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The 17 Most Fun Cars You’d Never Want to Own

Cameron Eittreim July 29, 2025

There’s a distinct paradox in the world of car enthusiasts: some vehicles deliver unmatched driving joy but become nightmares the moment you have to live with them. These cars are exhilarating on the open road, sparking adrenaline and envy in equal measure. Yet, owning one often reveals a different reality—astronomical maintenance, insatiable thirst for fuel, and daily impracticalities.
For many, the allure of these machines is irresistible, but the headaches they bring are just as legendary.
This article dives into 17 of the most thrilling cars that, for all their excitement, are best enjoyed from the driver’s seat—without the burden of ownership.

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1. Lotus Elise

1999 lotus elise111s1 — A sleek Lotus Elise hugs the curves of the racetrack, showcasing its lightweight design on a thrilling track day. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Lotus Elise is an icon of pure, lightweight performance, thrilling drivers with its razor-sharp handling and direct feedback. Every curve and corner becomes an event behind the wheel.
But the Elise’s charm fades quickly in daily life. Its interior is barebones, the ride is unforgiving, and getting in or out feels like a gym workout. Parts and repairs? Rare and expensive.
For a deeper look, see the Car and Driver review.

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2. Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper is legendary for its monstrous V10 engine and relentless, old-school muscle car attitude. Driving one is a heart-pounding experience, full of deafening roar and tire-smoking theatrics.
Yet, few cars are as intimidating on public roads. The Viper’s lack of modern safety tech, punishing ride, and extreme cabin heat make every outing a challenge.
For more on this wild American icon, check out the MotorTrend article.

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3. Mazda RX-8

Mazda rx 8 grey — A sleek Mazda RX-8 with its signature rotary engine stands out as a classic Japanese sports car icon. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mazda RX-8 is beloved for its unique rotary engine and near-perfect chassis balance, making it a true delight on winding roads. Spirited driving is what it lives for, rewarding enthusiasts with crisp handling and high-revving excitement.
Sadly, the RX-8’s ownership story is far less joyful. Engine reliability issues, constant oil consumption, and abysmal fuel economy haunt most owners.
For a full rundown, read the Top Gear review.

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4. Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo 4c Alfa Romeo 4c Spider 2020 1639598077745 1 — A striking red Alfa Romeo 4C flaunts its sleek Italian curves and exposed carbon fiber accents under the sunlight. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a feast for the senses, boasting striking Italian design and a lightweight carbon fiber chassis. Its sharp, communicative steering and raw driving dynamics make it a true driver’s car.
But with no power steering, a bone-jarring ride, and almost no creature comforts, it’s far from a practical daily driver. Living with one means making real sacrifices for passion.
Read more in the Road & Track article.

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5. DeLorean DMC-12

1200px 1981 delorean dmc 12 — A sleek DeLorean DMC-12 stands with its iconic gullwing doors open, showcasing timeless classic car style. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The DeLorean DMC-12 is a pop culture legend, instantly recognizable for its stainless steel panels and dramatic gullwing doors. Few cars capture the imagination quite like it.
However, its reality is less glamorous. The DeLorean suffers from a sluggish, underpowered engine, notoriously unreliable electronics, and a scarcity of replacement parts.
Owning one is a test of patience and perseverance, as detailed in this Hagerty article.

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6. Ferrari 348

Ferrari 348 tb 7 — Photo Credit: Ferrari

The Ferrari 348 tempts with its exotic looks, mid-engine layout, and that legendary Prancing Horse badge. On paper, it’s a dream come true for any car enthusiast.
In practice, though, the 348 can be a handful—its handling is often described as twitchy, and reliability is far from stellar. Maintenance costs are infamously high, leaving many owners second-guessing their decision.
For more details, check the Autocar review.

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7. TVR Sagaris

Tvr Sagaris 28200629 9576422793 — A striking TVR Sagaris, showcasing its unique curves and bold British sports car design, gleams under the sunlight. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The TVR Sagaris is a riot of color, sound, and pure, unfiltered excitement. With no electronic driver aids, every drive feels raw and unpredictable—a true thrill-seeker’s machine.
Yet, the Sagaris is notorious for unpredictable reliability and a lack of parts support. Its wild character extends to its challenging driving manners, making everyday ownership a daunting prospect.
Dive deeper into the experience with the Evo review.

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8. Smart Roadster

A sleek Smart Roadster convertible shines under the sun, showcasing its sporty curves in a compact design. | Image from www.uihere.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Smart Roadster charms with its tiny footprint, quirky personality, and surprisingly agile handling—making city driving a genuine pleasure. Its lightweight build ensures every corner is lively and engaging.
Unfortunately, this fun comes at a price. The Roadster is infamous for leaky roofs, troublesome electronics, and cramped, uncomfortable seating.
These issues make it a tough candidate for daily driving, as highlighted in the Auto Express review.

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9. Chevrolet Corvair

1024px %2769 corvair monza — A beautifully preserved Chevrolet Corvair, the iconic rear-engine classic, gleams under the sunlight at a vintage car show. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Chevrolet Corvair stands out with its unusual rear-engine layout, giving it a playful and engaging driving character. Its distinctive design and spirited handling once set it apart from the competition.
However, the Corvair became infamous after being labeled “unsafe at any speed,” with unpredictable handling and serious safety concerns clouding its legacy.
For more on its controversial history, see the NHTSA history.

