Luxury cars carry a certain reputation—sleek exteriors, plush interiors, and price tags that can make your wallet weep. For many, just the idea of stepping into a dealership is enough to induce mild financial anxiety.
But what if you could enjoy the look and feel of a high-end ride without the crushing maintenance costs? Believe it or not, there are luxury vehicles out there that don’t require a second mortgage every time they visit the mechanic.
From EVs that skip oil changes to durable sedans that run like tanks, some models prove that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of savings.
A real-time vehicle market tracking service, we’ve identified the luxury cars that cost the least to keep on the road.
While buying a luxury car new can be prohibitively expensive, its rapid depreciation on the used market creates an opportunity for enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of super-comfortable, feature-packed vehicles at a fraction of the price.
But that bargain can come with a catch: maintenance. Your discounted dream car could quickly turn into a money pit if you’re not careful.
That’s why we’ve also compiled a list of some of the most expensive used luxury vehicles to maintain, covering a mix of sedans and SUVs from prestigious European brands, many of which come with notorious reputations for poor reliability and high upkeep costs.
In this article, we will look at 10 luxury cars that are easy on the pocket and 10 that will make holes in your pocket.
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Infiniti QX50
Strong performance pairs with easy ownership. The QX50 doesn’t seek attention but delivers comfort, good technology, and an engine that’s kind to your budget. It’s expected to cost about $3,626 in maintenance over the first five years, and there’s only a 6% chance it will need any major repairs.
Ever since the concept came out in 2016, it was clear this wouldn’t be the most exciting vehicle, and the CVT transmission feels more relaxed than sporty.
Still, the QX50 performs well where it matters for those who want luxury without high costs. It has a spacious interior, gets 25 miles per gallon, and comes with important safety features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and ProPilot Assist.
For $43,000, you get seats made with leatherette, wireless Apple CarPlay, and enough space for cargo (up to 65 cubic feet) to make a Costco run simple. You may want to decide soon, since Infiniti will stop making the QX50 after 2025. This is your opportunity to grab this stylish and sensible SUV before it’s no longer available.
Volvo S90
This Volvo brings together clean design, comfort, and stress-free ownership. The S90 stands out for its modern look, luxury feel, and safety, and it also avoids expensive maintenance.
With only around $3,240 in estimated maintenance over five years, it’s a smart choice for anyone who wants a comfortable ride without surprise costs. The chance of a major repair in the first five years is just 4% – making it a strong option for those who care about both their car and finances.
The S90 has 295 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a mild hybrid system that helps with fuel use without needing a plug. It gets a good 25 miles per gallon and starts at $58,300.
It feels high-end without asking for high upkeep. Inside, it offers a calm, neat Swedish design with top-quality materials and heated features throughout.
It has a roomy cabin, plenty of features, and strong safety technology that makes serious accidents seem unlikely. While it’s not the fastest on the road, the S90 has a classy winter-ready look and works well as a daily driver. If you’re after a luxury sedan that treats your budget kindly, this one fits the bill.
Cadillac XT5
Sharp design, a smooth ride, and – surprisingly – some of the lowest maintenance costs in its group at about $3,175 for the first five years. The XT5 shows that American luxury can be easy on your wallet.
It comes with just a 5% chance of major repairs early on, which helps keep your savings intact. It also gets a decent 24 miles per gallon and starts at $45,790, making it a premium SUV that won’t hit you with surprise expenses.
The XT5 is a small luxury crossover SUV that replaced the older SRX when it came out in 2016. It was the second Cadillac to use the current letter-number name system and the first in the XT crossover series.
It quickly became Cadillac’s best-selling model. The 2017 version even earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick when fitted with optional crash-prevention tech, showing its strong focus on both safety and design.
Inside, it offers what buyers want most – quality materials, comfortable seating, and enough space (30 cubic feet) to handle everyday needs. The all-wheel drive system is smart and gives you confidence, though it adds to the price.
The downsides? The infotainment system can be a bit tricky, and the engine, while fine, isn’t very exciting. If your aim is to have a relaxed driving experience and fewer trips to the repair shop, the XT5 balances luxury and usefulness really well.
Audi A4
German cars are often known for being fun to drive but expensive to fix – not this time. The Audi A4 stands out with about $3,051 in expected maintenance costs over five years.
It mixes performance and comfort while keeping upkeep costs lower than average, making it a smart choice for luxury fans who are watching their spending. It also has just a 6% chance of needing major repairs in the first five years, offering peace of mind along with high-end features.
