10 cars to avoid if you don't like expensive repair bills

They promise you luxury, power, and comfort, but can leave you with an empty wallet. Some cars, despite their big names and prestige, turn into real headaches when it comes to repairs. When looking at a ten-year ownership perspective, these cars can noticeably cut into the family budget, especially if regular maintenance is neglected.

BMW 7 Series continues to be a symbol of technological progress, offering many features and comfortable driving. However, as is often the case, complex systems bring problems: electronics, air suspension, and even the engine often require intervention. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 11,000 – 15,800 €. The 4.4-liter V8 versions like the 750i often require oil ring replacement after 150,000 km.

Range Rover, especially in older generations, still raises debates: a true SUV but with a character. Owners often face chronic failures of air suspension and electronics, and transmission repairs can cost more than a used hatchback. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 13,000 – 16,800 €. On TDV6 diesel versions, the oil pump often fails.

Audi A8, despite its refined appearance and advanced content, often becomes unbearably costly to maintain. All-wheel drive system failures and sensor interface malfunctions appear right after the warranty ends. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 12,000 – 14,900 €. On the A8 D4 with the 4.2 TDI engine, the intake system often fails.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a benchmark in luxury sedans, combining comfort and safety. But you have to pay for it: complex electronics, air suspension, and active driver assistance systems require regular and expensive maintenance. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 12,000 – 15,800 €. The Magic Body Control system requires costly calibration as early as after 100,000 km.

Jaguar XJ is a car that catches the eye with its design, but under the hood — a frequent source of worries. Engine management system failures and capricious electronics make ownership a struggle for reliability. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 10,200 – 14,000 €. Versions of the XJ with the V6 engine often suffer thermostat failures.

Land Rover Discovery can easily be mistaken for a rugged off-road conqueror, but under the hood lurk complexities. Wiring, the all-wheel drive system, and even basic sensors can deliver unexpected surprises. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 12,000 – 14,900 €. The Discovery 4 with the 3.0 SDV6 engine is known for frequent crankshaft seizing.

Mini Cooper S attracts those who seek a stylish and lively city car. However, the sporty version suffers from unreliable turbochargers, overheating, and weak clutches. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 8,400 – 10,200 €. Models with CVT transmissions from the early years often fail before 100,000 km.

Chrysler 300 is a large American sedan with a distinctive appearance. However, owners regularly face problematic gearboxes and buggy multimedia systems. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 7,400 – 9,300 €. Versions with the Pentastar 3.6 V6 engine have discovered timing chain issues.

Porsche Cayenne of the early years was a real breakthrough in the luxury SUV class, but technically far from ideal. Frequent engine failures, oil leaks, and costly transmission work make maintenance unprofitable. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 14,000 – 18,700 €. On the V8 versions of the Cayenne S until 2007, cracks in the cylinder heads are common.

Maserati Quattroporte always associates with elegance, but behind it hide service difficulties. Owners often turn to specialized workshops as official servicing costs almost as much as the car itself. Estimated repair costs over 10 years: 18,700 – 23,300 €. Models with the DuoSelect transmission suffer from jerking and frequent overheating.