Luxury or Liability? 6 Premium Cars With Sky-High Repair Bills
As a former Porsche technician, I know that owning a luxury car isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be. Many people dream of sliding behind the wheel of a Bentley or a Mercedes, but they aren’t prepared for the long-term cost of owning the vehicle. While many of these rides excel in performance, these premium cars come with premium costs. So, what are some of the most expensive luxury vehicles to own? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Bentley
Bentley represents the pinnacle of luxury, with handcrafted interiors and unmatched performance. However, maintaining such an opulent vehicle can cost thousands annually. Over a 10-year period, the average Bentley owner will spend around $25,653 on repairs. Bentley parts are often custom-made, which significantly increases repair expenses. Even minor issues like replacing a side mirror or fixing an electrical glitch can run into the thousands. Add to that the specialized service centers required for maintenance, and you have a car that’s as costly to maintain as it is to buy.
2. Porsche
I love Porsches and enjoyed working on them. They are amazing machines, built with performance in mind. However, its high-end engineering comes at a steep price when it comes to repairs. Issues like engine failures or transmission repairs can easily exceed $10,000 and the average repair price over 10 years levels out to be about $19,168. Even routine maintenance, such as brake replacements or oil changes, costs significantly more than average. Porsche’s reliance on proprietary parts and specialized mechanics adds to the expense.
3. Land Rover
I’ve mentioned Land Rover on several different lists, citing the high cost of repairs for this brand. Despite their appeal, these SUVs are notorious for reliability issues and costly repairs. Common problems include suspension failures, electrical malfunctions, and oil leaks, each of which can cost thousands to fix. Owners often face frequent trips to the mechanic, further adding to the overall expense. Specialized parts and a limited number of certified service centers only exacerbate the cost. The 10-year maintenance cost on these vehicles winds up landing somewhere around $17,434.
4. BMW
BMW markets itself as “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” but keeping one on the road can strain your budget. They are known to leak oil and have other long-term problems that can cost thousands to address. BMWs also often require expensive parts and labor for repairs. Additionally, BMW’s advanced technology, like iDrive systems and adaptive cruise control, increases the likelihood of costly fixes. Owners typically spend around $16,218 over a 10-year period keeping their BMW in driving condition.
5. Jaguar
Jaguar is one of those premium cars that I’d never recommend to anyone. They are known to break down and the common issues are serious ones, including engine troubles, electrical system failures, and suspension problems. Because of this, they’ve come to be known as unreliable vehicles. On top of that, replacement parts for Jaguars are often imported, adding to the cost and wait times for repairs. Even routine maintenance, such as tire replacements or brake servicing, comes with a premium price tag. All of that adds up to around $14,752 for a 10-year period.
6. Mercedes
Mercedes is another brand I love, but you need to be prepared for the maintenance costs. From advanced engines to high-tech features like MBUX infotainment systems, repairs often require specialized expertise and tools. Common issues include air suspension failures, transmission problems, and electrical glitches, all of which can cost thousands to fix. Even routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake replacements, comes with a premium price (to the tune of $14,176 over 10 years).
Is Luxury Worth the Cost?
Owning one of these premium cars can be an incredible experience, but you need to know the long-term cost of having one of these vehicles before you buy one. The repair bills are big and they may come often, depending on which kind of car you choose. So, before you buy, do some research. Make sure you are prepared for maintenance expenses and consider purchasing extended warranties to offset some of the costs. If you aren’t ready for these expenses, it can put you in a position where you’re without a car.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.