The Costs Don't End At The Price Tag
We all know driving is fun—especially when it's a high-end sports car built for speed. But what about maintaining a car like that? Not so much! As great as it is to own one of these beauties, if you’re not ready for hefty repair bills, you might want to think twice. So let's check out 20 amazing cars whose maintenance costs unfortunately feel more like a luxury tax on your wallet.
1. Porsche 911
Owning a Porsche 911 is more than the thrill; it's also about the bill. Over a decade, maintenance costs can reach approximately $20,615, according to MotorHead. Why so steep? High-performance parts demand specialized care, and services like brake pad replacements and oil changes aren't cheap.
The new Porsche 911 | Iconic to the core by Porsche
2. BMW X5
Do you love the ride? Well, you better love the repair bills, too! The BMW X5 may offer top-tier luxury and performance, but keeping it road-ready isn't cheap. According to Car Edge, costs add up to $18,738, from transmission troubles to finicky electronics and pricey suspension repairs. Unsurprisingly, it's ranked among the most expensive SUVs to maintain!
Innovation, accelerated. The new BMW X5 by BMW
3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class oozes prestige, but maintaining that level of luxury comes at a high cost. With its air suspension and upscale materials, repairs can be pricey. Car Edge estimates total maintenance costs could reach $12,632, showing that luxury has its price.
The New S-Class: World Premiere | Trailer by Mercedes-Benz
4. Audi Q7
Keeping an Audi Q7 road-ready isn't just a responsibility; it's an investment in performance. According to Car Edge, over a decade, maintenance and repair costs can total approximately $12,898. Why the hefty price tag? Its sophisticated electronics and Quattro all-wheel drive demand specialized care.
Audi India | The New Audi Q7 by Audi India
5. Jaguar F-Type
Raw power? Check. Relentless costs? Also, check. The Jaguar F-Type delivers heart-racing performance, but its high-performance brakes and complex cooling system demand expert care. Throw in notorious electrical gremlins, and annual maintenance averages $1,441, as reported by Repair Pal.
2021 Jaguar F-Type (300hp) - Sound & Visual Review! by Visual Car Reviews
6. Tesla Model S
Don’t let the electric motor fool you into thinking the Tesla Model S requires no maintenance. Car Edge reports that, for 10 years, the total maintenance cost will be about $6,197. Despite fewer moving parts, regular brake fluid checks and software updates are still vital to ensure top performance.
Tesla Model S Plaid review - what will it do 0-60mph? by carwow
7. Range Rover
Per Car Edge, owning a Range Rover costs an estimated $18,737 in maintenance in 10 years, and that's just routine care. Air suspension failures and glitchy electronics drive repair bills are even higher. Even minor repairs can leave owners with jaw-dropping invoices, making this SUV as demanding as it is stylish.
Range Rover | The Definition of Luxury Travel by Land Rover
8. Mini Cooper
If this is your dream car, expect to spend around $846 annually on maintenance, as reported by Repair Pal. Compact yet costly, the Mini Cooper surprises owners with premature clutch wear, frequent transmission failures, timing chain issues, and oil leaks. Despite its fun driving dynamics, service visits often lead to hefty expenses.
MINI Cooper review: The perfect small car? by carwow
9. Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Corvette ownership isn’t for the faint of heart—or wallet. Maintenance costs can total $8,223 over ten years, as reported by Car Edge. Its V8 engine, precision suspension, and track-ready components demand constant upkeep to maintain its legendary speed and performance.
Sports car money, SUPERCAR SPEED: Chevrolet Corvette, 184mph, 480+bhp | Top Gear by Top Gear
10. Lexus LS
Lexus reliability doesn't exempt the LS from high maintenance costs. Car Edge reported that repair expenses can exceed $6,875 over a decade. Air suspension failures, advanced infotainment systems, and precision-engineered engines require specialized service. Additionally, brake actuator failures and transmission issues further escalate costs.
Lexus LS 2021 review | hybrid S-Class and 7 Series rival reviewed | Chasing Cars by Chasing Cars
11. Maserati Ghibli
Transmission issues, temperamental suspension, clutch problems, wheel damage, and pricey brake jobs keep mechanics busy and owners on edge about this car. With annual servicing exceeding $1,600, per Consumer Affairs, this Italian beauty demands passion and deep pockets.
Here's Why the Maserati Ghibli Is a Terrible Way to Spend $85,000 by Doug DeMuro
12. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Style meets service expenses with the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and while it turns heads, it also turns up repair bills. Issues such as clutch malfunctions often lead to unexpected fixes. On top of that, owners frequently report ABS failures, making maintenance costs between $500 and $800, according to Car Glass Advisor.
New Alfa Romeo Giulia by Alfa Romeo
13. GMC Sierra 2500HD
Power and durability come at a cost, and the GMC Sierra 2500HD proves it. With its diesel engine, high-strength suspension, and massive towing capacity, this truck is built to work—but keeping it in top shape isn't cheap, as maintenance costs an average of $912 yearly per RepairPal.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X Is A Really Big Off-Road Luxury Truck by Redline Reviews
14. Infiniti QX80
RepairPal estimates the average yearly maintenance cost for an Infiniti QX80 to be $718. However, this figure is just a starting point. The SUV’s hydraulic body motion control system and V8 engine require regular servicing, and frequent transmission issues can significantly increase overall maintenance expenses.
The All-New INFINITI QX80 SUV Walkaround by INFINITI
15. Subaru WRX
Turbocharged power and all-wheel drive make it a blast, but clutch replacements, frequent oil changes, and brake servicing add up fast. According to Cost Hack, annual maintenance averages $682, but major repairs, like transmission issues and turbo failures, can send costs soaring.
2024 Subaru WRX CVT EyeSight Review | The Rally Legend Lives On by AutoDeal.com.ph
16. Volvo XC90
While it delivers a smooth and secure ride, keeping it road-ready demands diligence and deep pockets. This luxury SUV requires constant upkeep because of its advanced driver-assistance systems, hybrid powertrain, and air suspension, bringing maintenance costs to $12,815 per Car Edge.
Meet the new Volvo XC90 by Volvo Cars
17. Dodge Ram 3500
Built for towing and tackling tough jobs, this heavy-duty beast demands serious upkeep. Expect to spend a lot on maintenance, as diesel engine servicing, transmission repairs, and suspension wear pile on the costs. Over a decade, that adds up to a staggering $26,900—way above the industry average, according to Car Edge.
Is the 2024 Ram 3500 Limited the KING of Heavy Duty trucks? by Raiti's Rides
18. Cadillac Escalade
Expect to spend around $1,007 annually on maintenance, according to RepairPal, but major repairs can push costs even higher. The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size powerhouse with an air suspension system, a high-powered V8, and advanced electronics, all requiring frequent servicing.
2025 Cadillac Escalade V Review // Total Domination by Throttle House
19. Acura TLX
While popular for reliability, its precision-tuned suspension, advanced infotainment system, and high-performance engine necessitate expert care. Over 10 years, maintenance and repair costs are estimated at $7,543, surpassing the industry average for luxury sedans by $2,182, as reported by Car Edge.
2021 Acura TLX Review // Don’t Buy That Mercedes, Yet. by Throttle House
20. Nissan GT-R
Supercar status comes with supercar maintenance costs, and the Nissan GT-R is no exception. Its complex all-wheel-drive system and high-performance brakes require constant attention. According to Repair Pal, owners spend $920 annually on average to keep it running smoothly, but significant repairs can send costs soaring.
