The height of performance, comfort, and design are luxury automobiles. But owning one comes with more than just a large initial cost; particularly when purchasing secondhand, maintenance expenses for these cars may be absolutely shocking. Although secondhand luxury automobiles present a pleasing substitute for purchasing new, their maintenance expenses may soon mount up and surprise owners.
Some of these vehicles are well-known for needing regular and costly maintenance, usually resulting from specialized parts, sophisticated technologies, and the great expense of trained personnel. If you’re thinking about a used luxury automobile, you should know which models will most likely chew on your pocketbook in terms of maintenance. Here we will discuss twelve used luxury vehicles with shockingly high maintenance expenses so you may decide wisely before diving in.
1. BMW 7 Series (2009-2015)
Offering cutting-edge technology and a luxurious interior, the BMW 7 Series is a high-performance luxury car. Its upkeep expenses, however, might be enormous. Particularly for problems with the engine, suspension, and gearbox, owners of old 7 Series cars sometimes must pay costly repairs. Particularly the high-tech parts for this car, the replacement of parts is expensive.
Regular servicing like brake replacements and oil changes may often top $500. Furthermore, prone to malfunction and perhaps costing up to $2,500 to fix, is the air suspension system. For anyone wishing to acquire a used 7 Series, the entire annual maintenance cost might be more than $2,000 since sensors and software upgrades call for consistent repairs.
2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2007-2013)
Although the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is well-known for its opulence and modern conveniences, these same qualities could add to the high maintenance expenses. Expensive to fix, common faults with these used vehicles include air suspension failures, electrical malfunctions, and powertrain troubles. While additional problems like engine components or electrical systems might stack expenses even further, air suspension repairs by themselves can run upwards of $2,000.
Apart from non-luxury cars, regular maintenance—including fluid changes and tire rotations—is also more expensive. Depending on the particular model year and the degree of the repairs required, annual maintenance expenses for a used S-Class range generally from $1,800 to $2,500.
3. Audi A8 (2009-2015)
Though it has a reputation for high maintenance expenses, the Audi A8 has a pleasing look and a pleasant ride. Being a premium vehicle, it features pricey-to-maintain luxury components and modern technology. For example, replacing the known-to-fail air suspension system might be over $3,000. Furthermore documented to wear out early in some versions and result in expensive engine repairs is the timing chain system in the A8.
Regular servicing, including oil changes and brake pads, can be between $500 and $700; more complicated electrical repairs can readily run thousands of dollars. Owners of old A8s should so budget $2,000 or more yearly for upkeep.
4. Jaguar XJ (2009-2015)
Though it comes with some major maintenance issues, Jaguar’s XJ sedan mixes British beauty with robust performance. Owners often complain about problems with the air suspension system of their vehicle, which might fail and cost about $2,000 to fix. Furthermore prone to breakdown are the luxury elements of the XJ, like the sophisticated infotainment system and original electronic controls.
Repairing these parts can be costly and difficult; occasionally, they run $1,500 or more. The average cost of routine maintenance, including oil changes and brake pad replacement, is $700 per service. With yearly expenses often exceeding $2,000, the XJ’s hefty maintenance costs make it among the priciest luxury cars available for ownership.
5. Porsche Panamera (2009-2015)
Though it comes with the usual high maintenance expenses connected with luxury performance vehicles, Porsche’s Panamera is a gorgeous luxury sports sedan. Typical Panamera problems include air suspension system faults, which may run over $3,000 to fix. Furthermore, although providing seamless performance, the dual-clutch gearbox technology is considered to be expensive to fix or replace should it break.
Regular maintenance like brake replacements and oil changes may run owners upwards of $500 each repair, which mounts up. The Panamera’s high-performance character means that its suspension and exhaust systems also need regular maintenance. This helps to explain an average yearly maintenance expense ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
6. Lexus LS (2007-2015)
Although the Lexus LS is noted for dependability, even older versions can have high maintenance expenditures. Although the LS is still a costly car to fix, it’s usually more reasonably priced to maintain than other premium models. Typical problems include malfunction of the air suspension system, which can be expensive to fix at about $2,000. The hybrid cars could also need costly battery-related maintenance, which might run as much as $5,000.
For the LS, routine repairs such as oil changes and brake replacements also fall on the expensive side, running anywhere from $500 to $800 apiece. With yearly expenditures reaching $1,500 to $2,000, the LS nevertheless needs meticulous maintenance even if it has fewer problems than its European competitors.
