Owning a sedan can be a blend of luxury, comfort, and practicality. However, some sedans come with hidden costs that can significantly impact your wallet over time.
Here, we analyze 7 sedans that, according to car experts, will cost the most money over time. We’ve also added two more sedans to this list to give a comprehensive overview.
1. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is renowned for its high-performance and luxurious feel. However, this luxury comes at a high cost. The BMW 5 Series has faced several recalls, including issues with the gearbox, cooling system, and premature rotor wear.
The premium materials and intricate engineering contribute to its high maintenance costs.
Over five years, the average maintenance cost for a new BMW 5 Series is over $4,400, and the total cost of ownership, including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, loan interest, and fuel, is $81,249.
Blake Shaw, an Automotive Expert at All About Wheels, notes, “Despite being a high-performance, luxurious vehicle, the cost of maintaining a BMW 5 Series can add up quickly.
Due to the high cost of parts and the intricate engineering of BMWs, maintenance and repair expenses can be enormous.
When compared to non-luxury brands, regular services like oil changes, brake replacements, and repairs to electronic systems are often more expensive.”
2. Audi A6
The Audi A6 is another luxury sedan that incurs high costs over time. Known issues with the Audi A6 include faulty wiring, blown fuses, and malfunctioning control models.
Being a German brand, most materials need to be ordered, and finding a mechanic specialized in foreign vehicles can drive up the cost. Over the first five years, the average cost of repairs is $3,074, and the total cost of ownership is $78,947.
Automotive expert Cruze explains, “Common problems (with an Audi A6) include shifting gears not working properly, oil leaking, and turbocharger issues. The A6 and other Audis tend to have above-average repair costs and frequencies.
In addition, the premium parts and specialized service needed for routine maintenance make it more expensive.”
3. Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze, discontinued in 2019, can also be costly to maintain. As the vehicle ages, maintenance costs rise significantly.
For the average Chevrolet vehicle, maintenance costs jump from $859 to $1,078 between years five and six.
By year nine, the expected annual maintenance is $1,358, with a 22.44% probability of needing a major repair. These increasing costs can make the Chevrolet Cruze a financially burdensome choice over time.
Peter Dubois, general manager at Find By Plate, comments, “With an exterior design that balances between simple and sleek elegance, what the Chevy Cruze makes up for with impressive gas mileage and a comfortable, spacious interior, it lacks in a high maintenance cost.
From transmission issues to cooling system problems to engine leaks, maintenance costs for this car can sometimes become overbearing for owners.”
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4. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class epitomizes luxury and class, but this comes with a steep price tag. The average cost of owning a Mercedes-Benz S-Class for five years is $144,327, with more than half of this cost due to depreciation.
Maintenance expenses average $4,266 over five years, including general maintenance and normal wear and tear.
During the first ten years, there is a 31.57% chance of needing a major repair, potentially adding thousands to the maintenance bill.
5. Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is known for its hidden costs, particularly in its advanced safety system, which can result in high, unexpected expenses.
Over five years, the average cost of owning the Volvo S90 is $81,159, with maintenance costs averaging $3,110.
Starting in the sixth year of ownership, expect to pay over $1,000 yearly for regular maintenance. By year ten, there is a 26.81% chance of needing a major repair.
6. Lexus GS
The Lexus GS, while a reliable brand, can also incur significant costs over time. Known for its luxury and advanced technology, the Lexus GS has faced issues with its transmission and electronic systems.
Over five years, the average maintenance cost is around $3,500, and the total cost of ownership is approximately $75,000.
The high cost of parts and the specialized service required for maintenance can add up quickly, making it an expensive sedan to own in the long run.
7. Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF is another luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain. Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the Jaguar XF has faced issues with its engine and electrical systems.
The average maintenance cost over five years is around $4,000, with the total cost of ownership reaching up to $85,000.
The high cost of repairs, coupled with the need for specialized service, can make the Jaguar XF a financially challenging vehicle to own.