You want a luxury car that feels special, not a money pit that drains your wallet and patience. This article points out eight high-end models that repeatedly deliver costly repairs, rapid depreciation, or persistent electrical and mechanical problems so you can avoid expensive mistakes.
You’ll get a concise look at which models tend to cause the most headaches and why, plus what to watch for when shopping used or new. Skim the list to protect your budget and preserve the enjoyment of owning a luxury vehicle.
Land Rover Range Rover
You’ll notice the Range Rover’s luxury comes with high running costs and frequent repairs.
Maintenance and parts can be expensive, and reliability ratings often lag behind peers.
Depreciation hits hard; expect a steep drop in value within the first few years.
If low ownership cost and dependable reliability matter to you, consider alternatives.
Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class
You might be drawn to the W220 for its smooth ride and luxurious cabin, but it often brings high repair bills. Electrical gremlins, failing air suspension, and costly engine or transmission issues are common problems you’ll face.
If you consider one, get a thorough pre-purchase inspection and factor in expensive parts and specialist labor. Buying a well-documented, meticulously maintained example reduces risk but doesn’t eliminate it.
Audi A8 (older models)
If you buy an older Audi A8, expect higher repair and maintenance costs than with mainstream cars. Electrical gremlins, failing air suspension, and complex engine issues are common on high-mileage examples.
You should inspect service history closely and budget for pricey parts and labor. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist can save you from expensive surprises.
Jaguar X-Type
You might be drawn to the X‑Type for its classic Jaguar styling and lower price compared with other luxury sedans.
Several model years, especially early and late in its run, developed transmission and front‑wheel‑drive issues that can be costly to fix.
If you consider one, inspect service records closely and have a mechanic check the gearbox and electrical systems.
BMW 7 Series (some generations)
You’ll find certain 7 Series model years carry costly reliability and electronics issues that bite into ownership satisfaction.
Early 2000s and many 2008–2015 F01/F02 cars often need expensive engine, transmission, and climate-control repairs.
If you’re shopping used, prioritize full service records and independent inspections to spot recurring faults.
Consider newer generations only after confirming software updates and warranty coverage for complex electrical systems.
Maserati Quattroporte
You’ll love the Quattroporte’s Italian style and V8 growl, but ownership often brings high repair and maintenance costs.
Expect steep depreciation and frequent trips to specialist shops for electrical and engine issues.
If you plan to buy used, budget for inspections, parts, and premium service labor to avoid surprise bills.
Range Rover Sport
If you’re considering a Range Rover Sport, expect high luxury but also higher upkeep. Many owners report frequent, costly repairs — especially with the air suspension and electronics.
You’ll pay premium prices to buy and maintain one, and depreciation can be steep in the first year. If reliability and ownership costs matter to you, look for alternatives with stronger dependability records.
Cadillac CTS-V (early years)
You’ll find early CTS-Vs offer raw performance but also frequent mechanical headaches.
Common issues include oil leaks, cooling problems, and transmission wear that raise repair costs quickly.
If you value reliability, plan for higher maintenance and inspect service history closely.
A thorough pre-purchase inspection can reveal timing chain or exhaust-component concerns before you buy.
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