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10. Renault Clio V6

Renault clio v6 94 — A striking Renault Clio V6 hot hatch sits curbside, showcasing its bold styling and unique mid-engine layout. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Renault Clio V6 is a true oddball: a hatchback transformed into a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive rocket. Its explosive performance and unique character make it a cult favorite among enthusiasts.
Yet, the Clio V6 is notorious for its challenging handling and lack of day-to-day usability. Cargo space is sacrificed for the engine, and practicality is nearly nonexistent.
For a deeper dive, check out the Top Gear review.

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11. Hummer H1

The Hummer H1 is the ultimate off-road machine, exuding unmistakable military presence and conquering terrain that would stop ordinary vehicles cold. Its ruggedness and capability are genuinely thrilling for adventure seekers.
However, the H1’s gigantic proportions, dismal fuel efficiency, and unwieldy road manners make it a nightmare in urban environments. Parking and daily driving become daunting challenges.
For more details, see the Car and Driver review.

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12. Cadillac XLR-V

The Cadillac XLR-V is a striking blend of American luxury and supercharged performance, turning heads wherever it goes. Its rarity and powerful engine offer a unique driving experience few can match.
Yet, this exclusivity comes at a cost—complex electronics, sky-high repair bills, and a lack of aftermarket support make ownership stressful. What starts as a dream car can quickly become a source of frustration.
Read more in the MotorTrend review.

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13. Subaru SVX

The Subaru SVX captivates with its futuristic window-within-a-window design and the smooth power delivery of its flat-six engine. It stands out in a crowd, offering a unique flavor of 1990s grand touring.
However, SVX ownership is fraught with headaches. Transmission failures are common, and finding replacement parts can be a painstaking ordeal, making long-term reliability a serious concern.
Learn more about its quirks in this Jalopnik article.

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14. BMW i8

Bmw I8 Shooting Lanzarote — A sleek BMW i8 hybrid sports car gleams under city lights, showcasing its futuristic design and aerodynamic curves. | Image from www.uihere.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The BMW i8 dazzles with its visionary design, dramatic doors, and advanced hybrid technology. It’s a rolling conversation starter, combining sports car excitement with eco-conscious flair.
Yet, the i8’s intricate systems can be costly to fix, and its electric-only range is modest by modern standards. For most, it’s best enjoyed as a striking weekend cruiser rather than a hassle-prone daily driver.
Explore more in the Car and Driver review.

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15. Lamborghini Countach

The Lamborghini Countach defines 1980s supercar excess with its outrageous styling and electrifying performance. Its scissor doors and wedge shape made it a dream for generations of enthusiasts.
However, living with a Countach is a different story: the cockpit is cramped, the controls are heavy, and rear visibility is almost nonexistent. Add in astronomical maintenance costs, and it’s easy to see why this legend is best left on posters.
Discover more in the Classic Driver article.

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16. Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom is the embodiment of raw, unfiltered speed. Its skeletal frame, featherweight build, and astonishing acceleration deliver a thrill few cars can match.
But this performance comes without compromise for comfort—there’s no roof, barely any weather protection, and minimal amenities. Ownership is often reserved for those who crave track-day adrenaline, not daily commutes.
For more, check out the Evo review.

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17. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6

Mercedes g63 amg 6x6 sdfks 1 — The formidable Mercedes G63 AMG 6×6 dominates rugged terrain, blending six-wheeled power with unmistakable luxury off-road style. | Image from www.hippopx.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 is an outrageous display of engineering excess. With six driven wheels and monstrous off-road ability, it’s a rolling event wherever it appears—on the trail or in the city.
However, its sheer size, sky-high price tag, and total impracticality mean it’s more fantasy than feasible for all but the wealthiest thrill seekers.
For a closer look, read the Autocar review.

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Final Thoughts on These Unforgettable Yet Unlivable Machines

1200px Bentley Continental Gtc 28ii29 E28093 Frontansicht 281292c 25. Oktober 20112c Dc3bcsseldorf — A vibrant lineup of fun, quirky cars and rare exotic vehicles shines under the sun, each with its own unique flair. | Image from commons.wikimedia.org (Creative Commons Licensed)

The cars on this list prove that automotive passion often comes with a hefty dose of reality. Their exhilarating performance, bold designs, and legendary status make them unforgettable—yet, for most, the challenges of ownership far outweigh the thrill.
From astronomical maintenance to daily impracticalities, these machines are best appreciated from a safe distance, where you can enjoy their stories and excitement without the headaches.
So, admire their brilliance, watch them in action, and let your heart race without the burden of constant repairs or compromise. Sometimes, the most fun cars are best left to dreams and legends.

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The 17 Most Fun Cars You’d Never Want to Own

1. Lotus Elise

2. Dodge Viper

3. Mazda RX-8

4. Alfa Romeo 4C

5. DeLorean DMC-12

6. Ferrari 348

7. TVR Sagaris

8. Smart Roadster

9. Chevrolet Corvair

10. Renault Clio V6

11. Hummer H1

12. Cadillac XLR-V

13. Subaru SVX

14. BMW i8

15. Lamborghini Countach

16. Ariel Atom

17. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6

Final Thoughts on These Unforgettable Yet Unlivable Machines

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