Many baby boomers who grew up admiring muscle cars, supercars and roadsters of yesteryear still dream of owning them. A Pontiac GTO, first-generation Ford Mustang or third-gen Chevrolet Corvette has appeal that’s largely ageless, while a Ferrari F355, Lamborghini Murciélago, Jaguar XJ220, Lexus LFA or Bugatti Veyron offers more highly specialized levels of engineering and performance. The Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) and Aston Martin Lagonda each has its own authentic classic luxury and charisma. But owning even one of them comes with challenges well beyond the sticker price aging drive systems, costly parts and the need for competition-level technicians.

The true cost of ownership for a dream car really depends on its condition, amount of engineering complexity and service needs. Classic American autos can demand a major overhaul, whereas exotics require high labor, hard-to-find items, and catastrophic repairs. For example, look at the timing-belt removal requirement to replace the Ferrari F355’s water pump the Murciélago’s clutch bill could be five digits and the Bugatti Veyron’s service and tire bill could be six digits. The Jaguar XJ220 or Lexus LFA also has the problem of finding a technician qualified to install parts while the Mercedes-Benz SL finally needs shop work to keep its aging components running. Use this list of ten dream cars as a gauge for the mechanical condition, service history, parts availability, and long-term maintenance costs of a future purchase.

1. Pontiac GTO (1964-1970)

Pontiac GTO is considered one of the most iconic muscle cars for Baby Boomers. The Pontiac GTO was a muscle car that converted the cute-ute style midsize coupe into a thoroughbred muscle car. Everyone who admired these cars when they were young would love to own a flawlessly restored GTO as an ultimate reward. It’s still one of the most popular cars today, with high market values and a restoration culture that revolves around original parts and trick-shop labor. But owning one is a costly proposition replacement parts are costly to source, and a skilled workshop charges accordingly for the repairs it does on aging cars, and keeping its big V8 engine purring along also takes a lot of skill and care.

Pontiac GTO Ownership Costs:

• Iconic classic American muscle car
• Strong demand keeps values elevated
• Authentic parts can be expensive
• Specialist restoration labor adds costs
• Big V8 requires regular upkeep

The cost to buy a Pontiac GTO is just the beginning. Buyers seeking an authentic fully restored GTO will need to keep the costs of authentic parts and specialized labor in mind, as well as routine service for aging mechanical systems. As long as the demand for classic restoration work stays high, GTOs are sure to be serviceable, but that high demand can make ownership quite pricey. The big block V8 engine gives the GTO its characteristic power and performance, but keeping it in top running order will require regular maintenance, and a buyer restoring an example will need to keep the costs of sourcing authentic parts and qualified technicians in mind as well. Many buyers will find themselves in for a big financial commitment to bring the car back to a former glory.

2. Ford Mustang (First Generation)

Most “first-generation” Ford Mustangs are rooted firmly in the mind of baby-boomer nostalgia. The handsome styling and low initial purchase prices allowed these young gun owners to own their own cars. A long hood, a short deck, and that distinctive pony car styling allowed everyone to dream that they, too, could be a Mustang owner someday. Today, however, even though there are many Mustang fans that appreciate the first-generation Mustangs for what they symbolize, the price of admission does not mean inexpensive maintenance and upkeep for aging vehicles. While the aftermarket support is currently strong, the mechanicals of those first-generation cars, and routine maintenance and repair work will still result in workshop bills that add up.

First-Generation Mustang Ownership Reality:

• Classic pony-car styling
• Strong appeal among enthusiasts
• Extensive aftermarket parts support
• Aging mechanical systems need attention
• Repair bills accumulate over time

The first-generation Mustang is a known amount when it comes to style and nostalgia, but an older car does present other practical considerations. Fortunately, there is lots of support in the aftermarket for keeping the car on the road, but upkeep will inevitably be required when it is decades old. Mechanical parts wear out over time, and the body may need to be updated or maintained, which is a steady cost even if the car itself is not as complicated as some others. Workshop time and parts continue to cost the owner money even if the car is not as complicated as some others. And it all comes down to how often the owner plans to actually drive the vehicle, since with enough use, there will be constant maintenance, even with the big long hood and short rear deck.

