Performance cars are defined by what they are built to do, and that classification stretches across a wide range of automotive segments especially in today’s market, where vehicles with power and attitude are more sought after than basic hatchbacks or no-frills family sedans.
Whether it’s hot hatches or high-end luxury sedans, there’s a high-performance variant of nearly every type of vehicle available.
These cars might take the form of muscle cars, sports cars, entry-level four-doors, or performance-oriented sedans essentially, there’s a performance option in just about every category.
However, one thing that remains constant is the ongoing cost of owning one of these vehicles after purchase. Often overlooked during the buying process, maintenance and repair unpredictability can quickly become a major concern.
Many car owners understand the importance of a solid maintenance schedule.
With that in mind, here’s a general breakdown of what it could cost to keep your performance vehicle running smoothly. This includes the estimated probability of a significant repair down the line.
12. 2024 Cadillac CT5-V
2024 Cadillac CT5-V Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $2,427 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $10,470 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 27.02% |
| Reliability | 85/100 |
| MSRP | $51,495 |
The Cadillac CT5-V is a fairly recent addition to the sports sedan category, and it stands out for its competitive pricing and performance that outpaces many rivals.
That said, the vehicle also comes with high maintenance costs, just barely earning it a spot on this list.
Its projected $2,427 maintenance cost in the first three years is among the highest here, although the cost curve does flatten somewhat over ten years. The likelihood of a major repair is about 12% lower than others in its class.
11. 2024 Subaru WRX
2024 Subaru WRX Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $2,143 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $9,857 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 20.15% |
| Reliability | 80/100 |
| MSRP | $32,735 |
The Subaru WRX remains one of the most budget-friendly performance cars on the market, but it ranks among the pricier ones to maintain.
It comes in just ahead of the significantly more expensive Cadillac CT5-V in terms of three-year costs, with maintenance expected to run around $2,143.
Over ten years, the cost is nearly $10,000 about $2,000 more than some rivals. The probability of a major repair is about average for this segment.
10. 2024 Audi RS 5
2024 Audi RS 5 Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $2,090 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $9,944 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 25.29% |
| Reliability | 82/100 |
| MSRP | $57,500 |
The Audi RS 5 carries a lower purchase price than the BMW M4 Competition and is also significantly more affordable to maintain.
The 2024 Audi RS 5 stands as a compelling blend of luxury and performance, available in both Coupe and Sportback body styles.
Under the hood, it houses a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, enabling the RS 5 Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, while the Sportback achieves the same in 3.8 seconds.
This power is managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s rear-biased Quattro all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confident traction and handling.
For those seeking enhanced driving dynamics, the optional Competition package introduces a sport exhaust system, sharper steering, and a track-tuned suspension with manual ride height adjustment.
Additionally, it reduces sound-deadening materials to allow the engine’s note to resonate more prominently within the cabin .
Its projected maintenance cost is just a little over $2,000 for the first three years and comes in just under $10,000 for a decade of ownership.
That breaks down to about $1,000 per year a reasonable price to pay for one of the most well-balanced, high-performing sports coupes in the world. It also edges out rivals by approximately $2,261 in total ownership costs over ten years.
Also Read: 10 Supercars That Have the Best Insurance Deals for Collectors
9. 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC
2024 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,797 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $11,165 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 31.57% |
| Reliability | 76/100 |
| MSRP | $60,700 |
Who would have guessed that in today’s economy, you could drive away in a Mercedes sports sedan for $60,000?
Once you’ve got the 2024 C 43 AMG parked at home, prepare to spend around $1,800 over the initial three years on maintenance, with a total estimate exceeding $11,000 over a ten-year span.
This figure actually undercuts the luxury sedan average by $1,227, but it comes with a trade-off: there’s a 31% probability of facing a major repair during that time.
8. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro LT1
2024 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,532 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $7,639 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 20.36% |
| Reliability | 87/100 |
| MSRP | $38,800 |
All 2024 models of the Chevy Camaro have already rolled off the production line as Chevrolet prepares a future successor.
However, if you manage to secure one, you can expect maintenance costs that are about average over the initial three years of ownership and slightly better than competitors when stretched out over a decade.