Audi is one of the top luxury brands out there, and the A4 shows why. It brings together classic style and modern features, with a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine, 29 mpg in combined fuel use, and available quattro all-wheel drive for added control.
The inside feels high-quality, with soft materials, a sharp 10.1-inch touchscreen, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit – one of the best digital dashboards available.
Some years of the A4 are more dependable than others, but at its best, it outperforms many competitors. It’s not just about looks – it offers a balanced and enjoyable drive. Thanks to its lightweight frame and smooth suspension, it handles both traffic and winding roads with ease.
With a starting price near $44,000, the A4 proves you don’t have to spend a huge amount to get a stylish and reliable luxury car. It may not be flashy, but those who appreciate quality will notice it.
Lexus RC F
With maintenance costs around $2,493 over five years, this powerful V8 luxury coupe won’t drain your wallet. It might not be the quickest on the racetrack, but it’s solidly built, hassle-free, and comes with the trusted reliability Lexus is known for. With only a 2% chance of needing major repairs in that time, the RC F is a rare find in the high-performance world.
Behind its bold look is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 472 horsepower. It’s matched with an eight-speed automatic and a torque vectoring differential that improves handling.
In regular driving, it feels calm, but switch it to Sport S+ mode and it turns into a performance car that sounds amazing once you get past 3,500 rpm. It might not beat the BMW M4 in speed, but it has a special, old-school charm that’s hard to find today.
Since 2025 will be the last year for the RC F, Lexus is ending production with a special Final Edition, including carbon fiber details, BBS wheels, and a $94,000 price. If you want one of the last V8 coupes that offers both power and dependability, this is the time to get it before it’s gone for good.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Yes, you read that right – an Alfa Romeo is on this list. The 2025 Giulia surprised many by getting strong reliability ratings and avoiding major recall issues. It still brings Italian style and sharp handling, while costing less to maintain than many cars with less personality.
Maintenance is expected to cost around $2,370 over five years, which saves thousands compared to most other models. There’s only a 3% chance of serious repairs during that time, making this one of the most dependable Alfas in a long time.
Under its eye-catching design and unique grille is a 2.0-liter turbo engine making 280 horsepower, connected to an eight-speed automatic. The Giulia feels lively, fun, and gives great feedback on curvy roads thanks to its DNA drive modes, which change how the car responds and steers.
It goes from zero to 60 in about 5.1 seconds, depending on the setup, and still manages 27 mpg – far more practical than the high-powered Quadrifoglio version. It might not outsell its German competitors, but it has more charm than most of them.
Inside, the Giulia mixes sporty style with useful technology. It’s not the most luxurious in its class, and the back seats are better for bags or very patient friends. Still, it comes with important safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning as standard.
For 2025, the lineup has been simplified to just a base model and a special Tributo Italiano edition – because if you’re going to own an Alfa, it might as well sound a little fancy.
Lexus IS 350
Two Lexus models on the same list? Absolutely. Compact, well-balanced, and one of the most dependable new luxury sedans around, this Japanese model gives you premium features and strong performance without high service costs.
Its estimated maintenance bill is $1,949 for five years. With just a 3% chance of needing major repairs, this car offers a smooth, stylish drive that won’t cause trouble.
It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that’s naturally aspirated and produces 311 horsepower. It goes from zero to 60 in about 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 143 mph.
It offers decent fuel economy at 23 miles per gallon and has several drive modes including Eco and Sport. Rear-wheel drive versions use an eight-speed automatic, while the all-wheel drive ones get a six-speed and better grip for winter roads.
Inside, it includes heated and cooled leather seats, a digital display inspired by the LFA, and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that fills the cabin. The adaptive suspension keeps the ride smooth, and the brakes are strong.
The back seat isn’t very roomy and there’s no rear USB port, but aside from that, the IS 350 blends strong driving performance, comfort, and Lexus’ well-known dependability.
Lexus ES 350
Need something roomier than the IS? The ES has you covered. It comes with a spacious cabin, plenty of tech features, and the same trustworthy reputation Lexus is known for.
Even better – it’s expected to cost $1,970 to maintain over five years, with just a 3% chance of needing serious repairs. One more bonus: it’s one of the few Lexus models made in the U.S., so extra import taxes won’t affect the price as much.
The 3.5-liter V6 gives it relaxed power – 302 horsepower that makes driving easy and smooth, without pretending to be a sports car.
It’s designed for comfort, especially with the adaptive suspension in the F Sport trim. It won’t take tight corners like a coupe, but it’s pleasant to drive and gets a respectable 25 mpg.