3. Chevrolet Corvette (C3)

This Third Generation (model years 1968–1982) Chevrolet Corvette has served as a dream sports car to any number of gearheads. By the time the C3 rolls off the showroom floor, its flowing Fenders, fiberglass construction, and T-top roof panels have become recognized symbols of coolness and high-performance motoring. For a lucky baby boomer closer to retirement age, it’s a chance to finally bring home a sports car that may have played an important part of their youth. But, it’s also going to be a perfect storm of problems for any aging gearhead. Fiberglass body maintenance, minor engine work on the small-block V8, vacuum operated components, old-quality interior parts, and age-related mechanical issues can make a classic Corvette an expensive purchase, of which the purchase price is just part of the overall equation.

Chevrolet Corvette C3 Maintenance Challenges:

• Iconic fiberglass sports-car body
• Removable T-top roof panels
• Aging small-block V8 engine
• Vacuum-operated components need maintenance
• Specialized repairs increase ownership costs

The C3 Corvette hits the sweet spot of looking familiar but hearing more old performance machinery. Yet the fiberglass body and small-block V8 aren’t as friendly to decades of use as everything else. Things like the motors, vacuum system, and paint, carpets, and seats won’t last forever nor will the gears and tachs and fuel and temperature sensors. Rather than replacing one problem, owners often face the challenge of sorting out more than one failing component to keep the Corvette on the road, making repairs seem just as hard to ignore as the purchase price. Repair work on additional damaged components can really push a price up, but if the Corvette remains in its original condition, it might just be worth it to keep something special about the sports-car alive.

4. Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 is considered by many to be one of the most attractive Italian exotics that will give you everything you want from a high performance vehicle. Looks on the surface are definitely not deceiving, but for a high performance machine is the constant and sometimes significant maintenance costs. The F355’s high performance engine takes specialized technicians and may be beyond the scope of your standard repair shop, and certain services, such as replacing the timing belt, require removal of the complete engine, making it a service that will take a large amount of labor. The F355 also has delicate exhaust manifolds and very sensitive interior finishes, which if not taken care of will cause significant and costly issues as well. The car itself is only the beginning be prepared for costly repairs and service to keep the Ferrari on the road.

Ferrari F355 Maintenance Expenses:

• Sleek Italian exotic styling
• High-performance engine needs specialist care
• Timing belt requires engine removal
• Fragile exhaust manifolds create concerns
• Sticky interior finishes need attention

How exotic-car zeal can cause ordinary maintenance work to become a costly proposition is demonstrated by the F355. Its timing belt replacement is difficult because the engine must be removed to replace the belt, and labor costs can make scheduled work a lot more costly than owners might expect from an ordinary maintenance item. The fragile exhaust manifolds can also cost a fair amount of money to replace, while stickiness of interior finishes may be less critical than the appearance of the cabin. Specialized technicians are a crucial part of the high-strung engine and mechanical needs of the F355, so owners must weigh the initial cost of the car and the recurring costs of keeping the Ferrari in good condition. F355s are sure to satisfy those who have always wanted a Ferrari, but they do need to be prepared for the high costs of ownership.

5. Lamborghini Murciélago

The ambitious goal of this supercar dream is certainly achieved colorful styling plus a rousing V12 engine. However, ownership cost of a Lamborghini Murciélago can surpass the initial sticker price, the reason being heat. Since the V12 engine produces a lot of heat, the other engine bay components are actually exposed to extreme temperatures while charging along at a feverish pace. A costly service, which can easily climb past $10,000, is a clutch replacement, and it does not take long for the clutch to need replacing when driven with enthusiasm. Electrical issues compound the trouble, but using to replace parts and components can be costly too. Consequently, this Lamborghini is not a cheap car to buy and own over time.

