Which car has the highest maintenance cost

At the absolute extreme, ultra‑exotics like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron have the highest maintenance costs, with routine services running into five figures and tire sets alone often costing $30,000–$40,000 or more. Among cars people commonly own, large luxury models—particularly the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW 7 Series—consistently rank near the top for long‑term maintenance and repair costs in U.S. ownership data, often exceeding $15,000–$20,000 over 10 years depending on use and region.

Why the answer depends on what you mean by “highest”

“Highest maintenance cost” can mean two different things: the most expensive car to keep running in absolute terms (where rare hypercars dominate), or the priciest among mass‑market vehicles that ordinary owners might daily drive. Because servicing a Bugatti or a Koenigsegg involves factory-only procedures, custom parts, and specialized technicians, those cars set the ceiling. In mainstream ownership data from sources such as CarEdge (10‑year cost modeling), RepairPal (annual repair costs), and Consumer Reports (reliability and maintenance trends), full‑size luxury SUVs and flagship sedans tend to be the costliest over time.

Exotics: where routine service costs rival a family car’s price

The following models are widely cited by dealers, independent specialists, and owner reports for exceptionally high routine service costs. Figures vary by year and market but illustrate order of magnitude.

• Bugatti Veyron: Annual service commonly reported around $20,000+; tire sets roughly $30,000–$40,000; complete wheel/tire packages and multi‑year services can climb well past $50,000.
• Bugatti Chiron: Regular service typically in the five‑figure range; multi‑year service intervals can reach the tens of thousands; tire sets are often quoted around the $40,000 mark.
• Koenigsegg (various models): Factory‑led maintenance with specialized travel and parts; routine work frequently in the five‑figure range depending on model and mileage.
• Pagani (Zonda/Huayra): Bespoke components and limited service networks mean very high parts and labor costs, with scheduled services often costing tens of thousands.
• McLaren (e.g., 720S, 650S): Less extreme than Bugatti, but still high; annual services and consumables (carbon‑ceramic brakes, tires) can total many thousands per year.

In short, if you include hypercars and ultra‑low‑volume exotics, they overwhelmingly hold the title for the world’s highest maintenance bills due to bespoke parts, tires rated for extreme speeds, and factory‑controlled service protocols.

Mainstream luxury models with notably high ownership costs

For vehicles commonly registered and daily driven, long‑term ownership data consistently shows certain luxury SUVs and flagships near the top for maintenance and repair spending. Exact totals vary by model year, mileage, and region, but these nameplates have repeatedly ranked among the highest.

• Land Rover Range Rover: Air suspension, complex drivetrains, and electronics contribute to some of the highest 10‑year maintenance/repair outlays among mainstream luxury SUVs.
• BMW 7 Series: Advanced tech, V8/V12 variants, and costly wear items make the 7er one of the priciest sedans to maintain over a decade.
• Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class: Flagship systems (active suspensions, driver‑assist suites, complex HVAC) drive higher scheduled service and repair costs.
• Porsche Panamera: Strong reliability strides notwithstanding, big brake jobs, tires, and scheduled services keep lifetime costs high.
• Maserati Quattroporte/Ghibli: Shorter service intervals and pricey parts/fluids commonly push above‑average maintenance totals.
• Audi A8: Sophisticated drivetrains and luxury features mean higher long‑term parts and labor compared with mid‑size sedans.

Across multiple datasets as of 2024, these models often accrue well into the mid‑teens to $20,000‑plus in combined maintenance and repairs over 10 years, especially when driven higher mileages or maintained at dealerships in high‑cost metros.

What makes some cars so expensive to maintain

These are the common technical and market factors that push maintenance costs higher, regardless of brand.

• Complexity and technology: Active/air suspensions, rear‑steer, advanced driver‑assist systems, and night vision add parts and diagnostic time.
• Performance consumables: Large tires, carbon‑ceramic brakes, and high‑output turbo engines wear components faster and cost more to service.
• Limited parts and service networks: Exotic or low‑volume models require factory parts and specialized technicians, raising labor and logistics costs.
• Labor times and access: Tightly packaged engines/transmissions can turn simple services into multi‑hour procedures.
• Owner use patterns: Short trips, infrequent driving, or track use accelerates wear on batteries, tires, brakes, and fluids.

