Owning a luxury car is often seen as a status symbol, and for good reason. Luxury vehicles often boast superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and high levels of craftsmanship, offering an enhanced driving experience.
However, not all luxury cars live up to their price tags. According to Alex Black, Chief Marketing Officer of EpicVIN, an automotive specialist, the costs of owning a luxury car can quickly exceed the initial purchase price due to maintenance and repairs.
“Luxury cars might be something to boast about, but few are worth their price,” Black stated.
Here are some luxury models Black recommends being cautious about:
Maserati Ghibli
The Italian-made Maserati Ghibli is visually striking with its distinctive design, including boomerang-shaped headlights and the signature trident emblem. However, Black warns that this model is often plagued with reliability issues. He describes it as a “dressed-up version of a Chrysler,” but with a significantly higher price tag. Maintenance and part replacement can become very costly very quickly.
Range Rover
Black notes that as the Range Rover ages, it can be prone to electrical malfunctions, suspension failures and oil leaks. Its maintenance costs end up stripping your pocketbook. While the Range Rover offers impressive handling, even off-road, older models come with significant drawbacks.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series impresses with its high-tech features and comfort. However, innovations like LED door projectors, a touchscreen interaction bar, and a 31-inch theater screen for rear passengers contribute to a high price tag, with electronics failing and suspension issues, too.
“Post-warranty, the cost of owning a BMW 7 Series will escalate,” Black said.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade carries an elite badge, but Black believes it doesn’t justify its price. He points out that it shares its platform with the Chevy Tahoe and suggests you’re paying a premium for the badge. Furthermore, the Escalade’s reliability record isn’t stellar, making it a costly choice.
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF delivers driving pleasure with its features like a turbocharged engine and digital gauge cluster. But persistent maintenance problems overshadow its appeal, making it a risky investment for those seeking a trouble-free luxury experience. The transmission and electrical systems can be costly to repair.
Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes S-Class comes with excellent features such as an OLED touchscreen to personalize settings to each driver’s taste. However, older models can incur high maintenance costs. Black mentions that older S-Class models frequently face air suspension failures. And the electronics are expensive to repair.
Audi A8
The Audi A8 is a comfortable and stylish luxury sedan with all-wheel drive. But its lack of reliability can make long-term ownership financially draining, according to Black.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a thrilling luxury SUV, but older models suffer from reliability problems. The early models face engine issues, heavy maintenance bills and expensive parts—costs that can add up quickly.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a high-performing car with a twin-turbo V-6 engine, but it has gained a reputation for being unreliable. Black states that its stunning looks and exhilarating drive are spoiled by computer errors and costly repairs.