Lamborghini Murciélago Ownership Costs:

• Powerful V12 engine
• High engine-bay thermal stress
• Clutch replacement can exceed $10,000
• Aggressive driving accelerates clutch wear
• Electrical repairs increase expenses

The Murciélago proves how costly a supercar can become to run after the purchase is over. With its V12 engine and related components producing a lot of heat, along with high-stress driving conditions that can cause clutch wear on short notice, an owner who finds a clutch to need replaced may be in for a huge bill when that comes. Electrical issues can mean more uncertainty, and the high cost of replacement parts makes repairs more expensive. These duties allow the purchasing buyer to think about the condition of a vehicle, the manner of use, and the potential costs of repair work. For some, a Murciélago represents what it takes to live out the Lamborghini fantasy, but with high-powered supercars, performance comes with more than just infrequent visits to the maintenance shop.

6. Jaguar XJ220

XJ220 is an extremely rare and beautiful performance vehicle with a high running costs. The oddball XJ220 is equipped with a turbocharged V6 that calls for highly specialized care and attention getting a technician that’s prepared to take on the job can be hard work, which can be problematic from a financial point of view. Plus, it is prohibitively expensive to ensure that the vehicle is well-maintained in the long-term because many of its complex parts, including the bespoke body panels, are no longer available. Perhaps the worst issue of all is the potential failure of the bladder tank that often leaves owners facing a huge repair bill.

Jaguar XJ220 Ownership Challenges:

• Rare high-performance Jaguar
• Twin-turbo V6 needs specialist care
• Bespoke parts are increasingly scarce
• Fuel bladder failures create expenses
• Few technicians accept complex repairs

The XJ220 presents very different ownership challenges to the average classic performance car. The specialist twin-turbo V6 needs certain types of mechanics, and acquiring garage expertise may be a real problem. Replacement parts can also be a headache, since many of its components were exclusively designed for the vehicle and are no longer available. When such a part fails, finding a new one can prove both costly and time-consuming. Other issues include replacing damaged fuel bladders, which can be costly. Such complications demand that anyone considering owning an XJ220 think about not only parts availability but also the availability of suitable repair facilities. The XJ220 remains a wonderful target car, but while not a particularly common classic, it is one of the more difficult ones to own and maintain.

7. Lexus LFA

Japanese cars will evoke the artistic craftsmanship of the Lexus LFA. Its high-revving V10 engine delivers a special kind of exotic performance that many enthusiasts dream of owning one day. The LFA has a supercar-like attitude towards engineering and can be quite difficult to maintain. A Lexus LFA engine can be expensive to service due to the scarce number of Lexus technicians with the capacity to service such a rare supercar. Replacement parts for the Lexus LFA also will cost owners a considerable amount of money as the vehicle is so limited in production. The car comes equipped with large-sized carbon-ceramic disc brakes that give the supercar excellent stopping power however, these are extremely costly to replace!

Lexus LFA Maintenance Reality:

• High-revving V10 engine
• Specialized diagnostic tools required
• Lexus-trained technicians are essential
• Carbon-ceramic brakes cost significantly
• Rare components increase repair expenses

While the LFA’s technical quality requires a degree of maintenance that you wouldn’t expect from a more typical Japanese car. The LFA has much more complicated systems and a V10 engine, which demands the right diagnosis tools and well-trained technicians, of which there are not many. This can make even carry out the right maintenance more complicated. Brake pads alone can be very expensive when they need replacing, and given how few of these cars are out there, getting hold of the right parts can also be a costly matter. If you plan on purchasing one of these, pay close attention to the availability of good technicians and the cost of those major wear items, as there is little to no compromise on the high-performance equipment and the cost to keep these running smoothly.

8. Bugatti Veyron

The car you have bought (or are thinking of buying) the Bugatti Veyron cannot just be maintained at regular repair workshops. There are less than 40 workshops worldwide that have the necessary equipment and the expertise to work on this car. Over the years, a normal service on the Veyron can involve a great deal of mechanical work as well. A simple oil change can be as expensive as $ 20,000 since mechanics have to disassemble the complete rear axle assembly and remove it to carry out the task. Likewise, if you get new tires for your Veyron, you would have to replace the rims and buy tires (which would set you back by $ 40,000).