In combination, these factors mean premium and performance vehicles frequently incur higher scheduled service and unscheduled repair spending than mainstream counterparts.

How to manage high maintenance costs if you love luxury or performance

Owners can meaningfully influence lifetime costs with a few strategies, especially once warranties lapse.

• Prioritize pre‑purchase inspections: A thorough PPI by a marque specialist can flag costly upcoming work (suspensions, leaks, brakes).
• Choose the right spec: Smaller wheels, steel brakes, and simpler suspensions lower ongoing costs versus carbon‑ceramics or air setups.
• Use reputable independent specialists: Labor rates can be lower than dealers, and specialists know model‑specific failure points.
• Consider factory maintenance plans or extended warranties: Good plans can offset the risk of big‑ticket items during ownership.
• Follow time‑based service intervals: Changing fluids and filters on time prevents deferred maintenance from turning into repairs.

While luxury cars won’t be cheap to keep, smart selection and proactive care can significantly reduce the financial sting over a decade.

Bottom line

If you include ultra‑exotics, Bugatti models sit at the top of the maintenance‑cost mountain by a wide margin. For everyday ownership, full‑size luxury SUVs and flagship sedans—most notably the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW 7 Series—are among the most expensive to maintain and repair over a 10‑year horizon in recent U.S. data.

Summary

The most expensive cars to maintain, in absolute terms, are ultra‑exotics like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, where routine services can cost tens of thousands and tires alone approach $40,000. Among commonly owned vehicles, large luxury models such as the Land Rover Range Rover and BMW 7 Series typically rank at or near the top for 10‑year maintenance and repair costs. Complexity, performance consumables, and limited service networks are key drivers, but careful spec choices, pre‑purchase inspections, and independent specialists can mitigate the expense.

What is the hardest car to maintain?

If you have one of the cars below, we recommend either spending thousands on repairs with specialty mechanics or getting rid of it entirely!

• The MINI Cooper.
• Renault Le Car.
• Toyota MR2.
• Nissan 300ZX.
• Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.

Which car is most expensive to maintain?

The McLaren F1 is often considered one of the most expensive cars to maintain, with annual costs around $30,000 due to specialized parts and the need for overseas shipping for some repairs. Other cars with very high maintenance costs over the long term include Bentley models like the Continental GT, high-end Porsches such as the Cayenne and 911, and Land Rovers. These costs are driven by specialized parts, luxury features, complex engineering, and sometimes poor reliability, making their maintenance significantly more expensive than mainstream vehicles. 
Factors influencing high maintenance costs:

• Specialized Parts: Luxury and high-performance cars use specialized, expensive parts that are not readily available. 
• Complex Engineering: High-performance and luxury vehicles often have complex systems, such as turbocharged engines or Quattro all-wheel-drive systems, which require specialized and costly repairs. 
• Brand Reputation: Brands known for luxury and high performance, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover, often have higher maintenance costs due to their premium components and service requirements. 
• Reliability Issues: Some luxury brands, such as Land Rover, have a reputation for reliability issues, which leads to more frequent and costly repairs. 
• Labor Costs: The complexity of repairs and the specialized knowledge required for high-end vehicles also increase labor costs. 

Examples of expensive models:

• McLaren F1: An oil change can cost $8,000, and some repairs require shipping the car to the UK, leading to potentially $30,000 in annual maintenance. 
• Bentley Bentayga and Continental GT: These luxury SUVs and grand tourers are among the most expensive vehicles to maintain over 10 years. 
• Porsche models: The Cayenne, Macan, and 911 consistently rank among the highest for long-term maintenance costs. 
• Land Rover Range Rover: Known for its luxury, it also carries a reputation for reliability issues and high maintenance costs. 
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van: These luxury vans are also listed among the more expensive vehicles to maintain due to their specialized parts and systems. 

