5 Popular Luxury Cars That Could Leave You With Hefty Repair Bills, According to Auto Experts
Buying a luxury car can be exciting. But focusing only on its features, performance and looks can be a big mistake.
Ashley NeSmith of Ashley the Auto Advocate said luxury vehicles are expensive to maintain, especially after the factory warranty expires. If you’re shopping for a luxury car, here are five models known for their hefty repair bills.
Be Aware: Why Owning These 6 Luxury Cars Is Costly Beyond the Sticker Price
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1. Porsche Cayenne
Alan Gelfand, owner and lead technician of German Car Depot, explained that while the Cayenne is well-engineered and fun to drive, it commands a high cost for parts, tires, brakes, and repairs to the cooling system, transfer case and suspension. He also said that a repair that would cost $1,000 to $3,000 for a mainstream SUV can cost $3,000 to $6,000 for a Cayenne.
NeSmith said that the Cayenne’s high-performance brake systems can rack up a high repair bill. “Changing out the front brake pads and rotors can run $1,500 to $2,000,” she added.
2. Land Rover Range Rover
According to Gelfand, problems with air suspension in the older Range Rovers can cost as much as $1,000 to fix for a single compressor, strut or control module. He said that bigger repairs to the suspension or cooling system can cost several thousand dollars or more.
Additionally, if you’re buying a used Range Rover, Gelfand strongly recommended checking the service records and having a good pre-purchase inspection done. “Make sure you have enough money in your budget for any repairs that may be needed,” he added. “Just because the car has depreciated does not mean that the repair costs for a used luxury car go down. They can still cost a lot of money to fix.”
NeSmith said that air suspension failures for the Range Rover can cost $2,500 to $7,000, while timing chain issues can run $2,500 to $5,000 and coolant leaks can be $1,500 to $3,500.
3. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The GLE’s transmission and Airmatic suspension can lead to large repair bills, according to NeSmith. She estimated that transmission repairs can cost $2,300 to $5,500. Replacing an Airmatic strut, which is part of the vehicle’s air suspension system, can run $1,500 to $2,100, she said.
4. BMW X5
Even common items, such as tires and brakes, can be expensive to replace on the BMW X5. NeSmith said new brakes and rotors can cost $1,500 to $2,000, while performance tires can run $2,000 to $3,000. Problems with the air suspension system can cost $3,000 to $3,500, she added.
5. Audi Q7
Gelfand said that when the Audi Q7 is out of warranty, the AWD system, turbocharged engines, the cooling system, the electronics and the tight engine bay all contribute to higher repair costs. “Water pump repairs, oil leaks, work on the suspension and any electrical diagnostic repairs can be very costly, with repair costs often reaching well over $1,000 in many cases,” he added.
For example, NeSmith said the repair cost range for the Q7’s timing chain is $ 3,500 to more than $6,500.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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