Expensive pleasure: 12 cars that will bankrupt retirees on upkeep

© www.bmw-m.com

A car is an important part of life for many people, especially older drivers. But the high cost of service and repairs makes certain models entirely unsuitable for retirees on a limited budget. Experts have compiled a list of the cars considered least cost-effective precisely because of what it takes to keep them running.

1. Land Rover Range Rover

The starting price is a hefty $113,300. Over the first ten years of ownership, the owner will spend roughly $19,750 more on servicing and minor repairs. But the worst part is the 51.3% probability of major breakdowns costing over $500. That means the owner risks running into expensive repairs on a regular basis, sharply driving up overall costs.

2. Porsche Cayenne

This SUV starts at $89,900 plus a $2,350 destination fee, for a total of nearly $92,250. Cayenne owners also face heavy annual service costs: from $17,900 to $20,496 over the first decade of ownership.

3. Audi Q8

With a starting price of $75,600 (including $1,295 for delivery), this crossover is one of the most visually striking — yet also one of the more expensive to maintain among premium brands. Projected ten-year service costs come to around $13,351.

4. BMW X6 M

This high-performance, sporty premium model spans a wide price range: from $98,000 to $136,100 (excluding the $1,450 destination charge). Running such a powerful car comes with serious added costs: owners typically spend around $20,496 on routine diagnostics and preventive maintenance in the first ten years. The risk of major repairs over $500 is pegged at 56% — far from the most economical figure.

5. Jaguar F-Pace

At launch the model costs from $57,000 (plus a mandatory $1,375 transport fee). Total expected scheduled service and minor repair costs over the first ten years run to about $17,318. The numbers are gentler than for previous entries, but the probability of serious damage and major repairs exceeds 49.8%.

6. Infiniti QX80

Infiniti has long been associated with high levels of comfort and safety, but the QX80 is not the smartest buy for someone of retirement age. Starting price: from $83,750, including a fixed $2,190 destination charge. Routine maintenance costs are relatively high — $12,489 over the first ten years. On the upside, the probability of a major repair is comparatively low: only 33.2% of owners run into such issues.

7. Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty

Heavy-duty Ram pickups are popular thanks to their payload capacity and reliability, but servicing such hardware is extremely expensive. Starting price: from $47,000, plus a $2,795 destination charge. The combined ten-year service estimate runs from $27,228 to $27,244. Wear on components and the complexity of the build lead to frequent serious breakdowns — with a staggering 81.8% probability.

8. GMC Sierra 2500 HD / Sierra 3500 HD

These General Motors pickups deliver power and endurance, but the cost of ownership is steep even for well-off drivers. Pricing starts at $47,000, including a $2,795 destination fee. Total maintenance costs for the first decade range from $13,755 to $13,799.

9. Cadillac Escalade

The prestigious American flagship — the Cadillac Escalade — is offered from $91,900 to $126,295 (including a $2,895 destination charge). Average ten-year service costs are around $14,442. This luxury SUV blends opulence and comfort, but also has a particularly thirsty appetite for fuel.

10. Acura MDX

The Japanese model is on sale from $51,800, including $1,450 in transportation costs. Total projected upkeep over ten years comes to roughly $10,565. The car offers a reasonable balance of quality and convenience, though its fuel tank is on the smaller side.

11. Subaru Ascent

Subaru's full-size family crossover is available from $40,795 plus $1,450 in transport costs. The initial thrill, however, gives way to disappointment fast: average ten-year service costs come in at $8,778.

12. Jeep Gladiator

An exciting ride demands serious outlays not just for buying the Jeep Gladiator itself, but for keeping it on the road. The car sells for $40,015 plus $1,995 for delivery. Expected ownership costs over ten years come to about $12,640. Owners should also factor in the risk of major breakdowns — they occur in roughly 37% of cases.