Which car has the cheapest maintenance?

Cars like the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, and Honda Civic generally have the cheapest maintenance costs due to their simple designs, readily available and affordable parts, and a reputation for reliability and longevity. Other budget-friendly options include the Nissan Sentra and Mitsubishi Mirage, while electric vehicles (EVs) can also offer low maintenance as they have fewer moving parts than traditional gasoline cars.
 
Models with the Lowest Maintenance Costs

• Toyota Corolla: Opens in new tabKnown for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and the affordability of replacement parts, leading to very low annual maintenance costs. 
• Toyota Prius: Opens in new tabAnother low-maintenance choice from Toyota, with a simple design and affordable parts. 
• Honda Civic: Opens in new tabA staple in the compact market, the Civic is a reliable, long-lasting vehicle with minimal repair needs. 
• Nissan Sentra: Opens in new tabThis budget-friendly sedan is dependable and relatively cheap to maintain. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabAn inexpensive option known for low ownership costs, including maintenance. 
• Hyundai Elantra: Opens in new tabOffers a strong warranty and good fuel economy, contributing to its budget-friendly ownership. 
• Nissan Versa: Opens in new tabA practical and affordable car that is easy to maintain. 
• Subaru Outback: Opens in new tabOffers practicality and affordability for those seeking an all-weather vehicle. 

Factors Contributing to Low Maintenance Costs

• Reliability and Longevity: Cars that don’t break down often inherently have lower maintenance costs over time. 
• Simple Design: Simpler vehicle designs, especially those with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions, are easier and cheaper to maintain. 
• Affordable and Available Parts: Models from brands like Toyota and Honda have a vast network of affordable and readily available replacement parts. 
• Fuel Efficiency: Fuel-efficient vehicles often correlate with lower maintenance costs. 
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs require less maintenance than traditional cars because they have fewer moving parts, such as no engine oil changes or exhaust systems. 

Brands Known for Low Maintenance Costs

• Toyota: Opens in new tabConsistently ranks as a top brand for low maintenance costs over the long term. 
• Honda: Opens in new tabAnother brand that offers models known for their minimal repair needs and affordability. 
• Hyundai/Kia: Opens in new tabThese brands have become more reliable in recent years while keeping parts costs low. 

Which car company has the highest maintenance cost?

The most expensive car brands to maintain generally include luxury German brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, along with British luxury marques such as Land Rover and Jaguar. The costs are driven by higher parts prices for complex, specialized components, the need for specialized labor to repair these sophisticated systems, and a higher likelihood of more expensive repairs as these complex vehicles age. 
Factors contributing to high maintenance costs:

• Cost of Parts: Luxury and high-performance vehicles use more expensive, specialized components. 
• Complexity of Technology: The advanced technology in these vehicles requires specialized knowledge and tools for repair. 
• Specialized Labor: The unique nature of these cars necessitates technicians with expertise that is more costly to find. 
• Reliability Issues: Some luxury brands, like Land Rover and Jaguar, have a reputation for higher maintenance needs due to complex systems and reliability issues, increasing overall costs. 
• Aging Components: As the vehicle gets older, original parts wear down, requiring replacement, which is particularly costly for specialized luxury parts. 

Brands frequently appearing on lists of high-maintenance costs:

• Land Rover: . Opens in new tabOften ranks at or near the top due to complex systems and associated repair costs. 
• Porsche: . Opens in new tabHigh-performance parts and the complexity of luxury sports cars make ownership expensive over time. 
• BMW: . Opens in new tabHigh initial purchase price often translates to expensive parts and labor for maintenance and repairs. 
• Mercedes-Benz: . Opens in new tabPremium parts for a premium brand lead to high costs even for routine repairs. 
• Jaguar: . Opens in new tabKnown for luxury, but also for higher repair costs on complex components. 
• Audi: . Opens in new tabHigh-tech features and Quattro AWD systems contribute to increased maintenance expenses.