A new car can be thrilling, but it’s important to know all the costs involved. This includes what you will pay after you drive off the lot—namely, maintenance fees.
Some cars are better than others when it comes to long-term maintenance, and nobody wants to be stuck paying for a vehicle that hemorrhages money over time. Use this list to evaluate whether these brands and models align with your long-term financial goals.
1. Volvo S60
Volvos overall have a 10-year maintenance cost of $12,500. The S60 can be a great used car to buy if you’re looking for a sleek sedan. However, many year models have reliability concerns, so it’s important to know which years to look out for. Coupled with the maintenance costs, it might not be the best choice for your next vehicle.
2. Land Rover Range Rover Velar
The Velar boasts a sleek design and Land Rover’s signature toughness on any terrain. However, this model comes with nearly a 50% chance of needing a major repair in the first 10 years. With an estimated $16,755 cost over 10 years—on top of an initial cost of over 61,000—you’re probably better off saving your money.
3. BMW X3
The compact luxury crossover car BMW X3 SUV is almost as fun to drive as a 3 Series sedan and provides more space and practicality. However, it is costly to maintain. The total maintenance cost for ten years is $3,361, with an average of $574 in the first year. The chance of this vehicle needing significant repairs is 54.6%.
4. Mercedes-Benz Metris Van
Imagine that you pay $582 annually for maintenance costs. Over ten years, this would amount to a total of $3,454! The Metris is a smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and is almost as versatile but comes with similar maintenance and repair costs. Additionally, there’s a 56.7% chance of needing a major repair.
5. BMW X6
The BMW X6 is a coupe-like SUV that comes in two versions: the regular X6 and the X6 M. The X6 is less extreme than its M variant. Although it is fun to drive, its sporty design decreases the rear headroom and cargo space.
In the first year of ownership, the estimated maintenance cost for this vehicle is $618. In a span of ten years, this cost would amount to around $3,428. Additionally, this model has a 54.6% chance of experiencing major repair issues.
6. Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera offers luxury and comfort, seating up to four. It also comes as a sport wagon, sedan, or hybrid. However, the Panamera costs an average of over $16,000 over 10 years and is highly likely to need major repairs during that time.
7. BMW X1
The small but powerful X1 is available in front- and all-wheel drive. However, with more than a 50% chance of needing a major repair over 10 years, it isn’t the most reliable. Starting at around $40,000, the X1 costs an average of $16,989 to maintain over 10 years.
8. Mercedes Benz G-Class
This rugged SUV is a popular choice when it comes to upscale models, hailed as a more elegant offroading vehicle. It also comes with high maintenance costs—around $16,500 over 10 years. Get ready to spend big if this is your car of choice.
9. BMW X5
The 2011 BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury SUV with significant issues, notably stalling while driving at around 68,000 miles with an average repair cost of $4,400. Additionally, the 2008 X5 is prone to water leaks into the interior, costing about $10,000 to fix around 36,000 miles. The 2013 X5 faces engine overheating problems, requiring repairs averaging $2,200 at approximately 62,000 miles.
10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Known for its opulence, the S-Class can also bring hefty repair costs. Steer clear of used Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles from 1999-2006, as they’re known for problems such as subpar suspension and a tendency for rust.
The 2007 model has faced criticism for transmission issues, suspension problems, and the risk of overheating. Meanwhile, owners of the 2014 S-Class have highlighted concerns with the air suspension system, including complete failure and leaks.
11. Audi A4
While lauded for its performance and design, the A4 has had its share of reliability issues, particularly with the engine and transmission in specific model years. Audi A4 models often face significant issues such as excessive oil consumption and engine failures.
These problems, including faulty seals and weak piston rings, lead to costly repairs averaging around $6,000 to $8,500. Engine-related issues consistently top the list of complaints across various model years, making specific years like 2009 and 2011 particularly problematic.
12. Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta has faced significant issues over different model years, with engine problems being the most prevalent. The 2019 Jetta stands out for transmission issues, costing an average of $26,000 to repair around 17,000 miles.
The 2009 model is notable for ABS module failures, requiring an average repair cost of $2,300 at roughly 99,000 miles. Additionally, the 2015 Jetta has reported clutch failures, with repairs averaging $1,800 at about 13,000 miles.
13. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has significant electrical issues, with the 2011 model year being the most problematic. Specifically, the 2011 version commonly experiences TIPM failures, making engine starting difficult at around 52,000 miles and costing an average of $1,100 to fix.
Additionally, the 2011 Grand Cherokee faces problems with its leather dashboard, with repairs averaging $1,600 around 63,000 miles. The 2015 model has concerns with unreliable electronic shifting, requiring repairs averaging $7,500 at approximately 12,000 miles.
14. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is an affordable small car in production since 1998. It has notable transmission issues, with the 2014 model year especially problematic due to high repair costs and the early onset of problems.
It commonly exhibits hesitation or jerking at around 25,000 miles, costing about $1,500 to fix. It also experiences shuddering around 22,000 miles with an average repair cost of $1,400. In comparison, the 2012 model faces power steering failures at approximately 82,000 miles, requiring repairs averaging $1,800.
15. Chevrolet Tahoe
This full-size SUV has significant interior accessory issues, with the 2015 model year particularly problematic. The 2015 Tahoe commonly faces A/C failures around 52,000 miles at an average cost of $900.
The 2009 model stands out for excessive oil consumption, requiring repairs averaging $5,500 at about 96,000 miles. Additionally, the 2004 Tahoe continually needs anti-freeze despite no leaks, with repairs costing around $3,200 at 80,000 miles.
16. Dodge Charger
Known for its muscle-car appeal, the Dodge Charger grapples with notable engine issues, most prominently in the 2006 model year, where premature engine failure occurred around 94,000 miles with an average repair cost of $5,500.
The 2016 Charger has concerns with door panel warping, costing about $3,500 to address at roughly 52,000 miles. Meanwhile, the 2011 model experiences alternator failures, requiring repairs averaging $600 around 53,000 miles.
17. Cadillac Escalade
As a luxury SUV, the Escalade comes with luxury repair costs. Many consumers reported notable engine issues, especially in the 2015 model year, where a loud tapping noise occurs around 87,000 miles with an average repair cost of $5,800.
Additionally, the 2014 version has a rough ride issue at roughly 35,000 miles, costing about $1,700 to fix. The 2006 Escalade faces transmission failures around 77,000 miles, requiring repairs averaging $2,800.
18. Chrysler 200
This mid-size sedan was only in production between 2011 and 2017 and faced significant engine-related challenges, particularly in the 2015 model year, where the engine stalled or shut off while driving, occurring around 35,000 miles with an average repair cost of $1,100.
Additionally, the 2012 Chrysler 200 has reported problems with the heater not working on the passenger side, requiring repairs averaging $1,400 at approximately 67,000 miles. Moreover, the 2013 model experiences transmission slipping around 39,000 miles, with repairs costing an average of $4,000.
19. Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder has received the most complaints of all the cars on this list. Certain model years of the Pathfinder have been plagued by transmission failures, resulting in costly repairs and frequent visits to the dealership.
A prevalent concern with the 2005 year model is coolant leaking into the transmission system, requiring repairs that average around $3,900 and typically occurring at 102,000 miles. Similarly, the 2006 and 2007 Pathfinder models also face this issue, with average repair costs hovering around $4,000 and affecting vehicles at 110,000 and 114,000, respectively.
20. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback faces notable electrical challenges, with the 2013 model year particularly concerning. While the 2015 Outback has the highest number of complaints, the 2013 model year stands out due to factors like elevated repair costs and more frequent issues at lower mileage. Specifically, the 2017 Outback commonly experiences dead battery issues.
Additionally, the 2013 Outback has reported excessive oil consumption, with repairs averaging $1,500 around 59,000 miles, and transmission failures, which can cost owners around $6,500 to fix at approximately 113,000 miles.
21. Range Rover
The Range Rover is a high-end luxury SUV. The 2017 model is flagged for significant problems, especially water leaks through the windshield. While the 1998 model has the most complaints overall, the 2017 version is considered worse due to factors like repair costs and early issues. Other concerns include the 2011 model’s suspension light activation and brake malfunctions in the 1998 version.
22. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 faces significant transmission issues, with the 2019 model year topping the list due to factors like high repair costs and early onset of problems. Specifically, the 2019 RAV4 commonly experiences hesitations and lurches at slower speeds, requiring an average repair cost of $20,000 at around 3,000 miles.
Drivers reported the 2008 and 2007 models have concerns about excessive oil consumption, with repair costs averaging $35,600 at 105,000 miles for the former and $1,900 at 104,000 miles for the latter.
23. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima faces significant engine and transmission challenges, especially in the 2013 model year, known for CVT issues costing around $3,100 to fix at 56,000 miles. The 2009 model has notable steering wheel lock failures requiring an average repair cost of $900 at 90,000 miles, while the 2014 version encounters transmission failures with repairs averaging $3,800 around 74,000 miles.