A used luxury car can look like a bargain until the repair bills start arriving. A vehicle that once cost a fortune may now be available for a fraction of its original price, but expensive parts, complex technology, and specialist labor can make it surprisingly costly to own.
Some luxury SUVs and performance cars deserve extra scrutiny because their long-term maintenance estimates are particularly high. The ranking below uses CarEdge’s estimated 10-year maintenance costs as a guide to potential ownership expenses, while also considering the kinds of repairs buyers should investigate before purchasing a used example. These figures are estimates, not guaranteed repair bills or proof that every vehicle is unreliable.
1. Bentley Bentayga — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $28,860
The Bentley Bentayga combines luxury materials, powerful engines, and sophisticated technology. Those features make it appealing to buyers looking for a premium SUV, but they can also make repairs expensive when components wear out or electronic systems develop problems.
A used Bentayga may have depreciated considerably, yet replacement parts and specialist labor can remain costly. Buyers should carefully examine the service history, suspension, electronics, cooling system, and condition of the interior.
Money-pit warning: A low purchase price does not necessarily mean affordable ownership. Before buying, obtain a specialist inspection and a realistic estimate for any outstanding maintenance.
2. Bentley Continental GT — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $25,136
The Continental GT offers impressive performance and a beautifully finished cabin, but it is a grand touring car designed around luxury rather than low-cost ownership.
Depending on the model year and engine, repairs involving the drivetrain, suspension, cooling system, or complex electronics can require substantial spending. Even routine servicing may cost more than it would for an ordinary family car.
Money-pit warning: Avoid buying one simply because its used price seems attractive. A complete maintenance record and an independent inspection are essential.
3. BMW XM — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $21,414
The BMW XM is a high-performance luxury SUV with advanced hybrid technology and a powerful drivetrain. Its combination of performance systems and electronic equipment makes it a vehicle for which specialist maintenance can be important.
On a used example, buyers should investigate the condition of the hybrid system, charging equipment, drivetrain, suspension, and onboard electronics. Warranty coverage can be particularly valuable when complex components are involved.
Money-pit warning: Check which warranty protections remain and whether the vehicle has received all required software updates and scheduled services.
4. BMW X6 M — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $20,497
The BMW X6 M combines a sporty driving experience with SUV practicality. However, its performance-focused engineering can bring higher running costs than those of a basic commuter vehicle.
High-performance tires, brakes, and suspension components can be expensive to replace. A used example that has been driven aggressively or maintained inconsistently may require additional work.
Money-pit warning: Look beyond the odometer. Tire wear, brake condition, maintenance invoices, and evidence of hard use can tell you a great deal about future expenses.
5. BMW X7 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $20,420
The BMW X7 is a large, premium SUV with three-row seating and a long list of comfort and technology features. Its size and complexity can make certain repairs more expensive than those on simpler vehicles.
Depending on the year and specification, buyers should investigate the air suspension, cooling system, electronics, transmission behavior, and operation of powered interior features.
Money-pit warning: Test every major feature during the inspection. A seemingly minor electronic fault can become an expensive diagnostic exercise on a complicated luxury vehicle.
6. BMW X5 M — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $20,399
The BMW X5 M offers sports-car performance in an SUV body. That combination is exciting, but performance-oriented components can wear more quickly or cost more to replace than ordinary parts.
Potential expenses include performance tires, brakes, suspension components, and repairs to the complex powertrain. Previous ownership habits matter because hard acceleration and aggressive driving can increase wear.
Money-pit warning: Look for complete service documentation and have a BMW specialist check the engine, transmission, cooling system, and suspension before making an offer.
7. Land Rover Range Rover — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,749
The Range Rover is known for its luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and off-road capability. Unfortunately, older examples can become costly if several systems need attention at once.
Depending on the generation, buyers may need to investigate air suspension, electronic controls, cooling components, drivetrain condition, and other model-specific concerns. Repairs can be particularly inconvenient when specialist parts or diagnostic equipment are required.
Money-pit warning: A clean exterior is not enough. Check for suspension warnings, leaks, electronic faults, and a documented history of preventive maintenance.
8. BMW X6 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,624
The standard BMW X6 is less extreme than the X6 M, but it remains a premium SUV with relatively complex mechanical and electronic systems.
Used examples can vary significantly by engine, trim, mileage, and previous maintenance. Buyers should investigate transmission behavior, engine leaks, cooling-system condition, suspension wear, and the functionality of electronic features.
