10 Used Cars With Surprisingly High Ownership Costs

If you are caught in the seductive spell of the Maserati Quattroporte, be ready to spend because this Italian luxury sedan, resembling a sports car in nature, might make a significant dent in your wallet. How? The upkeep expenses stay high, and the fast depreciation doesn’t help.

If it’s long-term value you’re after, the Acura RLX may not be your best bet. While the car promises superior handling with Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer, it is unfortunately prone to suffering heavy depreciation within the first five years. This elevated rate of depreciation outpaces that of many rival Japanese luxury sedans.

The BMW 7 Series full-size luxury sedan is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. Even though it might glisten in a used car lot, it’s notorious for rapid depreciation. Its maintenance and repair costs are among the highest in the industry, and its impressive high-tech features can develop into costly electronic repairs.

Investing in an older Range Rover model might seem appealing initially due to its luxurious interior and off-road ability. However, they have been known to inflict surprisingly high long-term costs on their owners. Complex all-wheel-drive system repairs and steep depreciation make them expensive to maintain. The frequent occurrence of air suspension problems further increases upkeep costs.

Though initially more affordable, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class can sneakily burden wallets through upkeep expenses over time. Used models face alarming depreciation rates, where they lose their value much quicker than their economy sedan peers. The car’s luxuries and high-tech components, such as the massaging seats, require specialized and costly repairs as they age.

The Cadillac Escalade is a stunner on the road—a trait that has made it a hit among A-list celebrities and musicians. But beware before you sign on the dotted line. The massive size of this SUV means higher fuel consumption. Plus, its gadgetry and luxurious features can be highly expensive to repair or replace. It also depreciates quickly.​

Although the Chrysler 300 is distinctive with its bold, retro appeal, its long-term costs may exceed the budget of someone unaware of its faults. The above-average fuel consumption and higher aging repair costs, especially for transmission and electronic issues, may be stumbling blocks. Potent V8 engines, available in some trims, further hike up expenses.

Don’t be deceived by the upfront affordability of older Mini Coopers. These beauties have high maintenance costs, particularly for electrical and suspension repairs. This, coupled with a steeper-than-average depreciation rate, makes its long-term ownership a pricey affair. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a favorite among city drivers due to its compact design.

Amid the variety of second-hand cars, the Volkswagen Passat, with its spacious and plush cabins, emulates a luxurious experience. However, this apparent bargain could be misleading due to higher long-term expenses. Persistent, costly repairs involve timing chain breakdowns and electrical issues. To that, add a swift depreciation rate.

The potential pitfalls associated with older Infiniti QX56 and QX80 models aren’t evident at first glance. Elusive repair and maintenance costs appear due to frequent suspension and transmission problems. Plus, these car models depreciate faster than most SUVs, as reported by www.iseecars.com. The QX80’s massive size also leads to excessive fuel consumption.