, the X5 is going to be difficult to beat. Read more » No longer want to receive these emails? Unsubscribe. FCP Euro 155 Hill Street Milford, Connecticut 06460