Money-pit warning: Compare the purchase price with the likely cost of catching up on overdue maintenance. A neglected example can quickly erase the savings from buying used.
9. BMW X5 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,459
The BMW X5 is a popular luxury SUV, but its ownership costs can be higher than buyers expect when shopping for an inexpensive older model.
The exact risk depends on the generation and engine. Potential areas to inspect include the cooling system, oil leaks, suspension, transmission, and electronic equipment. Some examples may be dependable when properly maintained, while neglected ones can require substantial investment.
Money-pit warning: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the specific model year and engine rather than assuming every X5 has the same reliability record.
10. BMW X4 M — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,437
The BMW X4 M combines sporty performance with a compact luxury-SUV design. Its performance equipment can be expensive to maintain, particularly if the vehicle has been driven hard.
Brakes, tires, suspension components, and drivetrain repairs deserve close attention. Buyers should also check for modifications and confirm that any performance-related changes were installed properly.
Money-pit warning: Be cautious when a seller cannot provide maintenance records or explain the vehicle’s modification history.
11. BMW X4 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,113
The standard BMW X4 offers a stylish alternative to a conventional SUV, but its sloping roofline and premium engineering do not necessarily translate into low ownership costs.
Repair expenses depend on the engine, age, mileage, and condition. Before purchasing, inspect the cooling system, suspension, brakes, transmission, and electrical features.
Money-pit warning: Compare the X4 with less complicated alternatives if your main priority is inexpensive transportation rather than styling and premium features.
12. BMW X3 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $19,051
The BMW X3 is smaller than the X5, making it attractive to buyers who want a luxury SUV without the size of a full-size model. However, a used X3 is not automatically inexpensive to maintain.
Certain model years and powertrains may require more attention than others. An inspection should cover fluid leaks, cooling components, transmission operation, suspension, and the vehicle’s maintenance history.
Money-pit warning: Research the exact year and engine before buying. Reliability can vary significantly between generations and configurations.
13. BMW X2 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $18,838
The BMW X2 is a compact luxury crossover designed for buyers who want a smaller vehicle with premium styling. Its compact size does not eliminate the potential cost of specialized repairs.
Before buying, check the engine, transmission, cooling system, suspension, and electronic features. Confirm that all scheduled maintenance has been completed and that there are no unresolved warning lights.
Money-pit warning: A smaller luxury vehicle may be easier to park, but it does not necessarily cost as little to repair as a mainstream compact car.
14. BMW X1 — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $18,808
The BMW X1 is one of the smaller SUVs in BMW’s lineup, yet its maintenance costs can still be higher than those of many non-luxury alternatives.
The condition of the engine, transmission, suspension, and electronics matters more than the badge alone. A carefully maintained example may offer years of useful service, while a neglected one can need several repairs soon after purchase.
Money-pit warning: Ask for invoices rather than relying solely on a seller’s claim that the car has been serviced regularly.
15. Land Rover Range Rover Sport — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $18,795
The Range Rover Sport blends luxury, performance, and off-road ability. Its appeal is understandable, but repairs can become expensive when sophisticated systems begin to fail.
Depending on the model year, buyers should investigate the suspension, cooling system, transmission, drivetrain, and electronic features. Previous off-road use and towing may also affect wear.
Money-pit warning: A comprehensive inspection should include a diagnostic scan and a check for signs of off-road damage or deferred maintenance.
16. Land Rover Defender — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $18,098
The modern Land Rover Defender combines rugged styling with modern technology and comfort features. Despite its adventurous image, a used Defender can still require expensive specialist servicing.
Buyers should assess the suspension, drivetrain, electronic systems, underbody, and condition of any towing or off-road equipment. The exact concerns vary by generation and specification.
Money-pit warning: If the vehicle has been used extensively off-road, ask for a detailed underbody inspection and evidence of proper maintenance.
17. Land Rover Discovery — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $17,665
The Land Rover Discovery is designed to provide family space and off-road capability. Its multiple systems and comfort features can make troubleshooting more involved than it would be on a simpler vehicle.
When inspecting a used example, pay attention to suspension operation, electrical features, cooling-system condition, fluid leaks, and drivetrain behavior. A full service history is especially helpful.
Money-pit warning: Do not overlook intermittent warning lights or small leaks. Ask a specialist to identify the cause before agreeing to buy.
18. Land Rover Range Rover Velar — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $17,653
The Range Rover Velar stands out for its sleek design and technology-focused interior. Those features can make it attractive on the used market, but electronic and mechanical problems may be expensive to diagnose and repair.
