Cheap to Buy Doesn't Mean Cheap to Own
The used-supercar market can be incredibly tempting when yesterday's dream car suddenly costs a fraction of its original price. Depreciation can put machines from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati, and other exotic manufacturers within reach of buyers who couldn't have considered them new. The catch is that the purchase price is only one part of the equation!
1. Ferrari 360 Modena
There are few easier ways to get into affordable classic Ferrari ownership than the 360. The bad news? Despite its looks, rubber parts, seals, electronics, and other areas can still need work even on well-maintained examples.
2. Lamborghini Gallardo
Produced in higher numbers than some other choices on this list, the Gallardo became more affordable on the used market than earlier Lamborghini models. Maintenance still isn’t exactly cheap, especially on early examples with automated manual transmissions. Clutch replacement can be pricey.
3. Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo offered screaming Italian design, a Ferrari-sourced V8, and depreciation that took its price way down from its initial cost. Maintenance costs, however, are another story. The GranTurismo remains a high-end luxury performance vehicle when it comes to suspension repairs, clutches (certain versions), electrical gremlins, and routine service.
4. Aston Martin DB9
Thanks to depreciation, the DB9 can seem like a screaming deal next to what it originally cost new. Rest assured, that won’t be the case when it comes time for repairs or maintenance. Sophisticated construction means keeping one in good running order isn’t comparable to most used cars.
5. Audi R8 V8
The first-gen Audi R8 is one of the more practical exotics on this list, and depreciation has made early versions quite attainable. The Audi connection means parts prices are friendlier than some brands here. However, the V8 isn’t a mainstream engine by any stretch, and overall maintenance isn’t cheap.
Thhe, edited by אx on Wikimedia
6. Ferrari F430
The F430 is newer and more powerful than the 360 Modena, but its running costs are still firmly planted in Ferrari territory. Automated manual gearbox issues can cause expensive clutch-related bills, while carbon-ceramic brakes and specialized suspension bits won’t be cheap either when the time comes.
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7. Lamborghini Murciélago
One of the Lambo’s most collectible as they age, but there are still examples out there that seem affordable next to the Murciélago’s original price. Its huge V12 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system require pricey specialized knowledge when it comes to repairs and replacement parts.
8. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Combining a hand-built V8 engine with an aluminum body and iconic doors, the SLS AMG is one of the coolest exotics to ever come across our desk. Depreciation has since lowered prices to within reach of enthusiasts who couldn’t fathom such a car new. However, replacement parts are still expensive.
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9. McLaren MP4-12C
McLaren’s first modern-production exotic introduced world-class performance and technology to the masses. However, early cars suffered from electronic woes and questionable reliability. Build quality and ultra-high-tech suspension aren’t forgiving when problems arise, either.
10. Ferrari California
The Ferrari California was designed to be a comfortable daily driver relative to other Ferraris. Depreciation has since made used examples quite attractive to those who want a grand tourer rather than a hardcore track monster. But don’t let that fool you. Ferrari ownership still requires spending plenty of money on maintenance.
11. Jaguar XJ220
As you may have noticed, depreciation hasn’t always made cars on this list more affordable to own. The Jaguar XJ220 once cost hundreds of thousands of dollars at launch, saw dramatic fluctuations in used pricing, and now sits as one of the most desirable collector cars of all time.
12. Porsche Carrera GT
The Carrera GT isn't exactly a cheap supercar today, but compared with its original price and the cost of some modern exotics, its historical depreciation makes it worth mentioning. Its V10 engine, carbon-fiber monocoque, ceramic clutch, and highly specialized construction make routine ownership a serious financial commitment.
13. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
The 612 Scaglietti is one of those Ferraris that can look almost suspiciously affordable on the used market. Its large V12 and four-seat grand-tourer configuration don't have the same collector appeal as some other Ferrari models, which has pushed prices down considerably. That affordability can be misleading because parts, maintenance, and specialist labor remain associated with a high-end Ferrari.
14. Lamborghini Diablo
It’d be easy to think an old-school Diablo is finally affordable since it’s now quite old. Don’t be fooled. An older Lamborghini means specialized knowledge and maintenance, and Diablo parts are no longer made at the volumes they once were. Rubber bits wear out, electronics can fail, cooling systems are finicky, and suspension pieces need replacing.
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15. Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The older the V8 Vantage, the more affordable it’s become compared to original pricing. That makes these early cars attractive to enthusiasts seeking classic British sports car charm. Unfortunately, that hasn’t changed the cost of clutches, suspension bits, electronics, cooling systems, engine repairs, or age-related issues that come with these cars.
16. Maserati Quattroporte
Italian luxury, an exotic-looking sedan body, powerful engine, huge depreciation on older generations. That makes used examples look tempting to buyers who want an exotic-looking sedan without an exotic purchase price. Unfortunately, electrical problems, suspension repairs, transmission work, and general maintenance can make long-term ownership expensive.
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17. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The Ferrari 599 GTB offers a gigantic V12 engine, fast acceleration, and genuine grand-touring capability. However, older examples have depreciated quite a bit from their new prices. Buying used still requires a Ferrari budget.
18. Lamborghini Aventador
Despite strong residual value, early Lamborghini Aventadors have also depreciated significantly from their original cost. Its enormous V12, automated manual transmission, carbon-fiber construction, and sophisticated electronics aren't cheap to maintain when something eventually needs replacement.
19. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
The AMG GT is a newer car than most on this list, and its technology might make it seem more reliable. However, depreciation has already occurred, and used AMG GTs are far more attainable today than they once were. Even when the engine itself is healthy, brakes, suspension components, electronics, cooling systems, and other specialized hardware can add up quickly.
20. Ferrari 456 GT
The Ferrari 456 GT is an especially interesting example of a depreciated exotic that can appear far cheaper than its badge suggests. Its front-mounted V12 and grand-touring design make it a relatively understated Ferrari, but age is now one of its biggest concerns. Finding replacement parts, maintaining aging electrical systems, servicing the engine, and keeping the interior in good condition can require patience and lots of money.