Bugatti Veyron Running Costs:

• Exceptional hypercar performance
• Limited certified servicing facilities
• Oil change exceeds $20,000
• Tire replacement costs $40,000
• Wheels replaced alongside new tires

The Veyron demonstrates the extraordinary maintenance bill when a car incorporates that much special engineering. Limited supply of authorized repair locations increases the inconvenience of sending it in to get pricey work done, and the oil-change bill is reported to be over $20,000 because the rear-axle assembly must be taken out to get to the oil. Then there are the tires, which each cost $40,000 for a new set, requiring wheel replacement too. These issues all sum to a maintenance cost that exceeds the annual total when it comes to the market value of most luxury vehicles. The Veyron is an incredible achievement, but keeping it running on the road is a task requiring a serious financial commitment.

9. Aston Martin Lagonda

The Aston Martin Lagonda combines striking wedge-shaped styling with a bold array of tech to create a uniquely European luxury saloon. Its high-tech digital dash was a key selling point of this vehicle, but it also proved to be very costly and unreliable. For those who own a Lagonda today, serious frustrations can ensue when electronics begin to fail in these vehicles, with dash and electronics reconditioning being difficult if not impossible to do due to the obsolescence of many existing electronic parts and the unavailability of others. The car’s sizeable V8 powerplant also incurs high expenses from the heavy consumption of petrol and the difficulty of tuning the engine for optimum efficiency. All together, long-term ownership costs for the Aston Martin Lagonda can be a considerable expenditure.

Aston Martin Lagonda Ownership Expenses:

• Distinctive wedge-shaped exterior
• Futuristic digital dashboard
• Electronic failures can be costly
• Outdated components complicate restoration
• Large V8 consumes substantial fuel

This example of the Lagonda demonstrates how well-meaning technology can become problematic as a car gets older. The vehicle’s digital instrument panel differentiated the model at the point of purchase, but electronic issues can now prove costly to repair. Replacement parts are often no longer available so owners are left to turn to handmade counterparts or other repair options. The large V8 engine incurs ongoing costs as it burns fuel quickly and requires regular adjustments to make sure it functions effectively. Many potential sources of expenditure are introduced in this model instead of being singled out as a one-off issue. When buying a model like this you should consider any issues with the instrument panel, the reconditioned parts needed, and the engine’s service record.

10. Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)

Built in the 1970s and 1980s, the R107-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was a straightforward expression of European luxury and comfortable cruising. Hardtops that could be removed, a V8 driving the rear wheels, and sturdy, bank-vault-like construction made it a desirable car for suburban driveways and corporate parking lots. For the baby-boomer that worked their way into an SL, the car is a desirable classic roadster to own. But transforming this classic from regular transportation to aging collector vehicle requires significant financial commitment. The SL’s analog engineering can be practical enough for actual use, but the V8 and premium features still require regular attention. The R107’s dependable construction can’t eliminate the cost of maintaining a vintage luxury vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz SL Ownership Reality:

• Classic European luxury roadster
• Removable hardtop configuration
• V8 powertrain requires maintenance
• Sophisticated features need attention
• Long-term upkeep demands investment

The R107 can give you a different kind of dream-car ownership experience than the exotic supercars on this list. Its focus on comfort and tradition and long-distance cruising make it a sensible classic to many degrees. That doesn’t mean you won’t need to spend some money on the V8 powertrain and other mechanical systems to keep the luxury comings and goings happening. Wear-and-tear take their toll on even timeless modern classics, and so an older car requires budgeting for a higher level of upkeep from a collector-era vehicle. Being built well and having some analog engineering might appeal to the “it’s a car and I want to enjoy it” crowd, but neither prevents it from requiring maintenance. Make sure you’re aware of its condition and service history before you purchase.