15 Cars Mechanics Say Will Drain Your Wallet With Costly Repairs
- - 15 Cars Mechanics Say Will Drain Your Wallet With Costly Repairs
Danielle GibsonJanuary 29, 2026 at 7:39 PM
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When it comes to car ownership, some vehicles aren't just expensive to buy or to insure; they're also expensive to keep out on the road. Based on RepairPal data, the average annual repair cost for all makes and models sits around $652.
The cars on this list? Yep, these are the ones mechanics will tell you to shy away from if you want to avoid wasting money.
So, while these rides might deliver style and speed, they also bring repair shop receipts big enough to wreck your budget.
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1. Hyundai Elantra
This four-door sedan might look like a bargain on paper, maintaining a relatively low average annual repair cost. However, that's only half the story.
It's no surprise that mechanics recommend steering clear of this Hyundai model, given its 142 reported problems. The data shows that the Elantra is prone to transmission issues, which mechanics back up.
One Redditor on the r/Hyundai forum inquired about how reliable Hyundai cars are, especially the Elantra.
One Redditor answered, writing, "Very hit or miss. Take care of them more than other cars in case you get unlucky. Their factory quality control isn't very good, and some cars are more issue-prone than most. As you see here, there are plenty of happy campers, but some people have engines break as soon as 50k. It varies, as with most brands, but Hyundai seems to vary more than usual."
Another Redditor chimed in on the discussion, sharing, "Defective engines, boring, uninspiring drive, no soul, not much power, ugly. Basically a Toyota, but not as solid."
A third Redditor probably said it best with, "Hyundai and Reliable don't fit in the same sentence."
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $452.
2. Lincoln Navigator
A plush luxury SUV, the Navigator is a massive three-row machine that delivers a commanding presence and excellent towing capacity.
However, with its complex air suspension and electronic systems, the Navigator has the potential to eat a hole through your wallet pretty quickly.
Case in point: one Redditor on the r/lincolnmotorco forum inquired about purchasing a Lincoln Navigator after previously owning a Toyota Sequoia.
Due to the Navigator's poor reputation, a second Redditor advised against it, responding, "If you are going to buy a Lincoln Navigator L, buy the extended warranty! Why don't you buy another Toyota Sequoia? The Lincoln won't make it to 200,000 miles without some major work, and it's a V6!"
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,089.
3. Mercedes-Benz S550
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the S550 was a Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan until 2017.
While this is another used luxury vehicle that you could snag for a fraction of its original price, your wallet had better be ready for some hefty repair bills.
As one Redditor put it on the r/mercedes_benz forum, "Here's the thing with Mercedes-Benz - if you maintain them on the schedule they prescribe, they're wonderful, but they will require maintenance and replacement of items before they break. Do this, and they're amazing cars - buy the car, and defer the maintenance because you can't afford it, and you'll hate your ownership experience. Mercedes-Benzes don't do well when you wait for stuff to break."
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,249.
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4. Kia Sorento
While the average annual maintenance costs associated with this midsize SUV aren't excessive, mechanics still recommend veering away from the Kia Sorento.
With 110 reported problems from transmission issues to airbag malfunctions, it's little wonder why mechanics advise steering clear of the Kia nameplate.
One Redditor on the r/askcarguys forum inquired about why their mechanic said "NO" to Kia or Hyundai models.
One Redditor answered, writing, "Yep. Hyundai and Kia have gotten very good at making a bougie car that looks good and is chock-full of features at an attractive price. Then, you get to about year 7 and start to wish you'd bought the Honda, Toyota, or Mazda instead."
Another Redditor echoed this sentiment, sharing, "Trash cars. They have so many issues, it's insane. They hide them behind a bunch of techy features, but the engineering is so bad it's not even funny. The worst engines I've ever seen, and the DCT they use is trash. A lot of problems there. Just buy a Honda or Toyota and save yourself the trouble."
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $533.
5. Jaguar XJ
Produced from 1968 to 2019, the Jaguar XJ is a sleek luxury sedan characterized by its elegant design and roomy cabin.
You may be able to snag one of these used luxury sedans for a fraction of its original price. However, be ready to spend your savings on repair and maintenance costs. Due to the XJ's cooling system issues and common electrical failures, you might just end up with some eye-watering repair bills.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,232.
6. BMW M5
A sporty sedan, the BMW M5 packs a punch with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 717 horsepower.
While the M5 might deliver a thrilling ride, the thrills will most likely come accompanied by quite a few headaches at the repair shop.
On the r/whatcarshouldIbuy forum, one Redditor asked for advice on buying a BMW, wondering whether BMW maintenance really is as bad as everyone claims.