7. BMW X5 (2011-2015)
Popular among used luxury SUV purchasers, the BMW X5 is distinguished by its power and elegance. Still, the X5’s maintenance expenses may be somewhat high. The most often occurring problem is the suspension system failing of the car; replacement of the system can cost up to $3,000. Furthermore prone to electrical difficulties, including sensor or infotainment system faults that can call for expensive repairs, is the X5.
For this SUV, regular services—including oil changes and brake replacements—are somewhat costly—upwards of $600 to $800. The yearly maintenance cost for a used X5 may readily vary from $2,500 to $3,500 given its high-performance character and sophisticated equipment, therefore making it an expensive car to keep on the road.
8. Range Rover Sport (2009-2015)
Though its exorbitant maintenance expenses are well-known, the Range Rover Sport is renowned for its tough luxury. Typical difficulties include engine-related repairs, electrical system faults, and air suspension concerns. Specifically troublesome and costing up to $2,500 to replace is the air suspension system. Transmission work and suspension repairs, which may often run over $3,000, are other costly fixes.
With an average cost of $600 to $800 for each repair, regular maintenance like brake pad replacements and oil changes can further contribute to the cost. A used Range Rover Sport is therefore a high-maintenance car for individuals looking for a luxury ride, as annual maintenance expenses for it may readily exceed $3,000.
9. Maserati Quattroporte (2009-2015)
Though it comes with high maintenance expenses, the Maserati Quattroporte presents unparalleled Italian elegance. Regular service of the complex V8 engine of the automobile may be somewhat costly, especially for spark plug changes and timing belt replacements. The sophisticated suspension system of the automobile may also give owners issues, as it may call for expensive repairs or replacements.
A regular servicing for a used Quattroporte may be anything from $1,000 to $1,500; substantial repairs like engine or transmission work can readily run several thousand dollars. A Maserati Quattroporte hovers in average yearly maintenance cost about $3,000; hence, it’s a premium automobile that calls for a large wallet to keep.
10. Aston Martin DB9 (2005-2015)
Though it is a premium and high-performance sports automobile, the Aston Martin DB9 has large maintenance costs. Although it generates amazing power, its V12 engine needs pricey maintenance requiring timing chain repairs and expensive oil changes. The suspension and brake systems of the DB9 are also prone to deterioration; repairs may easily run more than $2,000.
Furthermore, the advanced electronics in the automobile might occasionally fail and result in expensive repairs. While more complicated repairs might climb rapidly, routine procedures like brake pad replacements can run about $1,000. The DB9 is among the more costly premium vehicles to keep, as owners need a budget between $3,000 and $4,000 yearly on maintenance.
11. Bentley Continental GT (2004-2015)
Though its maintenance expenses are similarly remarkable, the Bentley Continental GT is an amazing luxury coupe. With its strong W12 engine, the Continental GT calls for regular maintenance like spark plug replacements and oil changes, which may run over $1,000 every service.
Other expensive repairs include possible faults with the turbochargers, suspension, and brakes. Replacing a set of tires for this car will go upwards to $1,500, while air suspension repairs can run up to $3,000. Bentley Continental GT owners should budget between $3,500 and $5,000 a year for maintenance, so this premium car has a high running cost.
12. Ferrari 430 (2004-2009)
Though it comes with outrageous maintenance expenses, the Ferrari 430 is a high-performance sports vehicle with exciting speed and elegance. The complex engine and transmission systems of the automobile need particular maintenance, and repairs for problems like engine components and clutch replacements can be somewhat costly.
Usually costing $1,000 or more, regular servicing, including oil changes, is additionally well-known for having braking system problems is the Ferrari 430; carbon-ceramic brake repairs are about $5,000. One of the most costly luxury vehicles on this list, a secondhand Ferrari 430, may readily cost more than $4,000, particularly if significant repairs are needed.
FAQs
Why are luxury cars so expensive to maintain?
Luxury cars often require specialized parts and expertise, which can lead to higher repair costs and longer service times.
Which used luxury car has the highest maintenance costs?
The BMW 7 Series is known for its high maintenance costs, due to complex electronics and frequent repairs.
Can I reduce maintenance costs on a used luxury car?
Regular maintenance, using certified repair shops, and purchasing extended warranties can help mitigate high repair costs.
Are luxury cars worth the high maintenance costs?
It depends on your budget and the value you place on luxury, performance, and comfort. For some, the experience is worth the extra cost.
Bottom Line
Although secondhand luxury automobiles present a seductive combination of performance and elegance, their maintenance costs may be astronomical. Before you buy, you really should give these costs great thought. Models with high repair prices, specialized parts, and frequent repairs—such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series—stand out for their costly maintenance.
Research typical problems and include maintenance expenses in your budget before committing. If you’re ready for the financial obligation of upkeep, a used luxury automobile might still be a fantastic purchase.