Premium vehicles are rarely cheap to maintain, even when bought used at a fraction of their original price. While it may seem like a good deal to purchase a pre-owned BMW, Range Rover, or Mercedes-Benz, the reality is that these vehicles often come with steep maintenance and repair costs.
The older the vehicle, the more likely you are to spend a considerable amount on upkeep, even if you’re not making monthly car payments. These cars may be desirable for their luxury and performance, but the costs can add up quickly, making them an expensive choice in the long run.
The vehicles on this list are among the best in their categories, but they’re also some of the most expensive to maintain over time. Even though these cars offer incredible performance and comfort, their high repair costs can make ownership a financial challenge.
For instance, while the initial purchase price may be lower for older models, maintenance expenses tend to rise as the vehicle ages. This creates a financial paradox where you save on the purchase but end up spending significantly more on keeping the vehicle running.
This list of the 10 most expensive cars to maintain was compiled using data from CarEdge, taking into account factors like the estimated total 10-year maintenance costs, annual expenses, and the likelihood of needing a major repair.
Not surprisingly, many of the vehicles featured come from premium brands like BMW and Porsche, known for their luxury and performance. However, there are also models from Ram, showcasing that high maintenance costs aren’t limited to just traditional luxury brands.
Ultimately, while these vehicles may offer great driving experiences, prospective buyers should carefully consider the long-term financial commitment that comes with ownership.
10. Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover, redesigned for 2022, continues to be the epitome of a luxury off-road SUV, offering style, comfort, and versatility fit for royalty. Over a 10-year period, the total cost of ownership is estimated at $18,228, with annual expenses starting at $735 in the first year and increasing to $3,267 by the tenth year.
However, there is a 49.6% chance of needing a major repair during that time, reflecting the vehicle’s complex nature despite its luxury appeal.
9. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911, renowned for being one of the best all-around sports cars, offers a range of models to suit various preferences but comes with a significant cost.
Over a 10-year period, the total ownership cost is estimated at $18,231, with annual costs starting at $780 in the first year and rising to $3,208 by the tenth year. There is a 47.6% chance of needing a major repair during this time, reflecting the vehicle’s premium nature and the higher expenses that accumulate as you own it.
8. BMW X5
The BMW X5, positioned between the smaller X3 and the larger X7, offers strong performance with its turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and reasonable comfort, making it a well-rounded luxury SUV.
However, it comes with significant maintenance costs, with a 10-year ownership cost of $18,389. Annual costs start at $642 in the first year, rising to $3,428 by the tenth year. Additionally, there is a 54.6% chance of needing a major repair during that time, reflecting the maintenance-intensive nature of this vehicle.
7. BMW X7
The BMW X7, BMW’s largest and most luxurious SUV, offers three rows of seating and a choice of turbocharged V6 and V8 engines, providing a balance of comfort and sportiness.
Over a 10-year period, the total ownership cost is estimated at $18,550, with annual costs starting at $658 in the first year and rising to $3,444 by the tenth year. Additionally, there is a 54.6% chance of requiring a major repair during this time, highlighting the vehicle’s maintenance needs despite its luxury appeal.
6. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a large commercial van available in various sizes and roof lengths to meet business needs, comes with a 10-year ownership cost of $18,634. Annual costs begin at $621 in the first year and rise to $3,513 by the tenth year.
While it offers versatility and the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the van’s higher maintenance and repair charges contribute to a 56.7% chance of needing a major repair over time.
Also Read: Top 20 Cars with the Lowest Maintenance Costs and Best Long-Term Value
5. BMW X6 M
The BMW X6 M, the high-performance variant of the mid-size X6 SUV, offers a sportier profile with a sharply sloped coupe-like roofline, though it sacrifices some rear headroom and cargo space.
Over a 10-year period, the total cost of ownership is estimated at $18,900, with annual costs starting at $693 in the first year and rising to $3,479 by the tenth year. Additionally, there is a 54.6% chance of needing a major repair during this time, reflecting the vehicle’s performance focus and maintenance demands.
4. Ram ProMaster City/Cargo Van
The Ram ProMaster and ProMaster City are versatile commercial vans ideal for small businesses, especially in urban settings. However, their high maintenance costs result in a total 10-year ownership cost ranging from $19,870 to $20,061, with annual costs starting at $621 in the first year and rising to $3,845 by the tenth year.
Additionally, there is a 63.2% chance of needing a major repair, making them a more expensive option for businesses seeking reliable but high-maintenance vehicles.
3. Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan, a compact SUV, offers impressive performance akin to its larger sibling, the Cayenne. However, it comes with high maintenance and repair costs, totaling $20,137 over 10 years, with annual costs starting at $679 in the first year and rising to $3,786 by the tenth year.
Additionally, there’s a 60.9% chance of needing a major repair, making it more expensive to maintain than even some of Porsche’s sports cars.
2. Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne, a mid-size SUV known as “the Porsche of SUVs,” delivers powerful engine options and exceptional handling that rival many sports cars. However, owning one comes with significant costs, totaling $20,552 over 10 years.
Annual expenses start at $721 in the first year and climb to $3,827 by the tenth year. Additionally, there’s a 60.9% chance of needing a major repair, reflecting the high maintenance demands of its performance capabilities.
1. Ram 2500-5500
The heavy-duty versions of the full-size Ram pickup truck are built for tough towing and hauling jobs, offering exceptional capability. However, they come with the highest maintenance costs among all ranked models, with a 10-year total cost ranging from $25,134 to $25,844.
Annual costs start at $778 in the first year and rise to $4,889 by the tenth year, with a 79.2% chance of needing a major repair, making them the most expensive vehicles to maintain over time.
These vehicles represent the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and utility, but they also come with significant long-term costs. From the refined Land Rover Range Rover to the rugged Ram 2500-5500, each model offers impressive capabilities and features, though their maintenance and repair expenses can quickly add up.
The BMW X7 and Porsche Cayenne showcase the blend of luxury and sport, while the Ram ProMaster and Macan highlight the balance between practicality and performance. Owning these high-end vehicles requires not only a hefty initial investment but also careful consideration of the ongoing financial commitment for maintenance, repairs, and potential major fixes.
Ultimately, these vehicles provide exceptional driving experiences, but the cost of ownership should not be underestimated.
Also Read: 10 Best Bang-for-the-Buck Performance Cars Right Now