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Luxurious vehicles will be tempting. They’re fashionable, highly effective, and infrequently filled with high-end options. And while you discover one for a surprisingly low worth on the used market, it’s simple to get excited.
However not all that glitters is gold. A few of these vehicles are reasonably priced upfront as a result of they’re costly to keep up. Frequent points like failing electronics, expensive repairs, or elements shortages can flip that dream automotive right into a severe headache. In line with Investopedia, even the very best luxurious vehicles are inclined to depreciate far more than, say, a Toyota Camry.
That doesn’t imply each automotive on this checklist is a nasty purchase, simply that it’s sensible to go in together with your eyes open. When you love one among these vehicles, a full service historical past and a great mechanic can go a great distance towards preserving possession satisfying.
Why We Selected These Vehicles
In the appropriate palms, a used luxurious automotive can nonetheless be a pleasure to drive. The purpose right here is that can assist you work out which of them are prone to turn out to be a venture, and which of them may simply drain your pockets.
We didn’t make this checklist based mostly on rumour or Reddit rants. We consulted dependable sources like Client Studies, RepairPal, What Automobile?, J.D. Energy, and main automotive boards to establish luxurious vehicles which have developed reputations for reliability points, costly repairs, or each. We additionally factored in depreciation, elements availability, and real-world possession experiences.
A number of the vehicles listed below are nonetheless comparatively new and command a excessive worth, whereas others have fallen far in worth and will appear to be a discount. However in each instances, the warning indicators are the identical: they have a tendency to interrupt extra typically than they need to and price greater than anticipated to repair.
This doesn’t imply that each single automotive from these fashions goes to fail. Some house owners have trouble-free experiences, particularly with correct upkeep. However in case you are contemplating shopping for one, it’s clever to know the dangers, get a pre-purchase inspection, and be able to price range for ongoing care.
E60 BMW M5
To be truthful, I like the E60 BMW M5! This beast is a component luxurious sedan, half supercar, and it provided all of the tech and creature comforts one would count on in that period. An important half is hiding beneath the hood — an enormous 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 500 Bavarian stallions and an excellent soundtrack. Sadly, it additionally tends to self-destruct, as mentioned by fans on the Bimmerforums.
Mockingly, it was topped engine of the 12 months in 2005, as a result of, on the time, nobody knew it could eat its personal rod bearings, together with a complete host of different points. All of the M5 V10 engines have these issues, and proudly owning one will finally break the bank.
E63 BMW M6
BMW launched the E63 M6 in 2005, and, at first, it was an incredible machine. In truth, it was so good it may’ve been among the many finest BMW M vehicles ever. Sadly, it had the identical V10 engine because the M5. In different phrases, it suffers from a ton of reliability points.
These vehicles are complete cash pits! There are identified points with the rod bearings, oil leaks from the valve cowl gasket, and it suffers from throttle actuator failure, amongst different issues. It’ll price 1000’s of {dollars} to type out these issues.
F10 BMW M5
After BMW realized that the E60’s V10 engine would self-destruct with time, the Bavarians determined to return to the tried and examined V8. Sadly, the F10 BMW M5 additionally got here with a complete laundry checklist of issues, as reported by Euro Auto Professional.
A few of its points had been engine-related, together with rod bearing put on and turbocharger failure. There are cooling system points, drivetrain part failures, and suspension part failures… The checklist goes on. Since this can be a high-performance BMW, you’ll be able to count on repairs to break the bank as nicely.
C8 Audi A6
Audi is behind among the finest European vehicles of all time, and there’s no denying that they modified the automotive surroundings with the Quattro AWD system within the Nineteen Eighties. Nonetheless, the most recent C8 technology of the A6 does include some issues.
It ranked twenty second out of 24 vehicles within the govt and luxurious automotive class in What Automobile?’s most up-to-date Reliability Survey. Homeowners reported varied electrical gremlins, inside trim points, gas system issues, and defective brakes. A lot of the points seemingly stem from the elevated quantity of tech in fashionable vehicles.