Inside, the cabin is quiet and comfortable. Base trims are simple, but higher ones offer ventilated leather seats, a solid infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.
Rear-seat space is generous, the ride is smooth, and it all feels sturdy without being flashy. If you’re looking for comfort and value in a luxury car, Lexus keeps making a strong case.
Lexus GS 350
The Lexus GS 350 may be out of production, but it’s still known for dependability and affordable maintenance. It costs about $1,960 over five years to maintain and has only a 5% chance of needing a major repair. This sedan keeps running strong without costing much to keep up.
The GS was designed to take on European luxury brands, with a rear-wheel drive setup and available V6 and V8 engines. It wasn’t as well-known as the ES, but the GS built a reputation as a long-lasting, stylish sedan. It came in all-wheel drive too, and included helpful features like adaptive cruise control, power-adjustable seats, and a large trunk.
It was never the flashiest option, but what it lacked in showiness, it made up for with strength and class. While other brands like Audi and Mercedes focused on extras, the GS stayed reliable year after year. Lexus ended production with the special Black Line version in 2020, but fans of dependable sedans haven’t forgotten it – especially those who like luxury without high costs.
Tesla Model S
Don’t let the Cybertruck steal all the attention – the Model S still holds its ground. Being fully electric means no oil changes, no belts, and far fewer parts that can break. Even though it costs more to buy, it saves a lot over time on upkeep.
The five-year maintenance estimate is just $1,542. With only a 1% chance of needing serious repairs in that time, it’s one of the easiest luxury cars to own.
This sleek electric sedan uses a large 100 kWh battery that offers up to 405 miles of range in ideal conditions. In everyday use, you’ll see about 345 to 360 miles, which is still ahead of most electric cars. When it’s time to recharge, Tesla’s large Supercharger network makes it quick and convenient. But this car is about more than just savings.
The Model S Plaid version produces a wild 1,020 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in just 2 seconds. Even the regular version gets there in 3.1 seconds. Inside, the cabin is roomy, modern, and simple, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. All-wheel drive comes standard, and the single-speed transmission makes driving smooth.
Cold weather may affect range a bit, but the battery heating system helps. It’s not perfect – but when it comes to electric luxury cars, the Model S still leads the pack.
2022 Porsche Cayenne
Porsche is known for having cars that cost a lot to keep running. So, it’s not too surprising that one of Porsche’s most well-known models shows up here. The Cayenne has been an important part of the brand since it first came out more than 20 years ago.
Mixing Porsche’s well-known performance with the usefulness and space of an SUV turned out to be a smart move. It worked so well that many other sporty car companies began offering their own SUVs.
The average cost to maintain a 2022 Porsche Cayenne is about $1,231 per year, according to RepairPal. While it’s the least expensive one on this list (and one of the lower-cost options in Porsche’s lineup), it still costs more to maintain than many other high-end cars.
If you’re looking for a fast and practical SUV that doesn’t cost too much to care for, this might not be the best choice.
2019 Jaguar XJ
The XJ was the last of Jaguar’s traditional luxury cars. Jaguar had plans to replace it with a fully electric version in the early 2020s, but that plan didn’t go through. The company chose a different path, which meant the XJ was discontinued in 2019.
That’s disappointing in many ways, since many people think the last version of the XJ was a really good car. It has a beautiful design, it’s very comfortable, and the high-performance XJR is seen as one of the best luxury cars that doesn’t stand out too much.
One of the biggest problems with owning an XJ is how much it costs to maintain. A 2019 XJ costs about $1,232 per year on average, according to RepairPal.
That makes it a bit more expensive to take care of than the Porsche Cayenne mentioned above, and more expensive than some other luxury cars from different brands. If you’re thinking about getting one, you’ll probably need to be a big fan of Jaguar or want something different from the usual luxury sedans.
2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe
When it comes to fancy cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is often seen as the standard. Whether it’s a sedan, coupe, or convertible, the S-Class is known for its top-level comfort and quality. It’s also often the first to include new technology in luxury cars.
Some S-Class models are quick, too. V8 and V12 engines have been used in the highest-end versions of the S-Class over the years, and they’re strong enough to match the speed of some sports cars, or even supercars, in a straight line.
All of that comfort and Mercedes-Benz quality is nice, but it does mean you’ll spend a lot on upkeep. A 2014 S550 Coupe costs about $1,249 per year to maintain, based on data from RepairPal. While this is less than what you might pay for a few other luxury models, it’s still a high cost for anyone thinking about buying a used one.
2022 Porsche Panamera
This is the second Porsche on the list. When the Panamera first came out, some people thought it didn’t look very good. That opinion was mostly about its design. These days, though, many people think it’s one of the best cars Porsche makes.
It’s a sportier version of a regular luxury sedan, with engine options that go from a pretty fast 2.9-liter V6 to a very powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo hybrid V8.
Like other Porsche vehicles, the Panamera can cost you a lot to keep in good shape. RepairPal says a 2022 Panamera will cost around $1,252 per year to maintain. That’s less than some of the worst luxury cars in terms of upkeep, but it’s still something to think about if you’re planning to buy one.
2022 Land Rover Range Rover
Among SUVs, the Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most well-known. It’s the car that started the idea of mixing a premium feel with off-road strength. It was built to meet the needs of people in rural areas who wanted a car that felt fancy but could also handle tough roads.
The Range Rover is famous for being unreliable. These cars often have the same problems show up again and again, and those problems can be pricey to fix. Because of this, keeping a Range Rover running well can cost a lot.
According to RepairPal, a 2022 model will cost around $1,258 each year for maintenance. That’s a lot more than what most big SUVs cost to take care of. So, if you care a lot about how dependable your car is and how much it costs to maintain, the Range Rover might not be the right choice.
2022 Porsche Macan
This is the third Porsche on the list. The Macan is the brand’s smaller SUV. While the latest version is now electric, the older gas-powered Macans are still easy to find on the used market and have plenty of good features. Some versions are even very fast and fun to drive.
Like other Porsche cars, the Macan costs a lot to take care of. RepairPal says it’ll cost around $1,265 per year to keep one running well. That puts it among the most expensive luxury SUVs to maintain.
As with any Porsche, if you don’t like the idea of spending a lot on upkeep, you may want to consider a different option.
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Now called the GLS-Class, the Mercedes-Benz GL is one of the biggest and most fancy SUVs you can get that’s not from a brand like Bentley or Rolls-Royce. It’s a huge 7-seater that can match the size of other massive SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban. But compared to those big American SUVs, the GL looks and feels more stylish.
While it may be a fancier V8 SUV than some American choices, you might regret not picking one of those American models when you find out how much this one costs to maintain.
The 2012 GL450 will set you back an average of $1,293 a year in maintenance, according to RepairPal. That makes it one of the priciest luxury vehicles to keep running. Before buying, you’ll really have to think about whether having the Mercedes-Benz badge is worth that high cost.
2022 Audi A8
The Audi A8 has been a steady presence in the luxury car market. It’s also one of the more overlooked luxury cars you can buy. It doesn’t shout for attention, and it doesn’t try to impress with too many fancy features.
It’s made for people who’ve had money for a long time or who prefer to stay out of the spotlight. That’s one reason why it’s a favorite of quiet executives and even King Charles III back when he was still the Prince of Wales.
Even though the A8 is one of the top luxury cars out there, it’s known for being very expensive to maintain. RepairPal says the 2022 A8 will cost around $1,298 a year to take care of. That’s more than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is its direct competitor. With upkeep costs that high, it’s a car you need to want before deciding to buy it.
2008 Mercedes-Benz G500
There aren’t many SUVs out there that people recognize more than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It was first made as a basic military vehicle, but Mercedes-Benz decided to make a version for regular drivers with more comfort features.
This civilian G-Wagen later turned into a very fancy luxury SUV, while still keeping the strong off-road skills of the original military version. In a way, it was Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the Range Rover, and plenty of people even like it more than the British one.
The G-Class is known for being strong and reliable, but it costs a lot to keep running. A 2008 G500 will cost about $1,461 per year to maintain, according to RepairPal. Just like with the GL450 mentioned earlier, you’ll need to think about whether the value of owning a Mercedes-Benz is worth the high cost of keeping it in good shape.
2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is one of the newer models from Land Rover. It first came out in 2014 as a replacement for the Freelander 2, which was called the LR2 in the United States. That vehicle had been Land Rover’s smaller SUV for a long time.
The Discovery Sport was made to be a smaller partner to the larger Discovery model. At first, it used engines from Ford, but later versions started using engines made by Jaguar Land Rover.
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Because Land Rover is known for being expensive to care for and having reliability problems, it’s not surprising that the Discovery Sport has the highest upkeep costs on this list. According to RepairPal, the average cost to maintain a 2022 Discovery Sport is a shocking $1,780 per year. That’s more than what many sports cars cost to maintain.
It’s much pricier than every other vehicle mentioned here. So, if you’re looking for a fancy family SUV that won’t cost too much to keep in good condition, the Discovery Sport is probably one to avoid.
