German sports cars are the gold standard for driving performance, fun, and agility on the road or track. Couple this with German engineering, and you’ve got a recipe for driving pleasure on any road.
Reliability is a key factor in driving any vehicle. Thankfully, most German brands rank at or near the top of the reliability rankings every year. This makes it easy to trust used sports cars from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche, with many classic models taking top dollar at high-end auctions.
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The Most Reliable Sports Cars In 2024
Alongside their performance, the key 2024 sports cars manage to offer solid reliability across the board.
The reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power, and average yearly maintenance costs were sourced from RepairPal, while estimated ten-year maintenance costs were sourced from CarEdge. General vehicle information and powertrain specifications were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by J.D. Power’s quality and reliability scores.
10
2020 BMW Z4
Quality & Reliability Score: 80/100
The 2020 BMW Z4 is a stylish and agile roadster, providing drivers with the precise handling desired to make it a lot of fun. This little BMW roadster is also one of the most reliable used German sports cars that you can buy.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
254 hp |
|
Torque |
294 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
24/32 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
137 MPH |
If you want the classic roadster experience in your BMW Z4, you’ll be glad to have a tidy cabin and impressive driving balance. This car has a larger-than-expected cargo area and is quiet and calm on any road with the top up or down.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $895
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $14,592
- Total Recalls: 5
9
2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Quality & Reliability Score: 80/100
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a luxury roadster known for its blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. This incredible car has a range of powerful engines, including V8 and V12 options to go along with the well-crafted interior.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged V6 |
|
Transmission |
7-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
329 hp |
|
Torque |
354 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
20/27 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.6 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH (gov ltd) |
The SL-Class is one of the most elegant and sophisticated used German sports cars you can drive. This car provides you with effortless acceleration, impressive trimming, and a retractable glass-roof hardtop, which makes it one of the most luxurious sports cars you can drive.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,055
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $13,033
- Total Recalls: 3
8
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Quality & Reliability Scores: 83/100
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe combines elegant design, powerful engine options, and advanced technology to provide excellent driving manners on any road. The robust construction and amazing engineering make the C-Class Coupe one of the most reliable German sports cars you’ll find.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
7-speed automated manual |
|
Horsepower |
241 hp |
|
Torque |
273 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
23/30 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
6.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH (gov ltd) |
When you want a thrilling style, but need a bit of practicality in your sports car, the C-Class Coupe has you covered. This impressive car has elegant and smooth lines that make it look fast even when it is sitting perfectly still. This Mercedes-Benz could be a great sports car for everyday driving.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $739
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $11,075
- Total Recalls: 13
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The Most Reliable Mid-Size German SUVs
If you want an amazing driving experience and top-notch German engineering, these are the most reliable midsize German SUVs to choose from.
7
2016 BMW M3
Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
The BMW M3 is the Ultimate Driving Machine and one of the most reliable German sports cars, especially when you choose the 2016 model. This fierce sports car is an aggressive athlete that’s ready to get things done and take your driving to the next level.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
425 hp |
|
Torque |
406 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
17/26 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.1 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH (gov ltd) |
The M3 handles well and has one of the most impressive ride qualities you’ll find in any sports car. This is one of the luxury sports sedans that focuses heavily on performance and being a sports car, but it still has the upscale qualities you expect from a BMW.
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Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,161
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $13,749
- Total Recalls: 3
6
2016 Audi TT
Quality & Reliability Score: 87/100
The Audi TT is a compact sports car that became known for being more stylish and aggressive than most Audi vehicles. The Quattro AWD system is reliable and allows this small sports car to deliver excellent performance and fun on any road.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed automated manual |
|
Horsepower |
220 hp |
|
Torque |
258 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
23/30 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
128 MPH (gov ltd) |
The 2016 Audi TT is one of the most reliable German sports cars on the market. It has high build quality and advanced technology to contribute to its reputation as a dependable luxury sports car that can make your driving experience much more fun than ever before.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $740
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $9,909
- Total Recalls: 0
5
2016 Audi S5
Quality & Reliability Scores: 87/100
The Audi S5 could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s a stylish and powerful sports coupe with a strong engine and the benefits of the standard Quattro AWD. The advanced engineering and high build quality ensure reliability, making it easy to admire this German sports car.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.0-liter supercharged V6 |
|
Transmission |
7-speed automated manual |
|
Horsepower |
333 hp |
|
Torque |
325 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
18/28 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH (gov ltd) |
The 2017 Audi S5 looks good from every angle, which makes this sports car one of the most sophisticated and elegant cars you’ll see. Step in and see an amazing interior that is a model of understated luxury, giving this car the look and feel you’re sure to enjoy.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,164
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $9,413
- Total Recalls: 5
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4
2016 Porsche Cayman
Quality & Reliability Score: 88/100
The Porsche Cayman is a well-balanced mid-engine sports car with sharp handling, responsive performance, and a range of efficient and powerful flat-four and flat-six engines. The Cayman is a thrill to drive and is one of the most reliable used German sports cars you’ll find.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.8-liter flat 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
385 hp |
|
Torque |
309 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
18/23 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
183 MPH |
The 2016 Porsche Cayman has exceptional handling, a slick-shifting transmission, and reasonable fuel mileage. The cabin is beautifully crafted, making it one of the top choices when you want to drive an excellent car that looks and feels great wherever you go.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,135
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $19,168
- Total Recalls: 1
3
2017 BMW M2
Quality & Reliability Scores: 88/100
The 2017 BMW M2 is a compact sports coupe with precise handling, impressive power, and robust performance. The solid construction and high-quality components make this little Beemer one of the most reliable used German sports cars that you’ll find.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
365 hp |
|
Torque |
343 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
18/26 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.3 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
163 MPH (gov ltd) |
The 2017 M2 received some upgrades, including a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and enhanced connectivity. This modernized the M2 enough that you can still enjoy driving this car today and know that you can get connected to your sports car.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $968
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $9,128
- Total Recalls: 0
2
2016 Porsche Boxster
Quality & Reliability Score: 91/100
The Porsche Boxster is the companion sports car to the Cayman. This mid-engine roadster brings superb handling, responsive performance, and reliable engineering to your driving experience. This car is exhilarating to drive and is easily one of the most reliable used German sports cars you’ll find.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.8-liter flat 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
375 hp |
|
Torque |
309 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
18/24 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
180 MPH |
The Boxster delivers the goods with impressive handling, artful design in the cabin, and a well-insulated soft top that makes it easy to enjoy a quiet cabin when the top is up. When you take this sports car on the road, heads will turn to see what you’re driving.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $961
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $16,117
- Total Recalls: 1
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From turbocharged three cylinders to thoroughbred racing V12s, these sports cars wield iconic engines.
1
2015 Porsche 911
Quality & Reliability Score: 94/100
The Porsche 911 is the classic Porsche sports car with masterful handling, impressive driving dynamics, amazing comfort, and desirable ride quality. The 2015 Porsche 911 is one of the most reliable used German sports cars from the previous decade.
Most Popular Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
3.4-liter flat 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
7-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
350 hp |
|
Torque |
287 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
19/27 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.3 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
188 MPH |
The Porsche 911 may not be the fastest sports car for the money, but it has a timeless character and style, which makes it one of the most desirable of every model year. Choose the version that gives you the most driving pleasure and have a great time on the road and track.
Reliability Factors
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,142
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During The First 10 Years: $20,615
- Total Recalls: 2