There’s a 20% chance the Camaro might require a significant repair, but that figure is slightly better than what’s typical in its class.
7. 2024 Ford Mustang GT
2024 Ford Mustang GT Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,221 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $7,407 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 20.79% |
| Reliability | 84/100 |
| MSRP | $42,460 |
It’s likely no coincidence that the Ford Mustang is listed right after the Camaro, as the two have long competed closely for consumer interest.
When it comes to overall pricing, the Mustang performance variant is priced slightly higher than the Camaro, but its projected maintenance costs come in a bit lower.
Similar to its longtime rival, the Mustang has an average likelihood of major repairs when compared to others in the sporty coupe category.
6. 2023 Dodge Charger R/T
2023 Dodge Charger R/T Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,162 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $7,975 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 22.92% |
| Reliability | 92/100 |
| MSRP | $45,065 |
Although the Dodge Charger has transitioned into a new role for the brand, it rounds out the muscle car trio in this list of performance vehicles with the lowest maintenance costs.
Over a 10-year ownership period, the Charger is about 10% more expensive to maintain than the average for its segment.
The likelihood of a major repair stands at 22%, which is slightly above the class average. However, it boasts the highest J.D. Power reliability score among the group.
5. 2024 Honda Civic Type R
2024 Honda Civic Type R Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,135 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $5,721 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 15.57% |
| Reliability | 82/100 |
| MSRP | $44,795 |
Among hot hatches, few can match the allure of the Civic Type R. It outpaces and outperforms even some larger performance cars, all while remaining one of the least costly to maintain.
Its estimated maintenance expense over 10 years comes to $5,721, the lowest figure on this list. This puts it nearly $2,000 below its segment rivals, and its projected likelihood of major repairs is approximately 6% less than the category average.
4. 2024 Volkswagen GTI
2024 Volkswagen GTI Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,092 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $5,930 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 15.91% |
| Reliability | 73/100 |
| MSRP | $31,965 |
Who would have expected the VW GTI to land among the least expensive performance vehicles available today? Yet, here it is, offering the lowest MSRP among all the models listed with the lowest maintenance costs.
It ranks within the top four for affordability in upkeep, coming in nearly $1,200 under the 10-year average for its class. The odds of a major repair stand at just 15%, maintaining its reputation for practicality and reliability.
3. 2024 Acura Integra Type S
2024 Acura Integra Type S Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,075 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $10,445 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 24.08% |
| Reliability | 77/100 |
| MSRP | $51,800 |
Despite its strengths, the Acura Integra Type S stands as one of the priciest options in the sports sedan market, with a price tag exceeding even the larger and more powerful Cadillac CT5-V.
It performs well in short-term ownership, featuring among the lowest maintenance costs for the first three years.
However, costs rise significantly over a decade, placing it among the top three most expensive on this list. There’s also a 24% probability of major repairs during that time.
2. 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
2024 Toyota GR Corolla Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $1,032 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $4,592 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 11.89% |
| Reliability | 76/100 |
| MSRP | $36,500 |
Making a bold debut in 2023, the GR Corolla carved out its space in the hot hatch arena, challenging the Civic Type R and setting its sights on the VW Golf R.
Although Toyota has a reputation for costly upkeep, the GR Corolla defies expectations by becoming the second least expensive performance car to maintain on this list.
Its 10-year maintenance costs are nearly half the segment average, and its chance of needing major repairs is also cut by about 50%.
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1. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N
2024 Hyundai Elantra N Maintenance Costs
| Over 3 Years | $601 |
|---|---|
| Over 10 Years | $5,759 |
| Likelihood Of Major Repair | 17.73% |
| Reliability | 82/100 |
| MSRP | $44,795 |
There was a time when Hyundai vehicles were known for being inexpensive to buy but costly to maintain. That era has passed, especially in the performance sector, thanks to the N Series lineup.
The Elantra N delivers exceptional performance as a sport sedan, while its maintenance costs for the first three years remain remarkably low just over $600.
Over a 10-year span, however, its costs align more closely with the class average, along with a 17% chance of experiencing major repairs.