I’m a Car Expert: Top 5 Luxury Cars Not Worth the Monthly Payment
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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When you think of luxury, you typically think of quality. However, that isn’t necessarily the case with high-end cars. Just because a premium brand has a hefty price tag, that doesn’t always mean you’re getting a first-class experience. Top-tier cars promise a dynamic performance, the latest features and prestige, but not all deliver.
While the name might impress you, the monthly payment can quickly become a big regret when you’re stuck with a lackluster power or high maintenance costs. Before you shell out your hard-earned money, take a look at these five luxury cars auto industry experts say fall short.
Land Rover Range Rover
- Starting price: $112,250
With its sleek design and elite features, the Land Rover Range Rover is an attractive option; however, it can actually end up being a “money pit” due to its steep maintenance costs and below-average reliability, according to Rob Dillan, car expert and founder of EVhype.
“The average annual repair cost, according to RepairPal, is $1,258, and Land Rover is on RepairPal’s reliability index of 32 brands — [indicating] more frequent (and more severe) repair problems when vehicles are out of warranty,” Dillan explained. “Those realities raise true monthly ownership costs above the payment quoted in ads.”
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Starting price: $81,325 (KBB)
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a smaller SUV than the Land Rover Range Rover, but it also has reliability issues to be aware of, according to Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot.
“The vehicle’s air suspension, electrical systems and drivetrain components frequently require costly repairs,” he said. “The combination of high maintenance costs and expensive monthly payments creates a stressful ownership experience that undermines the luxurious feel of the vehicle.”
Maserati Ghibli
- Starting price: $110,995
The Maserati Ghibli wows with its stunning exterior design, but maintenance costs and depreciation is concerning, according to Dillan.
“CarEdge projected a $16,544 3-year depreciation cost and tallies the five-year total cost of ownership, insurance, and maintenance, including $178,050,” Dillan explained. “For five-year resale values, iSeeCars placed Maserati in the bottom tier with a 60%+ loss.”
BMW 7 Series (e.g., 740i/750i)
- Starting price: $98,475
Beloved for its advanced features, a roomy inside and comfortable drive, the BMW 7 Series is a hit with drivers, but Dillan said it might not be the best choice due to costly maintenance repairs and unreliability.
“RepairPal reported average annual repair costs for recent 7-Series models as $847 to $1,061. In addition, the BMW’s reliability rating is only 2.5 stars out of 5 on RepairPal, which further widens the gap between the cost of ownership and the actual monthly expenses.”
BMW X7
- Starting price: $85,475
While the BMW X7 (a full-sized SUV) differs from its counterpart BMW 7 Series (a luxury full-sized sedan), it’s also one to steer clear of, per Gelfand.
“The X7 from BMW features advanced technology, yet its complex nature results in high maintenance requirements,” he said.
According to CarEdge, the maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service will run $20,542, which is $8,048 more than the industry average. Additionally, there’s a 56.41% chance that a major repair will be required within that timeframe.
“The combination of electronic systems with air suspension and turbocharged engines leads to substantial repair expenses when any component fails,” Gelfand explained. “The X7 becomes less appealing for long-term ownership because its monthly payments exceed $1,200, while maintenance expenses and depreciation costs reduce its overall value.”
Bottom Line
Before committing to a steep monthly payment, look beyond the sticker price. Research maintenance fees and the true cost of ownership, test drive and read owner reviews. When it comes to luxury, value matters.
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted, all starting price data sources from Car and Driver on Sept. 14, 2025 and subject to change.
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