The Most Expensive Cars To Maintain In 2025: What Owners Need To Know

by AutoExpert   |  20 August, 2025

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Owning a premium car feels great at first, but after a few years the running costs can hit harder than expected. Experts and real-world data show that some models are particularly demanding when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Here are the ones most likely to keep owners reaching for their wallets.

Porsche Cayenne—When Luxury Meets Hefty Repair Bills

Porsche Cayenne

Mechanic Alan Gelfand from German Car Depot notes that the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most expensive SUVs to maintain once the honeymoon phase is over. Performance parts and high labor costs quickly add up. Cooling pipes, the drive shaft, and brake components are among the most common trouble spots.

Consumer Reports supports this finding, ranking Porsche just behind Land Rover in terms of overall maintenance expenses.

Range Rover Owners Pay The Price For Comfort

Range Rover

The Range Rover has earned its reputation for blending comfort with serious off-road ability. However, those strengths are paired with high ownership costs. Parts are not always easy to find, and repairs can be complex, which means bills climb quickly. For example, replacing a faulty air suspension can cost upwards of $4,000. Over ten years, owners often spend more than $20,000 just to keep things running smoothly.

Audi Q7—Advanced Tech, Advanced Headaches

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is admired for its modern technology, yet all of those high-end electronics create plenty of opportunities for expensive fixes. CarEdge estimates that maintaining a Q7 costs more than $13,000 over ten years. Specialized tools and original parts are often required, which makes even routine repairs less simple and far more expensive.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class—Luxury That Does Not Age Cheaply

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class has long stood as a symbol of luxury, but problems start to creep in as the miles build up. After about 160,000 kilometers, issues with the Airmatic suspension, oil leaks, and electronic systems often appear. Ten-year ownership costs usually hover around $13,000, and that figure does not even include major repairs to the engine or transmission.

Ram 2500—A Workhorse With Costly Upkeep

Ram 2500

Not all high-cost models wear luxury badges. The Ram 2500, known for its toughness, also ranks as one of the most expensive trucks to maintain. Industry estimates suggest owners may spend more than $27,000 within the first decade. Diesel engines loaded with sensors and regulators frequently run into problems, which leads to failures in injectors, transmissions, and even seemingly minor systems like power windows or locks.

The Takeaway

Whether it is a high-end European SUV or a heavy-duty American truck, the real cost of ownership often shows up long after the purchase. Limited parts availability, complex technology, and labor-heavy repairs can add tens of thousands to the total bill. For anyone considering one of these models, it pays to look past the sticker price and think carefully about what it takes to keep them on the road.

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