M157 Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli actually appears the half, and when it really works, it’s an astonishing Italian GT sedan — Maserati actually is without doubt one of the all-time greats in the case of constructing enjoyable and classy vehicles. Sadly, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Doug DeMuro made a video the place he calls it the “most overpriced automotive in all the automotive trade.” A Reddit person stated his father used to personal one, and it had a horrible inside, fixed electrical gremlins, and trim items would fall off. European Coach additionally studies that the Ghibli suffers from clutch points and the brakes put on out prematurely. It does look beautiful, although.
Maserati Quattroporte VI
Few vehicles depreciate as quick as Maseratis, and based on U.S. Information, the Quattroporte is the worst of all of them, shedding 64% of its worth in simply 5 years. Now, you could assume that makes it a fantastic choice should you purchase it used. Suppose once more!
There’s a purpose why they depreciate a lot. These fashionable machines are identified to be unreliable, and so they’re notoriously costly to keep up. Client Affairs studies that the annual preventative upkeep prices are $1,600, however that doesn’t embody the associated fee when one thing really does break. In line with Munich Motorworks, clutch, transmission, and electrical points are widespread faults on Maseratis, and Redditors warn towards shopping for one. It’s a disgrace, as a result of it truly is a surprising sedan!
Jaguar XF
Very similar to the Italians, British carmakers construct among the best-looking vehicles cash should buy. Sadly, it additionally appears they’re simply as stumped by electrical programs because the Italians. The Jaguar XF appears nice, and the driving expertise is what you’d count on from a Jag, and that’s most likely why it’s been one of many model’s best-selling fashions.
In line with What Automobile?, electrical issues are typical, and Ok Motors says water pump failure, coolant leaks, crankshaft failure, timing chain points, and transmission issues are widespread. In line with RepairPal, yearly upkeep will set you again $1,066 on common, which is greater than different fashions on this phase, and so they’ve given it a reliability ranking of three out of 5.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA appears fashionable, however total, it fails to impress us. For one, it’s based mostly on the entry-level A-class and is fairly costly for what you get. CarWow studies that the backseat is cramped, and Redditors complain in regards to the construct high quality, inside, and engine.
As well as, What Automobile? factors out that Mercedes didn’t do nicely in its newest reliability survey, and Benjamin Zhang at Enterprise Insider writes that Client Studies stated “This Mercedes Is ‘140% Worse Than The Common Automobile,’” and it’s the worst-rated luxurious automobile within the entry-level automotive class.
X351 Jaguar XJ
The final technology of the Jaguar XJ appears fashionable, however the magnificence is just pores and skin deep. Beneath its lovely exterior lies an absolute horror present of reliability points.
Let’s simply say there’s a purpose why the Jag XJ will be discovered for a mere fistful of {dollars}. In line with Ok Motors, it suffers from just about the identical points because the Jaguar XF talked about earlier than. What Automobile? provides electrical points to that checklist, and RepairPal estimates the annual upkeep prices will likely be round $1,232, scoring it 2.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, placing it at twenty ninth out of 32 automotive manufacturers.
Mercedes X-Class
Mercedes-Benz didn’t have a pickup providing in its business automobile division, so the Germans determined to group up with Nissan. As reported by MotorTrend, they rebadged the Nissan Navara, slapped on some fancy elements, and had excessive hopes of cashing in on this partnership.
Whereas the Mercedes X-Class seemed classier and featured extra tech and luxuries, potential prospects weren’t keen to pay a premium for what’s basically a Nissan in a fairly costume. It was too costly to be thought-about a piece truck, and being constructed on a Nissan, it wasn’t fancy sufficient to be a luxurious automobile. Nobody was shocked when X-Class manufacturing ended earlier than three years had handed.
