Get Your Money’s Worth With These Reliable Luxury Cars
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Luxury cars are a status symbol more than anything, but that doesn't mean they are bad investments. On the contrary, sometimes dishing out a good chunk of money for a prestigious brand ends up equating to lower maintenance costs in the long run.
So, which luxury car brands are actually worth the money? These 10 most reliable luxury cars have the lowest maintenance costs compared to their average value over 10 years.
This saves you money and annoying visits to the car shop.
10. Land Rover
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Relative maintenance cost: 22.5 percent (of average new car price)
Tough, serious and built for any kind of road, Land Rovers have a reputation for being extremely reliable. The British brand is beloved by people who like wild adventures out in nature. Whether it be driving on precarious mountain roads or crossing the desert, the promise of these boxy cars is that you won't get stranded.
Sure, spending 22.5 percent of your car's value on maintenance is not ideal. But given everything Land Rovers are put through, the number is actually quite impressive.
Note: Rankings and maintenance data are based on The Clunker Junker's "Which Cars Have the Best Maintenance Cost?" January 2023 report.
9. Acura
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Relative maintenance cost: 21.13 percent
Honda's luxury division, Acura is widely regarded as a brand you can count on. It invests heavily in technology and innovation, earning it respect from car enthusiasts who appreciate comfort and quality.
Maintenance costs are high, though. And unlike with Land Rovers, we're not sure it's justified.
8. Infiniti
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Relative maintenance cost: 19.66 percent
Similar to Acura, Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan. This brand is made up of fairly sporty vehicles with powerful engines, yet their design is sleek, particularly in the comfortable interiors. Several models offer premium technology like climate-controlled seats and satellite-powered back cameras that give you a wider perspective.
The relative maintenance cost is also better than with Acura, albeit still a bit high.
7. Audi
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Relative maintenance cost: 19.45 percent
Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is famous for its German design and unfailing engineering. The luxury car brand keeps these positive qualities while elevating the driver experience with premium materials in the interiors and advanced technological features.
The Quattro All-Wheel Drive is perhaps the brand's signature feature. It allows for power distribution to all wheels at once, making for more stable driving in different terrains. For some people, this alone is worth the high maintenance costs.
6. Cadillac
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Relative maintenance cost: 19.36 percent
Founded in 1902, Cadillac is one of the original luxury car brands, and it has managed to keep its reputation for over 120 years. During that time, it has also contributed to many technological advances that we now take for granted, like steel roofs and eight-cylinder engines.
Cadillacs cost over 19 percent of their value in maintenance, but this is typically because many people invest in classic models. While keeping them running can be a pricy endeavor, it's very much worth it for passionate enthusiasts.
5. Lincoln
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Relative maintenance cost: 19.16 percent
Ford is famous for creating the first affordable car in the world, thus popularizing the use of motorized vehicles. But the company also appeals to the luxury market with its Lincoln brand. For over 100 years, this model has been aspirational to anyone who loves beautiful cars with comfortable interiors.
Like with Cadillac, many people collect classic Lincoln models, investing large amounts of money in keeping them running good as new. This contributes to maintenance costs that, in other circumstances, might not be warranted.
4. Mercedes-Benz
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Relative maintenance cost: 18.60 percent
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most respected brands in the luxury car market. The German company has high safety standards and offers a wide range of models catering to different needs and styles. From practical, family-friendly SUVs to smaller sedans, you're sure to find something that suits what you're looking for.
The brand is also known for adopting new technology and integrating it into its designs earlier than many competitors.
3. Porsche
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Relative maintenance cost: 17.27 percent
Porsche is synonymous with luxury and style. The cars are undeniably beautiful, especially that of its world-renowned sports cars. As expected, the brand strongly emphasizes safety and performance, which delights both professional and amateur sports-car drivers.
Though it'll always be known for its less practical (but thrilling) cars, Porsche also offers SUVs and sedans suitable for people who need more space. Given its prestige and power — and the bragging points it earns you — we'd say this brand is worth its maintenance cost.
2. Lexus
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Relative maintenance cost: 12.28 percent
Toyota created Lexus in 1989 to cater to the higher-end car market. Like its parent company, Lexus is well-regarded worldwide and is respected for its reliability, quality manufacturing and use of premium materials for the interiors. As expected, integrated technology can be found in new models.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the Lexus brand is its low maintenance cost. Yes, you'll spend a pretty penny upfront, but maintenance is just over 12 percent of that — which is basically a steal.
1. Tesla
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Relative maintenance cost: 7.09 percent
The youngest company on this list is also one of the most innovative. Founded in 2003, Tesla has disrupted the car industry (as well as the oil industry) and has helped propel the world into the age of the electric vehicle.
But besides being somewhat better for the environment, the brand is designed for durability. Maintenance costs are an astounding 7.09 percent — that is truly impressive for a car that is a status symbol.