Check the infotainment system, cameras, driver-assistance features, climate controls, suspension, and drivetrain. Confirm that software updates and scheduled services have been completed.
Money-pit warning: Test all the electronics during the inspection. Do not assume that a vehicle is problem-free simply because it drives smoothly during a short test drive.
19. Mercedes-Benz GLS — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $17,529
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a large luxury SUV with generous passenger space and premium equipment. Its size, comfort features, and sophisticated systems can contribute to higher maintenance and repair costs.
Depending on the year and trim, inspect the suspension, engine, transmission, electronics, and operation of powered seats and tailgate features. Tire and brake replacement can also be costly on larger, heavier versions.
Money-pit warning: Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles and ask for an estimate of upcoming scheduled maintenance.
20. Jaguar F-Pace — Estimated 10-Year Maintenance: $17,319
The Jaguar F-Pace combines sporty handling with SUV practicality. Used examples can look appealing when depreciation makes them more affordable, but repair costs may remain high compared with those of mainstream vehicles.
The engine and transmission, cooling system, electronics, suspension, and service history all deserve attention. Because different model years and engines can have different reliability records, research the exact version before deciding.
Money-pit warning: A specialist inspection and a review of maintenance invoices can help distinguish a well-cared-for example from one that may require immediate spending.
Why These Cars Can Become Money Pits
A vehicle does not need to break down constantly to become expensive. Several factors can make used-car ownership unexpectedly costly:
- Specialist labor: Some luxury vehicles require brand-specific diagnostic tools and experienced technicians.
- Expensive components: Premium brakes, suspension parts, electronics, and engine components can cost more than equivalent parts for ordinary cars.
- Deferred maintenance: Previous owners may have postponed repairs that the next owner must eventually pay for.
- Complex technology: Air suspension, advanced driver-assistance features, and elaborate infotainment systems introduce additional components that may need attention.
- Depreciation: A used luxury vehicle may have a low purchase price while its parts and servicing remain priced for a much more expensive car.
CarEdge’s estimates illustrate this difference in ownership costs: its 10-year luxury maintenance rankings put Bentley, Land Rover, and BMW among the most expensive brands to maintain. Actual expenses vary with mileage, age, location, and maintenance history.
How to Avoid Buying a Used-Car Money Pit
Before committing to a used car, take these practical steps:
- Get a pre-purchase inspection. Choose an independent mechanic familiar with the make and model.
- Research the exact model year. Reliability can change between generations, engines, and trim levels.
- Review service records. Look for evidence of regular maintenance and completed major repairs.
- Run a diagnostic scan. Hidden fault codes may reveal problems that are not obvious during a test drive.
- Check for recalls. Confirm that applicable safety recalls have been addressed.
- Estimate upcoming expenses. Ask the mechanic which repairs or scheduled services may be due soon.
- Keep a repair reserve. Do not spend your entire budget on the purchase price, especially when buying a complex luxury vehicle.
Consumer Reports also recommends evaluating reliability at the model-year level rather than assuming that every vehicle from a particular brand performs the same way. Its used-car guidance draws on owner survey data to identify models with below-average reliability.
Myth vs. Fact: Are All Used Luxury Cars Money Pits?
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Every used BMW or Land Rover is unreliable. | Reliability varies by model, year, engine, condition, and maintenance history. |
| A low used-car price means the car is affordable to own. | Repairs and maintenance can remain expensive even after depreciation. |
| Low mileage guarantees a good used car. | Service history, age-related wear, storage conditions, and previous damage also matter. |
| A clean test drive proves the car has no problems. | Some faults require a diagnostic scan or a specialist inspection to identify. |
| Buying an older luxury car is always a bad decision. | A well-maintained example may suit a buyer who understands its running costs and can afford repairs. |
Conclusion
The most expensive used cars to own are not always the ones with the highest purchase prices. Luxury SUVs and performance vehicles can depreciate enough to look affordable while retaining substantial maintenance costs.
The Bentley Bentayga, Bentley Continental GT, BMW X5, Range Rover, and several other premium models on this list deserve careful financial consideration before purchase. That does not mean every example is unreliable; it means buyers should understand the potential costs before committing.
Key Takeaway
Buy the condition and maintenance history—not just the badge or the bargain price. A professional inspection, model-year research, and a realistic repair budget can help you avoid turning a used-car deal into a long-term financial headache.
