High Maintenance: The Most Expensive Cars To Keep On The Road

Maintaining a car is probably one of the most annoying things about owning one. But, like many say, “If you take care of your car, it will take care of you.” Obviously, it's important to regularly check your car's fluid levels, tire tread, and inflation, and pay attention to any leaks, sounds, or smells that may indicate a need for repairs. But what if your car model determines how often it has to be serviced?

Data shows which cars are the most expensive to maintain. This can be the most important thing when considering your long-term budget. In its 2023 Annual Auto Surveys, Consumer Reports inquired about the yearly out-of-pocket costs drivers incurred for repairs and maintenance to keep their vehicles operational.

These expenses could include anything unrelated to collision repairs, such as tires, oil changes, and other upkeep. The findings were compiled to calculate the average amount owners spent on their cars over a decade after purchase.

Interestingly, the report found that some of the vehicles that cost the most upfront cost more in maintenance.

Kicking off their list is Land Rover. According to Consumer Reports, drivers report spending an average of $4,250 on maintenance costs during their first five years of ownership. During the following five, the amount jumped to $15,000, for a 10-year total of $19,250.

Following behind is a luxury car, a Porsche. They tend to rack up high maintenance costs. Drivers report that after spending $4,000 in the first five years, expenses jump significantly for the second five-year window of the cars' lives to an average of $10,090.

Wrapping up the top three is Mercedes-Benz. This recognizable brand clocks in at $2,850 in typical maintenance costs for its first five years and $7,675 for the remainder of the decade.

The study points out that the comparison for “fresher cars is muddied” because a number of brands, including BMW and Toyota offer free maintenance periods on new cars. They also mention that cars need very little work in the first couple of years beyond an oil chain and tire rotation.

“Nearly all new-car warranties last at least three years, and repairs, if needed, are covered. Analysis shows that costs can skyrocket when the warranty and free maintenance periods are over,” they said.

Also found in the study is that Tesla had the lowest maintenance costs. Some of the least costly brands when it comes to maintenance include Buick, Toyota, Lincoln, Ford, and Chevrolet.

Take a complete look at the study results here.