When considering the purchase of a car, numerous factors come into play, often making the process feel overwhelming.
You need to weigh the pros and cons, calculate costs, figure out interest rates and loan plans, and decide whether to buy from a private seller, a dealership, or directly from the manufacturer.
All of these elements require time and careful thought before making a final decision. Purchasing a new car may simplify some of these concerns, as buying used requires a judgment call on whether the vehicle is worth the investment.
The risk is higher since a used car could potentially break down moments after the sale is completed.
With car prices and fuel costs soaring, the last thing car owners want is to be burdened with excessive repair expenses. This is where reliable vehicles hold a significant advantage over unreliable ones.
In 2022, this difference is more crucial than ever, so we have updated this list with additional models some that can be outrageously expensive to maintain and others that are much easier on the wallet.
Purchasing a used car that is no longer under warranty introduces another major consideration, one that many buyers may overlook initially because it does not become immediately relevant.
The cost of maintenance can add up significantly over time, increasing the overall expense of owning the car. If the vehicle is reliable, maintenance costs remain relatively manageable.
However, if it is unreliable, those costs can escalate rapidly. Even if a car is considered dependable, repair expenses can still be exorbitant, making upkeep a costly affair.
Many factors contribute to this, but understanding them can help buyers make a more informed choice.
Also Read: 10 SUVs That Have the Best Long-Term Resale Value and Hold Their Worth Best
10. Chevrolet Trax
A lower purchase price does not always mean a car is inexpensive to own.
That statement holds particularly true for the Chevrolet Trax, which has one of the worst maintenance cost-to-purchase price ratios among new vehicles, especially within the budget-friendly segment.
With an average ten-year maintenance cost of $8,595, the Trax requires owners to spend over 30% of its original purchase price on upkeep.
When investing nearly $30,000 in a vehicle, the last thing a buyer wants is to spend thousands more just to keep it running.
9. Audi Q3
It should come as no surprise to see Audi make multiple appearances on this list, as the luxury brand is well known for its expensive vehicles and less-than-stellar reliability.
Unsurprisingly, the Q3 is yet another Audi model that demands a hefty sum in maintenance costs.
Over the first ten years of ownership, the Q3 racks up an average maintenance expense of $11,957 roughly the price of a brand-new Hyundai Accent. The difference?
The Accent would likely outlast the Q3 in terms of durability and reliability. Unfortunately, driving in style often comes at a cost, and in this case, the best way to manage those expenses might just be to opt for a different car altogether!
8. Porsche Cayman
Owning a Porsche is almost always a fantastic choice if you have the budget for it. These cars are fast, exciting, sporty, and luxurious, offering an incredible driving experience.
However, some models don’t quite live up to the brand’s reputation for reliability, and the Porsche Cayman is one such example.
Combine that with the fact that it doesn’t offer nearly as much value as spending a bit more on the 911 Turbo, and you’re left with a Porsche that comes with sky-high maintenance costs.
Of course, if you enjoy the unique charm of a great car that constantly needs repairs, then by all means, go for it.
7. Ram 3500
When stacked against the many alternatives in its class, the Dodge Ram 3500 stands out for all the wrong reasons chief among them being its excessive maintenance costs.
The primary culprit? Its notorious unreliability. This truck has a bad habit of breaking down, and its biggest weak point is undoubtedly the transmission.
Despite the raw power of its engines, the transmissions in these trucks feel as fragile as glass.
And when a vehicle has transmission issues, the repair costs skyrocket often into absurd territory. If reliability is a top priority, you’re probably better off looking at a different manufacturer.
Also Read: Top 10 Automakers with the Most Vehicle Recalls in 2024 and the Safety Issues Behind Them
6. Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring is one of the most lackluster vehicles to ever hit the roads, yet it somehow managed to become a common sight across America. Unfortunately, it also ranks among the most notoriously unreliable cars you can own.
At first glance, a Chrysler sedan wouldn’t seem like a vehicle that would rack up exorbitant maintenance costs but the Sebring defies that expectation.
The issue isn’t the price of parts but rather the sheer frequency of repairs. In fact, we’re fairly certain this car spends more time in the repair shop than it does on the road.
5. BMW 328i
Owning a foreign car doesn’t always have to come with steep repair costs. In many cases, if you purchase wisely and keep up with maintenance, they can be relatively affordable to own.
However, some models are simply more prone to reliability issues, and when frequent repairs and expensive parts start piling up, ownership costs quickly spiral out of control.
The BMW 328i is a prime example of this problem. With a well-documented history of reliability concerns, owners often find themselves constantly shelling out money just to keep it on the road.
4. Nissan Murano
While many Nissan models rank among the most reliable vehicles on the market, requiring minimal maintenance costs, some unfortunately suffer from a different fate the dreaded breakdown curse.
The Nissan Murano falls into this category, making it one of the most expensive Nissans to own and maintain due to its frequent need for repairs.
And those repairs? They happen quite often. You’d likely be better off choosing another Nissan model or if affordability is your top priority, a Honda might be an even wiser choice.
3. Mercedes-Benz E350
The average cost to maintain a Mercedes-Benz E350 over a ten-year span hovers around $15,000. That’s a significant amount, breaking down to roughly $1,500 per year just to keep this car running and in good condition.
To put that into perspective, you could buy a different used car every year, only spending what’s necessary to keep it on the road, and then replace it the following year.
For $1,500, you could find some decent vehicles that might not even require much maintenance. Or, you could stick with the E350.
2. Chevrolet Cobalt
Many Chevrolet models are solid, practical vehicles typically affordable to own, inexpensive to maintain, and capable of lasting a reasonable amount of time before their value and usefulness diminish.
However, not all Chevys are created equal. The Chevrolet Cobalt, a mid-2000s sports car from the American automaker, has earned a reputation as one of the costliest models to maintain.
Over a ten-year period, repair costs can surpass $14,000. While it may seem like a budget-friendly sports car at first, the reality is that owning one comes with a hefty price tag.
1. Audi A4 Quattro
For the most part, owning a foreign car means higher maintenance costs. Even routine expenses like oil changes, brakes, and tires tend to be more expensive compared to domestic vehicles.
However, thanks to depreciation, it’s possible to pick up a high-end European luxury sedan at a bargain price sometimes making the added maintenance costs seem like a fair trade-off.
Of course, that logic doesn’t apply across the board, as demonstrated by the Audi A4 Quattro. This model has gained quite a reputation for its persistent reliability issues, making it a costly vehicle to own and maintain.