Not every imported car fits the American roads or wallets! Despite their appeal, some foreign rides bring hefty repair bills, scarce parts, and unique maintenance needs. This gallery digs into 20 popular imports that turn even the most passionate car lovers into frustrated owners.

Toyota Century

American mechanics rarely see this Japanese luxury. Also known as Japan’s answer to Rolls-Royce, it has unique, hard-to-find parts and needs a highly skilled mechanic. Add in custom interior features, and keeping it running well here can get expensive fast. 

Citroën DS

Its hydropneumatic suspension was revolutionary but required specialized knowledge. Parts for this French classic are limited in the U.S., which makes it a challenge for mechanics. Fans still adore it, but maintenance can feel like a treasure hunt.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Finding parts for this JDM legend is challenging. The Skyline GT-R has unique engineering but needs skilled tuning, which is hard to get stateside. It’s a dream car, but ongoing maintenance and parts sourcing takes a serious commitment. 

Renault 5 Turbo

While it’s thrilling to drive, its turbo engine and unusual design require a lot of patience to keep it going. As a French compact with turbocharged power, this car’s parts are scarce in the U.S. and make repairs difficult. 

Alfa Romeo GTV6

Alfa Romeo GTV6 fans love it, but the frequent trips to specialists can turn the excitement of ownership into frustration. This Alfa requires specific parts that are hard to find due to its classic Italian style.

Peugeot 505

Peugeot’s classic sedan has quirky parts that are tough to find in the U.S. While it’s beloved for its European charm, owners face regular hurdles keeping it in shape, from hydraulic issues to electronics that need expert care. 

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV

Fans still hunt it down, but every repair tests their patience and wallet. The Evo IV is loved for its power but not for its maintenance demands. U.S. owners face parts scarcity, and repairs require JDM-specific skills. 

Holden Commodore

This Australian car is a standout on U.S. roads but has few parts available here. Holden enthusiasts often rely on overseas imports for even basic repairs, which makes it one expensive garage resident.

Fiat 130 Coupe

Parts are scarce, and most American mechanics are unfamiliar with its engine and electrical quirks. Rarely seen outside Italy, this Fiat is an import novelty but a nightmare to maintain in the U.S. 

Mazda Autozam AZ-1

A unique kei car, the Autozam AZ-1 stands out for its mini supercar look. However, with limited parts and repair expertise available in the U.S., keeping it running is a small but mighty challenge.

Rover SD1

This British classic came with style—and its fair share of electrical issues. The Rover SD1 needs parts that aren’t easy to get in the U.S., which makes repairs a time-consuming process even for devoted owners. 

Saab 900 Turbo

Saab enthusiasts love the turbocharged 900, but finding parts for this Swedish icon is tough. Its turbo engine, once advanced, now requires constant care and a mechanic with knowledge that’s hard to come by stateside.

Lancia Delta Integrale

This Italian rally champion has a reputation for high-maintenance needs. The Delta Integrale’s rare parts and specialized repair needs make it a tough car to own outside of Europe. It’s thrilling but hard on the wallet.

Renault Avantime

This unique French car never made it to the U.S., which means parts are practically nonexistent. Owning one here is a test of patience and resourcefulness as mechanics struggle with its rare features and complex systems. 

MG Midget

From frequent electrical issues to a unique engine, it requires more than basic tools to keep this tiny ride cruising. The MG Midget is a British classic with charm—and a long list of repair needs. 

Suzuki Cappuccino

Small and sporty, the Suzuki Cappuccino has a cult following but limited repair resources in the U.S. Its kei car design means parts are rare, and most mechanics here are unfamiliar with its compact engine.

Smart Roadster

It’s cute but complicated! Although the Smart Roadster has a compact design, it is difficult to repair due to its quirks. Parts are often only available in Europe, and its electronic systems baffle many U.S. mechanics. 

Opel Astra

While common in Europe, the Opel Astra isn’t easy to service in the U.S. Parts take time to import, and finding someone skilled with its unique build is a challenge. Astra owners here need both patience and cash. 

Toyota Mark II

Despite the Toyota Mark II’s reputation for reliability in Japan, its parts and repair requirements aren’t well known here. Owners often face extra time and cost to keep this popular sedan running smoothly here.

Honda Beat

This JDM kei car is rare and beloved but a challenge to maintain. With specific parts hard to find in the U.S. and limited space under the hood, it’s a mechanic’s puzzle and a pricey project for owners.