Classic muscle cars are cool—until you get the repair bill. Some of the most iconic models come with hidden costs that can drain your wallet fast. Rare parts, hard-to-find trim, and engines that need constant care can turn your dream ride into a total money pit.
Before you buy, check out these 10 classic muscle cars known for sky-high repair costs. They may look great, but keeping them on the road could leave your bank account hurting.
1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – High Price, Higher Maintenance
The 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda is one of the most famous muscle cars ever made, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its powerful 426 HEMI engine needs constant attention, and original parts are rare and expensive. Repairs and upkeep can quickly turn into a money drain if you’re not careful.
1969 Shelby GT500 – Parts That Cost a Fortune
The 1969 Shelby GT500 is a dream car for many, but fixing one can empty your wallet fast. Original Shelby parts are rare and priced sky-high. Whether it’s trim, badges, or engine parts, everything costs more—and finding the right pieces can take time and serious money.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427 – Beautiful, But Expensive to Fix
The 1967 Corvette 427 is a classic beauty, but it’s not cheap to keep on the road. Its big-block engine and unique design make repairs tricky. Original parts are hard to find and cost a lot, and you’ll pay plenty in labor to keep everything running right.
1970 Dodge Charger R/T – Mopar Money Pit
The 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is one of Mopar’s most iconic cars, but repairs don’t come cheap. Its 440 V8 engine, special trim, and body parts are expensive and hard to find. Restoring or fixing one can easily turn into a costly, never-ending project.
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge – Rare Car, Rare (and Pricey) Parts
The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is a classic muscle car icon, but owning one isn’t cheap. Its special badges, trim, and parts are hard to find and often overpriced. If something breaks, expect to spend big to keep this rare ride looking and running right.
1971 Ford Torino GT – Hard to Find Parts, Harder to Pay For
The 1971 Ford Torino GT has muscle car style, but keeping it running isn’t easy. Parts for this model, especially GT-specific trim, are tough to find. When you do track them down, they don’t come cheap. Repairs on these cars can quickly add up and surprise you.
1968 AMC AMX – Affordable to Buy, Costly to Fix
The 1968 AMC AMX might seem like a bargain at first, but fixing one is a different story. AMC parts aren’t as common as Ford or Chevy parts, and when you find them, they’re pricey. Repairs and restorations can get expensive fast, making this car tricky to own long-term.
1970 Buick GSX – Luxury Muscle with Luxury Repair Bills
The 1970 Buick GSX is fast and flashy, but fixing it isn’t cheap. Special parts like the badges and trim are hard to find and cost a lot. Even small repairs can get pricey. If you’re not ready to spend big, this muscle car can drain your wallet fast.
1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Mid-’70s Money Drain
The 1973 Camaro Z28 looks like a good deal, but repairs can get expensive fast. Parts made just for this year are harder to find, and rust problems are common. Fixing one often costs more than people expect, turning it into a real money drain over time.
1964 Dodge Polara 500 – Early Mopar, Expensive Fixes
The 1964 Dodge Polara 500 is a sharp-looking classic, but repairs aren’t cheap. Parts for these early Mopars are rare and usually need to be custom-made or restored. That means fixing even small things can cost a lot, making this car an expensive one to keep on the road.