You love the idea of a luxury car, but you also want your money to make sense. This article shows which high-end models can turn a glamorous monthly payment into a long-term financial headache, so you can avoid costly surprises and choose smarter alternatives.
You’ll learn which luxury cars commonly carry high ownership costs, poor long-term value, or maintenance headaches that make the monthly payment not worth it. Flip through the lineup and use the guidance to protect your wallet while still getting the features you actually want.
Land Rover Range Rover
You’ll notice the Range Rover’s luxury feel right away, but that comfort can come with high upkeep costs.
Older models often face electrical problems, suspension failures, and frequent oil leaks, which raise repair bills.
Expect steep maintenance and parts prices that can outpace what you paid monthly.
If reliability matters more than badge prestige, consider alternatives before committing to one.
Learn more about common issues and ownership costs in this expert roundup on luxury cars not worth the money.
Maserati Ghibli
You’ll love the Ghibli’s Italian styling and exhaust note, but ownership can sting your wallet quickly. Parts and routine repairs often cost far more than mainstream rivals, and depreciation erodes resale value.
Expect higher-than-average maintenance and service bills that can turn a fun monthly payment into a financial burden. Read more on why experts flag the Ghibli for ownership cost concerns at this analysis of luxury cars not worth the money.
BMW 7 Series
You’ll notice the 7 Series packs cutting-edge tech and a supremely quiet ride, but that sophistication can raise ownership costs quickly. High-end features like rear-seat 8K screens and complex electronics sound great until repairs and maintenance hit your wallet.
If you prioritize prestige and comfort, it delivers; if you want low monthly payments and simple upkeep, there are better choices. Read more about detailed reviews and ownership notes at U.S. News if you want specifics.
Jaguar XF
You’ll enjoy the XF’s sharp handling and refined interior, especially with the turbo four and modern digital gauges.
Maintenance costs and recurring electrical or transmission issues can turn ownership into a costly surprise.
If you want luxury without frequent shop visits, research specific model years and check detailed reliability reports before buying.
Read a critique of expensive upkeep and reliability concerns at this car expert roundup.
Audi A8
You’ll appreciate the A8’s quiet cabin, plush seats, and composed handling on long drives.
But its high purchase price and reported reliability issues can make ownership costly over time.
If you prioritize tech and comfort, the A8 delivers, yet you should factor in steep depreciation and possible repair bills.
Consider certified pre-owned options or competitors if long-term cost matters more than badge prestige.
Learn more from this expert review of the 2025 Audi A8.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
You’ll get staggering tech and plush comfort in the S-Class, like an OLED touchscreen that remembers hundreds of settings.
Ownership carries steep maintenance and repair costs as the car ages, so monthly payments can feel small compared with upkeep bills.
If you value low running costs over pampered luxury, the S-Class can be a tempting purchase that becomes expensive to keep.
Read a critical take on luxury cars that may not justify their costs at this Yahoo Autos piece: Mercedes S-Class notes.
Cadillac CT6
You might like the CT6’s roomy interior and tech, but its value can slip once dealer fees, options, and insurance land on your bill.
Some model years improved performance and features, yet ownership forums note annoyances like gated features that can add ongoing costs.
Expect strong highway comfort but prepare for potential maintenance and depreciation that eat into what you thought was a smart luxury buy.
Check detailed year-by-year reviews like the roundup of best and worst Cadillac CT6 years before committing.
Lexus LS 500
You’ll notice the Lexus LS 500 offers a plush ride and a well-built cabin that feels like a retreat.
But those comfort perks come with high maintenance and repair costs that can push ownership well past the monthly payment.
If you value reliability and a quiet luxury experience, it’s a strong contender.
If you’re watching long-term cost or want the most tech for your money, shop alternatives before committing.
Consider test-driving similar rivals and checking ownership cost estimates to see what fits your budget.
Infiniti Q70
You might like the Q70’s smooth ride and roomy rear seats, but ownership costs can surprise you. Depreciation hit hard after Infiniti discontinued the model, which affects resale value and insurance.
Some model years show mixed reliability, so check maintenance records and get a pre-purchase inspection. For a similar monthly payment you can often find newer, more reliable alternatives with modern safety tech, so weigh long-term costs, not just the sticker price.
Consider listings like this overview of Infiniti Q70 history and specs before deciding.
More from Steel Horse Rides: