If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you might be wondering whether you can afford the initial cost. However, it’s crucial to consider all costs. For example, what will your dream car cost you five or ten years down the road?
Luxury cars have a reputation for being more expensive to maintain, but that isn’t always the case. Many luxury brands boast relatively low maintenance costs over ten years—Lexus, Acura, and Tesla being some of the best examples. Here are some of the cheapest luxury models to maintain.
1. Tesla Model 3
There are other Teslas on this list, but the Model 3 comes in first for low maintenance costs. Over ten years, your Tesla Model 3 will cost you around $3,500. This puts it ahead of most reliable non-luxury models, like the Prius and Corolla.
With a starting cost of $40,630, the Model 3 is a relatively affordable option with a sleek, smooth way to feel like you’re doing your part for the environment. The only caveat is that it’s only been around since 2017, so it could have issues that haven’t popped up yet.
2. INFINITI Q50
As Infiniti’s only entry on this list, the Q50 comes with a higher initial cost than the Model 3 and a higher ten-year cost. It will consume more fuel than the average midsize car, and repair and maintenance costs will reach around $9,000 over ten years. However, the Q50 offers a comfortable and stylish ride, and the engine provides plenty of power. For good reason, it is Infiniti’s only sedan on the market.
3. Tesla Model S
Starting at $73,000, the Model S is a significant jump in price from the Model 3. However, it offers comparably low maintenance costs. Over ten years, you can expect to pay roughly $4,600 for your Model S. It also offers a luxury feel, quick acceleration, and a whopping 405-mile estimated range so that you don’t have to worry about running out of charge on a road trip.
4. Tesla Model Y
The Model Y’s initial price is closer to the affordability of the Model 3, but it offers the impressive acceleration of the Model S and just a slightly higher ten-year cost—about $4,700. This crossover SUV also boasts more cargo space than some of Tesla’s other models.
5. Lexus ES 350
The first Lexus model on this list, the ES 350 is comfortable inside and attractive outside. It costs around $5,500 to maintain over ten years. With the ES 350’s higher base cost, you get a luxurious drive with smooth gear changes, good handling, and a quiet ride.
6. Lexus ES 300h
This midsize hybrid offers impressive fuel economy and a smooth ride. Although its power is more modest than other luxury cars, it offers impressive bells and whistles that any driver will enjoy. It is competitive for its class, with most of the power of a larger hybrid but the reliability of a non-luxury sedan. It will run you a little more than the ES 350 over ten years—around $5,700.
7. Lexus IS 350
Lexus makes the list again with the IS 350, which is sportier than the ES 350 for a similar price. The cabin is smaller, but the IS still offers comfort and luxury. The ten-year cost is about even with the ES at $5,700. Ultimately, the choice between these two cars is mainly cosmetic: Both offer a smooth ride and a striking exterior and are fairly cheap to maintain over ten years. Lexus is a star when it comes to accessible luxury cars.
8. Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 is a more affordable luxury car, with new 2024 models starting at around $35,000. It’s not the cheapest car to maintain—around $9,000 over ten years on average—but the low initial price and sporty feel make it a viable candidate. It’s compact, accelerates well, and corners the (admittedly small) market on American sporty sedans. If you’re a Cadillac loyalist, this model is a good option.
9. Lincoln MKZ
Although Lincoln discontinued this luxury hybrid sedan in 2020, the MKZ makes the list for its luxury features, reliability, and relatively low initial cost. The 2020 model costs under $40,000 new and offers a smooth ride, a powerful V-6 engine with upgrade options, and impressive fuel economy. Its ten-year cost is comparable to the Infiniti Q50 at around $8,400.
10. Tesla Model X
The final Tesla on our list is also the most expensive. Ranging from $78,000 to $93,000, the Model X is a far cry from the accessibility of the Model 3. In terms of maintenance, costs over ten years rival the Model S (roughly $4,600). It has a more high-end design than many of the other cars on this list, with a panoramic windshield and upward-opening doors.
The 348-mile range makes it ideal for anyone looking to go all-electric. The only drawback is that the more impressive features can impede functionality—the doors can be temperamental, and the large windshield can heat up the cabin when driving.
11. Acura ILX
Although discontinued in 2022, Acura’s first entry on this list offers great value. Its ten-year cost is around $7,100, but its initial price rarely exceeds $30,000—a great bargain for a luxury car. It also provides impressive fuel economy and an efficient engine. It might not pack the punch many luxury buyers are looking for, but it’s a solid option considering the initial price and relatively low maintenance costs.
12. Lexus NX 300
The Lexus NX series consists of luxury crossover SUVs larger than the subcompact UX series but smaller than the RX. The NX 300 is a great family car with many impressive safety features and a quiet cabin, easily holding its own against other vehicles in its class. The ten-year cost is around $7,100, and with a starting price tag under $40,000, it’s a relatively affordable option.
13. Acura TLX
Starting at $45,000, the TLX is a good “middle ground” car. In terms of space, it’s somewhere between a typical small sedan and a midsize sedan. The price is affordable for the features you get—including a stunning audio system—but it doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles a pricier model might. The maintenance costs are similar to those of the ILX (roughly $7,100), but the TLX is generally better-reviewed and offers more for a slightly higher price tag.
14. Lexus RX 350
The final Lexus on the list is another luxury crossover SUV. The first of its generation, the RX 350 is larger than the NX 300, as reflected in the price. It was completely redesigned in 2023, and the results are impressive: The roomy interior offers comfort and style, the infotainment system has been upgraded, and the ride is as smooth and quiet as ever. This model has a ten-year maintenance cost of about $7,400.
15. Audi A5
No luxury car list would be complete without Audi. With a starting cost of $46,200 and a ten-year cost of about $8,700, the A5 is comparable to the Infiniti Q50. It’s most similar to the BMW 4 series in size and features, but Audi’s sporty coupe offers impressive fuel economy for a luxury car of its size, making it even more affordable over several years. With an upscale interior and array of tech features, you’ll feel safe and stylish cruising around in the A5.