A fellow Redditor chimed in, writing, "As a mechanic and previous owner of 3 BMWs, it really depends on which BMW. N/A I6 3 series and current B58 models aren't bad, although they're no Toyota Camry. Any BMW that ends in -50i (V8) will consume your wallet."
A third Redditor had this to add to the discussion: "Really depends on the BMW. V10 M5? Near unmaintainable as a daily."
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,173.
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7. BMW 750i xDrive
Part of BMW's flagship 7 Series, the 750i xDrive is packed with all the modern tech and luxury features the 21st century has to offer.
However, air suspension service, turbocharger issues, and complex fuel system repairs can rack up maintenance expenses so quickly that it will feel like you've got a hole in your wallet.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,411. Still, BMW 750i Redditors stress the importance of an extended warranty as well, adding, "The extended warranties are really the safest option, but they are so expensive…I believe it was somewhere around $6000+ for my 5 series."
8. Cadillac Escalade ESV
Another luxury SUV, with a roomy cabin, the Escalade ESV makes a perfect upscale family hauler or road trip adventurer with its high-output V8 engine.
However, this SUV has 28 commonly reported problems on RepairPal. From failed sensors to electronic malfunctions to catastrophic engine failure, the ESV comes with its fair share of issues that will likely lead to costly repairs throughout its lifetime.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,127.
9. Land Rover Range Rover
Staying true to its Land Rover nameplate, the Range Rover delivers some serious off-roading capability wrapped in an upscale package.
However, the model has 153 reported problems by RepairPal users. From air-suspension issues to costly drivetrain repairs, this luxury SUV is bound to drain your wallet with notoriously high maintenance bills.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,174.
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10. Jeep Wrangler
A rugged off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler has long been a fan favorite among the masses. Enthusiasts and gearheads alike seem to flock to the Wrangler, as it blends adventure-ready toughness with a fun, open-air driving experience that's perfect for running errands.
However, with 105 reported problems ranging from excessive oil consumption and engine issues to electrical glitches and sensor failures, the Wrangler can quickly put a dent in your wallet.
One Redditor on the r/AskMechanics forum asked about cars that are always seen in the shop. One Redditor replied, "Worst is going to be Jeep. Jeeps will just have all sorts of stupid things break."
Another Redditor chimed in, writing, "Nothing makes a shop more money than Hyundai/Kia or Jeep."
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $694.
11. Audi Q7
A mid-sized SUV, the Q7 offers a blend of luxury features, top-of-the-line tech, and performance where it counts, with seating for up to seven passengers.
This Audi might be a great luxury family hauler. However, it already has 24 commonly reported problems, with some of the most expensive repairs being radiator fan motor replacement and throttle body replacement.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,185.
12. BMW X6
A bold coupe SUV, the X6 seamlessly blends coupe-like styling with SUV utility. It's a sporty luxury ride, big enough to accommodate up to five passengers.
Despite its versatility, the X6 comes with some hefty replacement costs. From door mirrors to brake calipers, you're looking at over $2,000 for these repairs alone.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,206.
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13. Porsche Cayenne
A sporty coupe, the Cayenne provides sports-car-like handling in an SUV package. With a powerful engine lineup to choose from and premium interior features, this luxury SUV has a lot to love.
But owners shouldn't turn a blind eye to the potential repair costs. From pricey brake jobs to cooling system repairs to engine component replacements, the Cayenne can ruin a budget in just a matter of minutes.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,231.
14. Porsche Panamera
Blending sports car performance with sedan practicality, the Panamera stays true to its Porsche roots, offering a lavish interior, sharp handling, powerful engine options, and a top speed of 168 mph.
Unfortunately, expensive brake jobs, cooling system repairs, and tight engine packaging can drive up labor costs in a hurry. A fuel pump replacement will run you at least $3,000 alone.
While RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,252.
15. Audi A8 Quattro
Offering a luxurious cabin and a powerful engine lineup, the A8 Quattro is Audi's flagship sedan.
However, with adaptive suspension problems, timing chain issues, and intricate electronic failures, repair shop charges can quickly drain the wallet. A suspension shock or strut replacement alone will run you at least $4,000.
RepairPal reports an annual average repair cost of $1,298.
Bottom Line
From commuter sedans to luxury SUVs, these are the models that mechanics never recommend. The 15 models on this list are the ones likely to drain your bank account and wreck your budget.
So, at the end of the day, it's probably a smart money move for car owners to stay away from these rides unless you want to be on a first-name basis with your local mechanic.
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