8 Hardest Cars to Work On 2021 – Why Cars Are Hard to Work On

hardest cars to work on

When we see luxurious cars, We are amazed by their extraordinary look and want to be part of them. But due to their complex mechanical design, these are the hardest cars to work on.

New cars can be hard to work on because of the new technology and the required diagnostic equipment which is out of the price range for us. Old cars can be difficult to work on due to rusted seized bolts and leaky components.

Many years ago, vehicles were easily repaired because of their simple design and less complexity in the engine. But as the technologies become advanced. Now mostly every vehicle contains high-tech equipment making them the most difficult cars to work on.

Now, these cars are being repaired by highly skilled technicians who have access to sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Here are the hardest cars to work on in 2021.

Top 8 Hardest Cars to Work On In USA 2021

There are many vehicles that are complicated in structure, and the cumbersome engine access makes them the most difficult to repair. Some of them are new car models and other models are old.

Following are a list of hardest American cars to work on in 2021:-

  1. Ford F-250
  2. Audi A8
  3. Mercedes-Benz G Class
  4. The MINI Cooper
  5. Audi Allroad A6
  6. Toyota MR2
  7. Range Rover Velar
  8. Nissan 300ZX

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Why Are These Most Difficult Cars to Work On?

Before we start our task to repair them, First we need to take time to disassemble half of the car. It takes time, effort and most importantly labour makes them the most difficult cars to work on. 

Most cars have engine compartments so small that only little hands can fit in most places and some of them require us to use high-tech diagnostic tools that are very expensive. 

Cars that are more complex to work on also cost more money to maintain. Another reason buyers steer clear of these toughest cars to work on.

List of Hardest American Cars to Work On – (Updated 2021)

Now we will see the top 8 hardest cars to work on in 2021 and some tips to easily diagnose them or repair them so you feel no regret after buying them. 

We will also learn which part of the vehicle is poorly designed which makes it worse for cars to repair or fix. Let’s begin the list:

1. Ford F-250

The Ford F-250 is a powerful pickup truck that is popular and has many notable features. When it comes to repairs and maintenance, It is one of the hardest cars to work on.

Ford F-250 list of hardest american cars to work on

To carry out major maintenance or repair work on this device, you must first remove the entire cabin from the frame.

Yes, you’ve read correctly. That alone makes working with this vehicle difficult. Basically, you have a lot of work to do before you start working.

Ford F-250 Easily Work on

If your Ford F-250 doesn’t start easily, follow these easy troubleshooting steps. If you have started the engine twice and your truck did not start, press the accelerator pedal all the way down and turn the key to the start position.

Reset the fuel pump cut-off switch, especially if the truck was suddenly jerked, such as in an accident. These steps help you to tackle this toughest car to fix.

2. Audi A8

Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8, is considered one of the most luxurious cars in the world. Unfortunately, the repair costs for this vehicle are very high, which makes it the most difficult car to repair.

Audi A8 hardest cars to work on

Because of the sensitive electronic sensors implemented in the braking system, the cost of simply replacing the brake pads can exceed $ 250.

Audi A8 Easily Work on

The electronic parking brake is known to stay on when it is off. Depending on how bad it is, you may need to replace the electronic handbrake and possibly the brake calipers as well.

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With the A8, the air temperature sensor often fails. Installing a replacement air temperature sensor solves the problem.

3. Mercedes-Benz G Class

This well-built SUV is designed for a wide variety of terrains. However, it is the most expensive car to serve as the estimated repair cost over a five-year period is nearly $ 2,000.

Mercedes-Benz G Class hardest cars to work on

After the factory warranty has expired, the Mercedes Benz G Class owner has to pay the bill for the replacement of the high-tech components.

Its suspension system is one of the most advanced in the world. But it is so laborious to repair and the toughest cars to service.

Mercedes-Benz G Class Easily Work on

The body is worth checking for dents and scratches. There are plenty of electrical devices on board later models too, so it’s worth checking that everything works. 

Another common problems are Cardan shaft failure. Since this vehicle is an off-road and off-road vehicle, it is worth checking to make sure the suspension springs are not broken.

4. The MINI Cooper

It may not come as a surprise that a “Mini” branded car is difficult to manage. The lack of space in the engine compartment is often cited as the main reason for a MINI Cooper to come in the list of hardest cars to work on in 2021. 

The MINI Cooper why cars are hard to work on

To work on a Cooper, you need mini-hands that still don’t come out unscathed. There are many parts of this little two-door door that tend to break at the same time. 

This can result in expensive repairs if you decide to cut your losses and take them to a dealer for repair.

The MINI Cooper Easily Work on

A transmission failure spells bad news for your vehicle, so when looking to care for your Mini Cooper, you need to recognize the signs of transmission problems.

If you turn off the radio and hear a rattle, it may be due to the timing chain. This type of problem usually occurs when you forget to change your oil regularly or when you run out of oil.

