Save Some Money: Avoid Buying these 6 Luxury Cars and Buy These 3 Cars Instead
Most people think that putting a bit of extra money into items means that the quality is much better than cheaper versions. Still, with vehicles, you could be losing more money due to costlier mechanical issues. Price does not always mean cheaper in the long run. We can see this with vehicles as expensive as a Mercedes being so expensive in the long run compared to a good old Toyota that lasts a long time; maintenance is more affordable, too.
This article is going to break down six different luxury vehicles that are not worth it in the long run and replace them with four cars that will be much more bang for your buck.
Avoid These Luxury Vehicles:
Using Consumer Reports and other web resources, we will show that spending more money on cars may not be best for your wallet in the long run.
1. Volvo XC60
Volvo has been known as a vehicle that most people trust. That could just be their perception. Good marketing can make any vehicle look great. Consumer Reports is not too impressed with this Luxury SUV. It is listed as one of the top SUVs to avoid and comes in the middle of the pack for Luxury SUVs.
The maintenance cost is a bit below the average of most Luxury SUVs, at around $746 annually. Consumer Reports ranks their reliability at 2 out of 5, and with major recalls due to their break and engine cooling systems, it is just one that is hard to make the money work out in the long run. It is better to choose a different option.
2. Mercedes C-Class
Mercedes is one of those vehicles that allows its drivers to have that look of success. People want to drive them and feel the comfort of German engineering, but on second thought, when the costs of maintenance start coming in, people run to the fences.
You wouldn’t think that the more money you put into a product, the more you must continue throwing at it. Mercedes isn’t a Jeep or Chevrolet. It should be built to last, but alas, the costs come at a price. Ranked 11th out of 15 overall in luxury compact cars. It was given a rating of 2 out of 5 for reliability and 3 out of 5 for owner satisfaction.
Many owners either get rid of them after a few years or curse the day they bought them. You may feel like you are in luxury, but is it worth the long-term cost?
3. 2016 & 2019 Models of Audi A6
Audi has had some great engineering in the past. Reliability would have been one of the key factors in choosing between an Audi and another luxury vehicle, but some of those days are ending quickly.
The 2013 and 2015 models of the Audi A6 ranked as some of the best reliable vehicles on the market. If you want to get some of the latest technology while saving, you may opt for the 2016 and 2019 models, but not so fast. These models have had numerous repair issues and recalls, earning a reliability ranking of 1 out of 5. If you want to save money but get an older version,, stay clear of the 2016 and 2019 models of the A6.
4. Jaguar F-Pace
Consumer Reports considered the Jaguar F-Pace a vehicle to avoid. It quite frankly makes “too many noises.” If that is not a problem, it took weeks to make appointments to have the vehicle fixed, and many of the problems were not fixed at all.
As a luxury vehicle, the standard should be high with excellence and not a piece of junk that takes weeks to get fixed (or not fixed with many owners). Be aware of those Jaguar F-Pace vehicles. There may be better vehicles to buy instead.
5. BMW X3
With a whopping average cost of maintenance being around $1,034, you may wonder why you are buying this vehicle. It is a beamer, a BMW, and German engineering at its best. We see those people driving down the road in a BMW and want to be a part of the crowd.
If you have a family, the BMW X3 could be the vehicle that you want. It is a compact SUV with a reliability ranking of 2.5 out of 5 for SUVs. There is a 14% probability of repairs, which are not cheap. So, let’s look for some better alternatives.
6. Cadillac
The above-mentioned is a brand and not a vehicle per se. If we look at it, Cadillac really hasn’t improved its product in years. Watching a video recently of some of the worst cars to buy in 2024, Cadillac ranks as one of the top. You look at them; they have barely changed in design and features in over ten years. What are they doing over there?
Reliability is not what it used to be, and quite frankly, paying the high cost for something you could have gotten ten years ago is just a waste. So do yourself a favor and avoid Cadillac.
3 Cars You Should Get Instead of These Luxury Vehicles
Reliability is the name of the game. If you are going to fork out thousands of dollars over 3-6 years, you want something that will last the test of time. We have compiled a list of four vehicles that will make you feel luxurious and reliable at the same time.
1. Mercedes E-Class W212
The Mercedes E-Class is a vehicle known for being rock solid and reliable throughout the years. You may see old versions roaming the streets with tons of miles on them. Do you want to know why? They are built to last. Nothing fancy is under the hood, which you will find in a C-class or other models. It is just simple and ready to work.
2. Lexus RX-350
Suppose you are looking for something to wow you on the road; look elsewhere. The Lexus RX-350 may not wow you with its driving capability, but the luxurious feel of the ride will be something your parents and their parents will enjoy while sitting in it.
One of the best parts is that Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as the most reliable vehicle on the market. Lexus is part of the Toyota company, so you can rest easy knowing that reliability is a top priority within Toyota.
3. Lexus ES
If you are looking for a reliable luxury midsize sedan, then the Lexus ES could be one of the best picks. The older model GS was discontinued and replaced with the ES. This car can outlast many vehicles on the market. If you can find a good GS for under $20,000, you will know that it will continue to last long like those Toyotas do. It is a great buy for longevity’s sake.
Saving Money By Picking Great Reliable Cars
Buying a car can be like buying a home. You need to pick the best place for the best price. If you go too cheap, you may end up with a lemon. It is best to look at reliability instead of namesakes. Not all Mercedes are created equal, but with a good E-class, you can get a great vehicle that will last a long time. So do some research before purchasing a big car, and save your money.
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