7 Cars That Look Cool but Will Drain Your Bank Account in Repairs
“Cool” is a subjective term, especially when it comes to cars. Even so, some vehicles routinely pass the “cool” test among people who pay attention to such things.
There’s a catch, though: You might pay dearly for the privilege of looking cool through high maintenance and repair costs.
The typical car can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,200 a year to repair and maintain, according to data cited by Consumer Affairs. But certain models with the right “cool” credibility are on the high end of that range – or well above it.
Here are seven cars that look cool but will drain your bank account in repairs, according to Consumer Reports and other sources.
Land Rover
Cool credibility: “Wonderful exterior design, interior arguably even better.” – BBC TopGear
Typical 1-5 year repair/maintenance cost: $5,560
6-10 year cost: $13,900
Total 10-year cost: $19,460
Technically an SUV, the Land Rover’s main problems are “complex 4×4 systems, exclusive parts, frequent electrical issues [and] aluminum body panels requiring specialized repair,” according to a blog from Insure on the Spot.
Porsche
Cool credibility: “Usually, if a movie is about cars or living a classy lifestyle, you'll see the Porsche in the background. -- HotCars
1-5 year cost: $4,950
6-10 year cost: $12,950
Total 10-year cost: $17,900
Insure on the Spot notes that the Porsche engines require “frequent servicing,” with other problems being “expensive brake systems, premium labor rates [and] specialized technician requirements.”
Jaguar
Cool credibility: “Jaguar helped define Cool Britannia in the 1960s.” – BBC TopGear
1-5 year cost: $4,385 (based on SoFi 10-year estimate)
6-10 year cost: $11,277 (based on SoFi 10-year estimate)
Total 10-year cost: $15,662
Jaguar parts can cost “significantly more than mainstream brand equivalents, especially when repairs involve specialized electronics, low-volume OEM components, or dealer-only modules,” according to CarParts.com.
Mercedes-Benz
Cool credibility: “Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their elegant and timeless design that… exude both grace and strength.” – Imperial Ride
1-5 year cost: $3,330
6-10 year cost: $9,300
Total 10-year cost: $12,630
According to Insure on the Spot, Mercedes-Benz's high repair and maintenance costs are tied to “advanced electronics, air suspension systems, premium parts pricing [and] dealer-only service requirements for many repairs.”
Audi
Cool credibility: “Audi's styling department makes some of the best-looking cars on the road.” -- Jalopnik
1-5 year cost: $2,050
6-10 year cost: $9,300
Total 10-year cost: $11,350
Audi's pricey repairs are tied to “Quattro all-wheel-drive complexity, turbocharged engines, expensive electronics [and] carbon-buildup issues on direct-injection engines,” according to Insure on the Spot.
BMW
Cool credibility: “BMW has produced some of the most recognizable and exciting cars in automotive history.” – Motor Trend
1-5 year cost: $1,700
6-10 year cost: $9,300
Total 10-year cost: $11,000
Insure on the Spot cited the BMW’s “sophisticated engine management systems, expensive cooling systems, brand-specific parts [and] shorter service intervals.”
Volvo
Cool credibility: “Volvo… knows good design, as shown by its aesthetically pleasing Concept Coupe, futuristic Concept Estate, and Italian-influenced P1800.” – Motor Trend
1-5 year cost: $1,530
6-10 year cost: $8,800
Total 10-year cost: $10,330
Volvos are expensive to repair and maintain because they “require special components and often specialized technicians” and are “packed with advanced technology, including complex electrical systems and intricate safety features,” according to Consumer Affairs.
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact year, make or model of the vehicle(s) listed in this article.
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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