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5. Audi Allroad A6

Every Audi Allroad is very difficult to maintain and work on for any novice, and this car is sure to maintain that reputation. You have to put the car in the “service position” in order to work on it 

Audi Allroad A6 hardest cars to work on

And then you have to remove the front fascia for basically any kind of maintenance. Not only is it a nightmare to work on.

But they are known for a small issue that spreads to multiple small issues that result in making it the toughest car to work on.

Audi A6 Allroad Easily Work on

The timing chains on this car use plastic cables to connect to the hydraulic pistons. When these fail, it can result in the need to purchase a completely new engine. 

Beware of this problem on models with V6 and V8 engines. About a quarter of all Audi vehicles are affected by poor air conditioning quality. 

If you notice a musty smell coming from the vents, it’s time to get it under control.

6. Toyota MR2

The MR2 is a Japanese car brand. It has a mid-engine, turbocharged, and front-wheel drive. It’s also easy and very quick. 

Toyota MR2 hardest cars to work on

Those familiar with this terminology may have shuddered a little. Mid-engined sports coupes are typically much more difficult to drive and maintain. 

And for those of you who are unfamiliar with the acceleration that all of the above features do, it is inevitable that your MR2 will crash and incur even higher repair bills.

Toyota MR2 Easily Work on

It’s worth checking for signs of damage from collision or track wear, such as excessively worn tire rims.

It is also important to ensure that the MR2 has four quality tires with the same tread pattern; mismatched tires can affect handling.

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7. Range Rover Velar

Range Rover is known for having a roadside presence like no other SUV. Luxurious inside and out, they don’t lack many of the features the driver wants.

Range Rover Velar hardest cars to work on

Aside from its external beauty, however, its maintenance leaves much less to be desired. Repairs and even longevity of the “Rover”. 

The mechanics of a Range Rover are so intertwined that something like a cable break in the control unit of its telematics system can paralyze the entire vehicle, resulting in costly towing and repairs. 

Range Rover Velar Easily Work on

Despite its large mirrors and standard rear parking sensors, the Velar is the hardest car to work on in the world, so check the bumpers and bodywork for dents and scratches for signs of stains or dye from your clothing the seats.

8. Nissan 300ZX

The Nissan 300ZX is one of the best Japanese sports cars ever built. Despite this legendary status, the 300ZX combines the problems that the MINI Cooper and Toyota MR2 have.

Nissan 300ZX why cars are hard to work on

There’s no space in the engine bay, and it’s mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, and turbocharged. Nissan isn’t known as the most expensive brand of cars, but the 300ZX is one of the hardest cars to work on.

Nissan 300ZX Easily Work on

Start the vehicle and monitor the engine performance. If it spins and won’t start, or if you stutter and lose power frequently, the injectors are clogged or leaking.

Leaky injectors are a common problem and must be replaced to restore engine performance. The engine is difficult to start and requires several attempts to replace the spark plugs.

What is the hardest car to work on?

Ford cars are the hardest cars to work on because of their changing design of inner body like engines. And sometimes we can not insert our hand into the engine due to its small size.

What is the hardest thing on a car to work on?

It really depends on the make and model of the car, as well as the skill of the mechanic. A thermostat in a car can be easily replaced with minimal tools and skills. It can be very difficult to access in another car.

What is the most difficult car to repair?

Any car whose spare parts are not easily available and if you have not done work on cars before is the most difficult car to repair.

What is the most difficult part to repair a car?

Automatic Transmission Cleaning everything and installing new seals and clutches is part of a normal remodel, but the hard parts can wear out and still look perfect.

Are cars harder to work on now?

Yes because of complex designs coming on new models of cars it becomes difficult to work on some new cars. But if you have sufficient equipment for repairing then it is easy to work on these models.

Which car is the toughest to work on?

Marauder is considered to be the toughest car in the world. Originally this car was intended for military use: for escorting and protecting military convoys and for group transport of soldiers.

What cars are easiest to work on?

Wrangler Jeep, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Corolla are the easiest cars to work on as their spare parts are easily available.

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Why are cars so hard to fix now?

Because they are equipped with complex technology that includes advanced processors, a range of electronic systems, and software-based networks.

Final Thought

As you read the list of hardest cars to work on in 2021. If you have any of these vehicles on your Wishlist, you need to be sure that your budget enables you to handle all of the expensive repairs.

The days of the shadow tree mechanics are slowly coming to an end. Fortunately, there are still thousands of older car models around.


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Dylan Miller

I am a Chicago native and regular contributor to "Locar Deals". I have a master's degree in English, am an automobile content creation specialist, and have written professionally for a variety of automotive companies over the past few years. I write on a variety of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to ten-year-old gas guzzlers and everything in between. And I love sharing valuable car buying tips with consumers from all walks of life.

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