Luxury cars often come with the expectation of high upkeep costs, but that’s not always the case. In fact, several models in 2025 prove that owning a premium vehicle doesn’t have to drain your wallet, especially when it comes to routine maintenance and long-term reliability.
These luxury cars stand out not just for their design, comfort, and performance, but also for their low cost of ownership. They offer dependable engineering, longer service intervals, and reasonable repair expenses compared to many of their high-end rivals. Some even rival mainstream vehicles in terms of maintenance affordability.
If you’ve always wanted to step into a luxury brand but were put off by potential repair bills, these models may surprise you. They deliver upscale experiences without the typical financial headaches, making them smart picks for value-focused buyers. Here’s a closer look at the luxury cars that truly go easy on your budget.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on maintenance costs, from least affordable to most. This list focuses on cars, excluding SUVs and pickup trucks.

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10
Genesis G70
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $7,247
If you were looking to get a luxury sedan on a budget not too long ago, your options were mainly limited to cars from Lexus. Genesis, however, has shaken things up. The G70 is the perfect example of this, offering a sleek profile, a comfortable cabin, and sporty driving dynamics for less money than most of its rivals.
Reliability and Maintenance
Genesis is the luxury wing of Hyundai. Using the industrial might of their parent company, they’ve managed to keep things affordable. Despite the technological wizardry you’ll find throughout the G70 compact sedan, Genesis has managed to keep your maintenance costs fairly low. They’ll also send out a valet to take your car away when services are due, leaving you with a loaner, which no one can really scoff at.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $7,247 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 7Lexus LS
9
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Maintenance Costs During the First 10 Years: $6,734
Mercedes-Benz has been a leader in the luxury market for almost as long as they have been around, which is a very long time. Now, with most automakers looking to electrify their lineup, they have introduced a number of EVs, including the EQE, which is based on the E-Class sedan. If smoothness is what you’re after, this Merc is up to the task.
Reliability and Maintenance
Mercedes-Benz is traditionally one of the most expensive automakers when it comes to maintenance costs. However, obviously electric vehicles have fewer moving parts that need to be looked after. This means that the EQE actually ranks among the most budget-friendly luxury cars when it comes to long-term maintenance.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,734 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 8
8
Lexus LS
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,676
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Lexus LS500 F Sport
Lexus’ angle in the luxury space is to provide top levels of comfort at a lower price than the Japanese brand’s rivals. While this works great for some of their smaller cars, buyers looking for a full-size luxury sedan are looking for the best. Unfortunately, the current iteration of the LS just doesn’t compete in the same way its predecessors did.
Reliability and Maintenance
With all the negatives out the way, we can talk about the best parts of this luxury cruiser. Lexus is one of the most reliable automakers in the world and, while the LS may not be a better car than its rivals, it will outlast them. On top of this, maintenance costs are absurdly low for something in this segment.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,676 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 6

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7
Audi e-tron GT
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,536
With electrification looming, Audi decided that they would simply borrow the platform and powertrain for the Porsche Taycan. We can’t really say that’s a bad thing, though, with the Taycan being an exceptional EV. Audi puts its signature spin on everything else, though, and it doesn’t feel like a copy in any real way.
Reliability and Maintenance
Considering the e-tron GT costs well into the six-figure range, it’s impressive that it manages to make this list. For a car that makes well over 670 horsepower in its weakest form, it isn’t all that expensive to take care of. Sourcing the platform and powertrain from Porsche will also almost certainly work in its favor when it comes to long-term reliability.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,536 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 13
6
Lexus RC
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,256
Unfortunately, the RC is one of the weakest offerings in Lexus’ arsenal. We can’t deny its striking good looks or its plush interior, but the point of a compact coupe, even a luxury one, is for it to be fun. While the RC can handle corners with grace, it lacks the thrill you’d expect, regardless of which powertrain you opt for.
Reliability and Maintenance
Driving verve may not be the strong suit of the RC, but it can’t be knocked for its reliability. While other coupes may be more raucous, the Lexus is likely to outlive them all. Its maintenance costs are also among the lowest for any sporty coupe that you can buy today, which is certainly a positive.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $721 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $6,256 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
5
Lexus ES
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $5,945
The ES is Lexus’ mid-size sedan. While the rest of the segment attempts to blend sporty appeal and comfort together, Lexus leans heavily into the latter. We don’t think this is a major weakness, though, as most of the class’ most raucous options have kind of become dulled anyway.
Reliability and Maintenance
If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable mid-sized saloon that isn’t going to break the bank, the ES is the way to go. Not only does it have a fantastic reputation for longevity, regardless of which powertrain you opt for, but its maintenance costs sit well below even mainstream options in its size class.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $5,945 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 16

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4
Lexus IS
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $5,782
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Lexus IS 300
Just like the other Lexus models on this list, the compact IS is popular due to its affordability. It has a starting price lower than just about every other option in its segment despite featuring an interior that is packed with modern tech and comfort features. The IS is also more fun to drive than most of the Japanese brand’s other models.
Reliability and Maintenance
As mentioned, Lexus’ connection to Toyota is reflected in their high reliability scores and low maintenance costs. The IS is the most affordable gas-powered luxury car to maintain right now, with the only entries above it on this list being electric cars.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $428 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $5,782 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
3
Genesis G80 Electrified
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $4,630
Genesis is a brand that has risen to popularity seemingly out of nowhere. It feels like this because the brand is exceptionally young, breaking away from Hyundai and becoming a standalone automaker in 2015. The G80 is a brilliant mid-sized luxury car that is cheaper and more innovative than most of the legacy options in its class.
Reliability and Maintenance
While legacy automakers struggle to keep maintenance costs low, even on their electric vehicles, Genesis undercuts them at every corner. Being the luxury wing of Hyundai, some might think that reliability is a concern, but things have improved quite a lot in the last couple of years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $4,630 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1
2
Tesla Model S
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $3,974
Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Tesla Model S
Tesla makes a number of different cars, with most of them catering more to people who want to be driven rather than drive. The Model S, however, is fun and sporty. While we all wait for the Roadster to actually hit the streets, this is one of the most complete sporting EVs on the market.
Reliability and Maintenance
Most of the time, sportiness comes at the sacrifice of reliability or heavy maintenance costs. While Tesla isn’t exactly famed for its exceptional sturdiness, maintenance costs are kept low due to the fact that there aren’t all that many moving parts. Just be aware of all the many recalls issued.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,047 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $3,974 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 37

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1
Tesla Model 3
Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $3,257
Tesla may have been hit with a barrage of hate in recent times relating to its CEO, but they still produce some pretty solid vehicles. Sometimes they focus on the wrong things, relying heavily on gimmicks, but underneath all the flash is a simple and affordable electric car with plenty of high-end features. This perfectly describes the Model 3.
Reliability and Maintenance
Tesla may not have the best reputation when it comes to build quality, but the simplicity of electric cars means that maintenance costs are pretty low when issues do arise. The Model 3 is a fantastic commuter car that is built to last and its affordable maintenance makes it that much more attractive.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During the First 10 Years: $3,257 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 31
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