Owning a luxury car often comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s not just the initial cost you need to consider. Many high-end vehicles require significant upkeep, with repair bills and maintenance costs that can quickly add up. In this article, we’ll take a look at 25 high-end cars known for their expensive maintenance needs, so you can be aware of the true cost of keeping these rides on the road.
Contents
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series offers an impressive blend of luxury and performance, but its complex technology and high-end materials come with a steep price for repairs. The advanced electronics, including the iDrive system and adaptive suspension, require specialized servicing. Furthermore, parts like turbocharged engines and air suspension systems can lead to frequent, costly maintenance, adding to the overall expense of ownership.
Audi A8
Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8, is packed with advanced features, including a quattro all-wheel-drive system and high-tech infotainment options. These luxurious components are costly to repair when they fail, particularly the air suspension and electronics. Regular maintenance, combined with the price of premium parts, makes this a high-maintenance vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Known for its cutting-edge technology and luxurious appointments, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class often comes with hefty repair bills. Complex systems like the Active Body Control suspension and advanced driver assistance features require expensive parts and labor. Keeping this opulent sedan running smoothly can drain your wallet over time due to its sophistication.
Range Rover
The Range Rover is revered for its off-road capabilities and luxury, but its reputation for frequent repairs makes it a costly vehicle to maintain. Issues with air suspension, electronics, and engine components are common, and repairs often require specialized mechanics. Its high cost of ownership is amplified by the need for regular and pricey maintenance.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is a performance icon, but maintaining its powerful engines and advanced components comes at a price. Parts like ceramic brakes, turbochargers, and suspension systems can be expensive to replace. Regular servicing to keep this high-performance machine in top condition adds up quickly, making it a costly car to own over the long term.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is a striking combination of Italian luxury and performance, but it’s notorious for its high maintenance costs. Engine issues, electrical system failures, and expensive parts such as the timing belt and brake system make it a burden for owners. Routine maintenance is essential but also pricey, making it one of the more expensive luxury cars to keep on the road.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ blends British luxury with sporty performance, but its upkeep can be a financial headache. Known for electrical system problems and air suspension failures, this flagship sedan frequently requires expensive parts and labor. The XJ’s maintenance and repair costs are notably higher than other luxury cars in its class.
Tesla Model S
While Tesla’s Model S promises cutting-edge electric technology, its advanced components come with their own set of challenges. Battery issues, motor replacements, and complex electronics lead to costly repairs. Since Tesla vehicles require specialized technicians and parts, maintaining a Model S can be expensive, especially outside of warranty coverage.
Bentley Continental GT
Bentley’s Continental GT is the epitome of grand touring, but its high level of craftsmanship demands premium upkeep. The W12 engine and all-wheel-drive system are intricate and require costly maintenance. Additionally, luxury features like handcrafted interiors and advanced technology are expensive to repair or replace when they wear out or malfunction.
Aston Martin DB9
A symbol of British luxury and performance, the Aston Martin DB9 comes with notoriously high maintenance costs. Its V12 engine requires regular attention, and parts are expensive and difficult to source. The car’s limited production also makes specialized labor necessary, driving up costs for routine servicing and repairs.
Ferrari 488
Owning a Ferrari 488 is a dream for many, but the high cost of maintaining its turbocharged V8 engine and advanced suspension systems can quickly turn into a nightmare. Routine service is mandatory to keep the car in peak performance, but even small repairs can result in massive bills due to Ferrari’s exclusive parts and specialized labor requirements.
Lamborghini Huracán
The Lamborghini Huracán is a head-turner, but its exotic design comes with expensive upkeep. With a powerful V10 engine and advanced aerodynamics, this supercar requires frequent maintenance. Parts like carbon-ceramic brakes and electronic components are pricey, making ownership a significant financial commitment.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV with advanced tech and powerful engines, but it’s known for costly maintenance, particularly in older models. Issues with the air suspension, cooling systems, and electrical failures can quickly add up. The combination of luxury features and performance components makes the X5 expensive to maintain in the long run.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli’s Italian styling and performance are marred by its high repair costs. Common issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical system lead to frequent visits to the mechanic. With parts that are both costly and sometimes hard to find, maintaining this luxury sedan can be a financial burden.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 offers premium features and a smooth ride, but maintaining this SUV can be pricey. Advanced components like the quattro all-wheel-drive system and air suspension require expensive repairs. Electronics, particularly in the infotainment system, are also prone to failure, contributing to high maintenance costs over time.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class is an iconic luxury SUV with serious off-road capabilities, but its upkeep can be very costly. Complex systems like the locking differentials, suspension, and powerful engine need regular attention. Its design hasn’t changed much over the years, but the components are expensive to replace, making it one of the most costly SUVs to maintain.
Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera combines sports car performance with luxury, but that mix also means high maintenance costs. Turbochargers, suspension systems, and ceramic brakes are costly to service, and repairs can escalate quickly. Routine maintenance is necessary to keep the Panamera running smoothly, and parts are expensive, especially when sourced directly from Porsche.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery’s off-road capabilities and premium features come with a reputation for reliability issues. Electrical system problems and air suspension failures are common, requiring costly repairs. The complexity of the vehicle’s systems means that keeping it in working condition is often an expensive endeavor.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is synonymous with opulence, but maintaining such a high level of luxury doesn’t come cheap. From its massive V12 engine to the bespoke interior details, every aspect of the Ghost requires premium upkeep. Repairs and routine service are expensive due to the specialized labor and exclusive parts required to keep this car in pristine condition.
McLaren 570S
The McLaren 570S is a lightweight, high-performance supercar, but maintaining it can be a financial strain. Its advanced aerodynamics, twin-turbo V8 engine, and carbon-fiber chassis demand regular, expensive servicing. Any repairs often involve specialized McLaren parts and labor, driving up costs significantly.
Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type offers a thrilling driving experience, but its advanced components and luxurious features result in high maintenance costs. Owners often report issues with the electronics, cooling systems, and suspension, which can lead to costly repairs. Regular servicing is essential, and the price of premium parts and labor adds up quickly.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is known for its reliability, but maintaining its luxury features can be expensive. The advanced electronics, air suspension, and complex infotainment system are prone to failures that can be costly to repair. While it’s more reliable than some competitors, the cost of maintaining a Lexus LS is still high due to its premium components.
Bentley Bentayga
Bentley’s Bentayga combines luxury with SUV capability, but it also comes with a high cost of ownership. The W12 engine, premium interior materials, and complex electronics require regular attention. Any repairs, especially to the suspension and drivetrain, can result in massive bills due to the exclusive nature of Bentley parts and labor.
Mercedes-AMG GT
The Mercedes-AMG GT is a high-performance sports car, but its powerful twin-turbo V8 engine and advanced suspension system make maintenance costly. Components such as the brakes, tires, and electronics wear out quickly under performance driving conditions, leading to frequent and expensive repairs.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a stunning supercar with a naturally aspirated V12 engine, but the cost of ownership is equally breathtaking. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake replacements, is expensive due to the specialized parts and labor. Any engine or transmission issues require immediate attention and are notoriously costly to repair.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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