W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In line with the proprietor opinions on Vehicles.com, the Mercedes-Benz W140 S-class is without doubt one of the finest and most dependable vehicles the German producer has ever constructed. Its successor, the W220, didn’t fare as nicely. Granted, it had some huge footwear to fill, however it didn’t measure as much as its predecessor in virtually each manner conceivable, as reported by Jonathon Ramsey at Automobile and Driver.
Whereas the W220 S-class actually seemed good, it suffers from a plethora of reliability points. Most of them are associated to the electronics, however even the air suspension system is understood to fail. Being a flagship Benz, it gained’t be low cost to repair, both!
Lincoln Corsair
For some purpose, Ford has a greater popularity for constructing dependable autos than its luxurious division, Lincoln. That stated, the Lincoln Corsair will get loads of issues proper. It appears good, it’s spacious, and the inside is a pleasant place to spend time. Sadly, that’s not sufficient to make up for its downfalls!
Client Studies ranked Lincoln useless final in its 2020 Reliability Report, and Ford Authority additionally studies that the up to date Corsair misplaced its CR really helpful standing in 2024.
Land Rover LR3 / Discovery 3
Like another Land Rover, the LR3 (Discovery 3 outdoors North America) provides distinctive off-road functionality. As well as, it has a pleasant inside and a strong V8 engine that makes it a really aggressive choice within the SUV market.
Nonetheless, based on RepairPal, it additionally has some severe reliability points, reminiscent of electrical points and air suspension failure, and Client Studies says the “LR3 completed nicely wanting class leaders.” Additionally they complain in regards to the engine being thirsty and the journey being unsettled.
Land Rover Vary Rover Evoque
Land Rover is legendary for its off-road succesful autos, and it’s additionally notorious for reliability points. The Vary Rover Evoque isn’t as off-road-focused as its siblings — it’s designed to draw extra fashionable, city consumers. It’s additionally one of many worst Land Rover merchandise by way of reliability. As reported by The Telegraph, the Evoque holds the doubtful title of the worst automotive to personal within the UK, based on the annual Which? survey.
There isn’t actually a selected 12 months or technology that’s dangerous — all Evoques needs to be averted just like the plague. As per What Automobile?, they endure from quite a lot of engine-related issues, defective electronics and airbags, defective turbo, threat of catching fireplace, and common construct high quality points. Some needs to be lined beneath guarantee, however that solely applies to newer fashions.
Jaguar S-Sort
Within the late ’80s, Ford acquired a struggling Jaguar, and with a purpose to restore the model’s former glory, they started planning a mid-size luxurious sedan. As reported by Autoevolution, the retro-styled S-Sort was launched within the late Nineteen Nineties, earlier than retro-cars actually had been a factor. It had a couple of styling cues impressed by the unique S-Sort from the Nineteen Sixties, however the total design seemed unusual. That’s not the primary purpose why it’s finest averted, although.
The S-Sort was based mostly on the Ford DEW97 platform, and it didn’t take lengthy earlier than house owners started complaining about reliability points. In line with RepairPal, transmission failures are widespread, and you may count on electrical points no matter mannequin 12 months. Being constructed on a Ford platform, it makes use of a number of elements from different fashions beneath the Ford umbrella, however should you purchase “real Jaguar elements,” they’ll have a major markup. As we speak, the Jag S-Sort will be purchased dirt-cheap, as a result of no one needs them.
F01 BMW 740i
The older BMW 740 fashions provided virtually bulletproof reliability, however that’s not the case with the F01 sequence. Gone was the V8 engine present in its predecessors, and instead was the notorious N54 inline-six.
This BMW engine is nice… when it really works. Sadly, it’s largely identified for its Vanos solenoid failures, high-pressure pump points, exploding turbos, and a bunch of different issues. When you come throughout an affordable 740i of this technology, it’s certain to trigger you complications.
E90 BMW 335i
BMW has lengthy been identified for its glorious, driver-focused vehicles. It’s no surprise that the Bavarians are amongst driving fans’ favourite manufacturers. As of late, the E90 BMW 3-Sequence will be picked up low cost on the used market, and few vehicles can maintain a candle to it within the enjoyable division.
