Car Experts Say Don’t Buy These 4 European Cars That Cost the Most Money Over Time
Written by
Laura Beck
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Molly Sullivan
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European cars are often sought after due to their engineering and the unique driving experiences they offer. But if you’re hoping to make the most of your investment, then some models might not be the most economical choice.
Every car has its upfront price — what you’ll pay at the dealership — as well as its ongoing costs. Often the ongoing costs can catch you by surprise. Reliability, maintenance, fuel efficiency and resale value all play a role in how much you’ll pay overall. Here are four European cars that, despite their appeal, may end up costing you far more than you expected in the long run.
Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is, of course, an icon of British luxury and off-road driving. But it’s less dependable than it seems. Its reliability is notoriously poor.
“The closest the Range Rover lineup was to being reliable was either in the 1970s or in 2001 when it was offered with a BMW M57 diesel engine,” said Evaldas Zabitis, expert at carVertical.com. “Other than that, the Range Rover lineup is comically problematic. These luxurious SUVs are prone to all kinds of problems, from electrical nightmares to suspension failures. Moreover, most Range Rover problems require lots of time and expert knowledge to diagnose and repair, resulting in enormous maintenance costs.”
Mini Cooper
At first glance, the Mini Cooper seems like a fun, economical choice. It’s classic, compact and a blast to drive.
“Mini Coopers are fun, stylish, and sporty,” Zabitis said. “But first and second generation models (pre-2013) are quite disappointing regarding dependability, and most problems are caused by Prince and Tritec engines. Their poor design often results in excessive carbon buildup, fuel pump failures, premature timing chain wear, and various leaks. The third-gen Mini Cooper was equipped with BMW engines, which are much more durable.”
Maintenance costs for the Mini Cooper can be surprisingly high. And reliability is an issue that plagues many Mini Cooper models. This is especially true the longer you own them.
“The Mini Cooper, though stylish and fun to drive, shares its maintenance costs with entry-level BMWs,” said the AI auto expert at AutoEasy.com, founded by Daniel Yuabov. “Over a few years, the running costs can make a Porsche seem more affordable. Its complex engineering and need for specialized service contribute to these high expenses.”
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class might be the epitome of a luxury sedan. But owning one can get expensive. It’s known for having high maintenance costs because of its advanced, complex features. You’ll need to have it serviced regularly, which can be very pricey.
“The S-Class lineup is one of the most luxurious on the market, but S-Class models also experience crazy depreciation due to unbearable maintenance costs and sketchy technology,” Zabitis said. “Every new S-Class model gets all the latest and craziest automotive technology, but it doesn’t age well and isn’t time-tested, thus creating various problems later on. For example, the S-Class in 1998 was the first Mercedes-Benz to receive a pneumatic Airmatic suspension, which soon became one of the biggest gremlins of that model. However, Mercedes significantly improved the Airmatic system in later models.”
It’s true that the S-Class will give you a luxury experience. But if you’re considering buying one, also think about whether you’re also ready to take on all the ongoing costs.
Volkswagen ID.4
EVs are often thought of as having lower costs of ownership, but the Volkswagen ID.4 may be more expensive to own over the long haul than most.
“You wouldn’t think that a compact electric crossover from Volkswagen would cause many issues, but the ID.4 tells a different story,” Zabitis said. “Even though the ID.4 was introduced in 2020, it already has over a dozen safety recalls and loads of common issues, such as a lagging or failing infotainment system, problematic charging and weak suspension components. J.D. Power gave the 2024 ID.4 a sad 54/100 reliability rating.”
If you’re thinking about the ID.4, battery replacement should also be a concern. Although Volkswagen offers a warranty on the battery, once this expires, you might be facing a huge expense when the battery degrades and needs replacement.
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