The 10 Most Expensive Cars to Maintain and Repair

Owning a new car requires much more than just its initial buying cost. Repairs such as transmission replacements can range up to $3,800 for each occurrence, with insurance and gas expenses quickly adding up on top of this.

Even basic preventative maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations add up when done regularly.

While there is sometimes a correlation between higher-end vehicles and costlier upkeeps, BMWs are known for having the highest maintenance costs among luxury cars—in addition to being prone to breakdowns that can lead to further repair bills of up to $3,688.

This is due in part to their construction style which can require larger chunks of money overall for repairs and upkeep.

For those seeking longer-lasting cars brands like Mercedes Benz or Volvo may be better options—since these are reliable cars any major issue likely requires immediate attention from an expert mechanic who will be able to properly assess what needs replacing or fixing before any damage gets worse.

Our experts have compiled lists of expensive car brands with high maintenance costs as well as tips on how you reduce certain expenses starting now!

Most Expensive Cars to Maintain

1. Porsche

When it comes to repair and maintenance costs, models of Porsche are above the industry average for luxury cars.

On average, these automobiles cost $22,075 to maintain in their first 10 years. This is a whopping $10,031 higher than other luxury brands.

Additionally, there is an approximate 51.17% probability that your Porsche would need a major fix during this period – 16.08% more likely than other autos of this variety we studied.

2. BMW – $19,000

Owning a BMW can be an expensive experience due to the cost of maintenance and repairs.

On average, BMWs can require more than $19,000 in service over their first 10 years – that’s over $7,000 more than the industry average for luxury brands.

The chance of having to shell out some extra money for major repairs during this time is also higher than most other cars in their segment at 45.89%. In fact, this rate is 10.80% greater when compared to similar models from other auto manufacturers.

3. Land Rover

The first 10 years of service for a Land Rover model require an average of $18,569 in maintenance and repair costs, which is significantly higher than the industry average for luxury brands at $12,044.

Unfortunately, the likelihood that a Land Rover requires a major repair during this time is also disproportionately high at 41.71%, compared to other auto manufacturers competing in the same segment who register only 35.09% on average.

This means owners of Land Rovers face an additional 6.62% risk of needing costly repairs over the course of those 10 years.

4. Jaguar

Jaguar models may cost a pretty penny in terms of maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service.

On average, luxury automotive enthusiasts can expect to pay an average of $17,636—which is approximately $5,592 more expensive than the industry-wide standard amongst other luxury automakers.

What’s more, research shows there is a 40.54% chance that a Jaguar will require major repairs when compared to its competitors in the same segment, making it 5.45% riskier in this regard.

5. Volvo – $13,000

Volvo cars are renowned for their dependability and longevity, but that reliability doesn’t come for free.

Research shows that Volvo models cost around $13,513 to maintain and repair during the first 10 years of service.

This is significantly higher than the average maintenance costs for other luxury brands; an extra $1,469 on top of what others pay to keep their vehicles running in peak condition.

Although this might seem like a lot, Volvo owners can take comfort in the fact that their cars have a 30.46% lower chance of needing a major repair when compared to similarly priced automobiles from competing for manufacturers-an impressive 4.63% reduction!

6. Mercedes-Benz – $12,000

Mercedes-Benz models have been found to incur an average of $12,000 in maintenance and repair costs over their first ten years of service.

Surprisingly, this is up to $3,942 more than the industry average for luxury brands.

The research also established that owners have a 35.87% chance of needing a major repair during their vehicle’s first decade on the road — with the odds being 0.78% higher than other automakers in its segment.

7. Cadillac – $12,000

Cadillac has been a staple in the automotive market for many years, offering its customers luxurious and reliable vehicles.

Although shoppers have come to trust Cadillac’s quality and comfort, their cars sometimes come with hefty price tags.

This is not only reflected in the retail cost of the vehicle but also when it comes to repairs or replacement parts down the line.

Maintenance costs can be even pricier than buying a brand-new car due to complicated designs that require more time and effort.

On top of this, Cadillac vehicles tend to be harder to work on than your average car which results in higher technician fees too.

8. Audi – $12,000

Known for producing vehicles in all cost spectrums from affordable commuters to high-end sports cars, Audi produces vehicles with technology that is simply awe-inspiring.

However, while these features make Audi vehicles very desirable they come with a hefty price tag when it comes to maintenance costs due to higher-than-usual replacement parts.

This means motorists must be prepared to pay more out of pocket if they wish to own and enjoy an Audi vehicle.

9. Saturn – $12,000

Moving on to the first domestic vehicle on our list, Saturn is a brand that often surprises consumers with its relatively high maintenance costs.

Although they are typically cheaper than foreign cars, Saturns have been known to experience frequent issues and require frequent repairs and maintenance.

This results in regular trips to the shop for preventative care or repair work, driving up the ongoing cost of ownership.

The parts aren’t terribly expensive, but you can expect your wallet to take a hit from all the labor charges associated with keeping a used Saturn in good condition.

Fortunately, there’s no need to purchase an extended warranty as most problems can be preemptively avoided through timely service visits.

10. Lincoln

On average it will cost you around $12,099 to maintain and repair a Lincoln car over the course of its first 10 years.

This is significantly higher than the industry standard for luxury auto brands with an impressive $55 difference.

Furthermore, there’s a 28.03% chance that a Lincoln will require major repairs within that same time frame; this is significantly better when compared to other auto manufacturers in its category as they have at least 7.06% more chances.

11. Mercury – $12,000

Owned by Ford, Mercury vehicles were once a popular choice of domestic vehicle for drivers looking for an affordable and reliable purchase.

Unfortunately, despite the attractive cost of parts and labor, Mercury owners find themselves in the repair shop often.

The cost associated with frequent repairs can quickly add up over time, limiting the overall savings handed to owners upon purchasing their vehicle.

With all production of Mercury models having ceased in 2011, those still driving these vehicles have found it increasingly difficult to find affordable repair parts due to the scarcity.

12. INFINITI

On average the INFINITI models require an estimated $11,830 in maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service.

This is significantly less than the industry average of other luxury brand vehicles by a whopping $214.

In addition to these savings, you can rest easy knowing that INFINITI has an impressive 27.03% chance of requiring a major repair- 8.06% better than similar vehicles from competing automotive companies we have looked at!

Top 10 Most Expensive Cars to Repair

1. Porsche
2. BMW
3. Land Rover
4. Jaguar
5. Volvo
6. Mercedes-Benz
7. Cadillac
8. Audi
9. Saturn
10. Mercury
11. Lincoln
12. INFINITI