One factor to concentrate on is that the 335i comes with the identical N54 engine because the aforementioned 740i, and that unit is understood to be troublesome. When you can choose the automotive up for a track, and also you’re able to fixing it your self, it could be price it. If not, possibly look elsewhere?!
Bentley Continental
Seeing because the Bentley Continental break the bank when it was new, it could appear to be a discount in the present day, as it may well now be discovered for a fraction of that worth on the used automotive market. Nonetheless, there’s a purpose why they’re so reasonably priced.
By now, upkeep payments are starting to stack up, and being stuffed to the rafters with fancy tech identified to fail with age, many homeowners simply wish to do away with these cash pits. There are some horror tales on Reddit, and on Client Affairs, one proprietor wrote, “The service supervisor at our native Bentley seller quoted us $1,785 for a first-year service, $2,685 for 12 months two and $4,385 for 12 months three. When you have a V12 Bentley as a substitute of a V8, every of these costs goes up about 25% to account for the additional oil and spark plugs. That additionally doesn’t embody the price of tires each 30,000 miles, which price $800 every.”
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS-Class
Large, daring, and filled with luxurious, the GL-Class (later renamed GLS) looks like a dream SUV. It has three rows, high-end finishes, and a badge that turns heads. However as soon as it’s out of guarantee, repairs can pile up shortly. In line with RepairPal and proprietor boards, air suspension parts are liable to failure, electrical points are widespread, and drivetrain repairs will be costly.
The GL is a superb instance of a used luxurious SUV that’s interesting on the floor however wants a well-stocked upkeep price range and a trusted mechanic in your contacts checklist.
Audi Q7
The unique Audi Q7 was an early participant within the luxurious three-row SUV phase, and it nonetheless appears sharp in the present day. However beneath the floor, it may be a little bit of a ticking time bomb. First-gen fashions are identified for timing chain points on the V6, electrical issues, and a common tendency to shock you with costly restore wants.
It provides a cushty journey and a well-designed cabin, however be sure you get a full inspection and be prepared for above-average repairs.
Vary Rover Sport
It’s arduous to not love the feel and appear of an early Vary Rover Sport. It’s luxurious, highly effective, and genuinely succesful off-road. However house owners and mechanics alike will inform you it may be one of the maintenance-heavy autos you’ll be able to personal.
Frequent points embody air suspension failures, electrical bugs, transmission issues, and excessive restore prices for even minor points. For diehard Land Rover followers, it could be well worth the hassle. For many used automotive consumers, it’s a “know what you’re moving into” scenario.
Porsche Cayenne
The primary-generation Porsche Cayenne helped set the usual for efficiency SUVs, and lots of nonetheless provide thrilling driving dynamics. However early V6 and V8 fashions are infamous for a couple of costly points, together with coolant pipe failures, driveshaft bearing put on, and dear brake and suspension repairs.
It’s attainable to discover a well-maintained one which’s a pleasure to personal, however be warned that uncared for examples can flip right into a monetary black gap. A pre-purchase inspection is completely important.
Volvo XC90
Volvo has a well-earned popularity for security and practicality, however the first-generation XC90 had some rising pains. Whereas it provided three rows of seating and stylish Scandinavian styling, early fashions are identified for transmission failures, electrical bugs, and getting older inside electronics.
They’re tempting to purchase due to low costs and powerful crash check scores, however except you discover one with detailed service information and up to date main work, possession can get costly shortly.
Suppose Earlier than You Purchase
This was only a fraction of the posh autos which have earned a nasty popularity, and there are a lot extra on the market to be cautious of. That stated, they’re nonetheless very fascinating, and it’s comprehensible should you nonetheless need one.
As talked about earlier than, not each proprietor will expertise issues, however should you do resolve to purchase one among these vehicles, at the very least make certain it has an entire service historical past.
