Summer is coming, and with it, the urge to hop into the sleek, posh cabin of a used luxury sports car. However, before you indulge that desire, you should choose wisely. For instance, these four used luxury options, like the 2007 Jaguar XK and 2003 Porsche Boxster, have several headache-inducing complaints from owners and drivers. 

A used luxury sports car might be tempting, but these four models have some concerning owner complaints

• 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500
• 2003 Porsche Boxster
• 2007 BMW Z4
• 2007 Jaguar XK

Of course, with proper care and steadfast preventative maintenance, these cars have the potential to be worthwhile summertime cruisers. However, owners willing to accept the risk should budget for maintenance and the occasional pricey repair. 

Is an SL500 expensive to maintain?

With average service center rates of nearly $200, maintaining a used Mercedes-Benz like a 2003 SL500 could be quite expensive. For instance, a 2003 SL500 from the R230 generation has 46 NHTSA complaints about suspension issues like a body control system failure that could cost around $6,000 to remedy.   

Moreover, the Mercedes-Benz luxury sports car has 23 NHTSA complaints about brake problems, per Car Complaints. Also, an R230 option with a folding metal roof could result in an expensive repair should it fail. As a result, an SL500 could be a host for gremlins. If you’re not patient enough to deal with a used luxury sports car, the R230 SL500 could be a bad idea.  

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Porsche Boxster?

A used 2003 Porsche Boxster from the model’s first generation has several owner complaints about intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing shaft failure and stereo issues. Specifically, owners report an IMS failure at just 56,100 miles, an issue that could require an engine replacement or rebuild. 

So, while a first-generation Boxster might seem like an incredible bargain with the Zuffenhausen badge, some owners reported expensive engine rebuilds at a relatively low odometer reading.

Is a BMW Z4 high-maintenance?

A 2007 BMW Z4 has the potential to be high-maintenance, considering its owner-reported complaints of engine and steering issues. Specifically, the NHTSA has 11 complaints about instances of uncontrollable steering and one report of a fatal car fire incident due to steering issues. 

However, the issues are rare, and the 2007 BMW Z4 earned a 4.8 out of 5.0 from KBB in terms of owner satisfaction. Moreover, while service center rates and maintenance costs might not be as affordable as a Ford or Toyota, the 2007 BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster has an average value of just $11,120, making it an affordable luxury sports car option. 

What are the most common problems with a used Jaguar XK Coupe?

A Jaguar XK from the X150 generation, like the 2007 model, has four NHTSA complaints about vehicle speed control issues. Moreover, 11 owners reported a check engine light with error codes P0491 or P0492. However, RepairPal says that a software update could fix the error codes. 

  
Would you take a chance on these luxury droptops? Share your thoughts in the comments below!