Luxury cars represent up-scale styling, comfort, and performance. They boast top-class equipment that helps them tick many boxes in what one can desire in a car when money is often no object. They redefine the journey, whether a short commute or a long road trip. Yet, many people are afraid of buying luxury cars.

Updated July 2023: While some enthusiasts might veer off luxury cars for their steep price tags, others loathe their high ownership costs. Both of these arguments are valid, and despite depreciating quickly, most luxury cars are well-engineered, resulting in relatively low running costs. Here's an updated list highlighting the cheapest luxury cars to own and maintain over ten years.

Some may not like the attention they draw because of their head-turning looks, but the high sticker prices and big cost of ownership repel most. But luxury cars are not exclusive to the rich. If you dig deep into the auto market, you can land an affordable luxury car bargain and enjoy all the advantages of an opulent lifestyle without hurting your pockets. We have rounded up some luxury cars that aren’t expensive to own, and despite them not necessarily being the cheapest to buy, the low running cost will have you saving money over time.

Note: Using pricing estimates from trusted sources like Bring a Trailer and Kelley Blue Book, HotCars has assembled a list of the cheapest luxury cars to own over 10 years.

13 2020-Present Cadillac CT4 (Starts From $34,395)

Predicted Reliability Score: Unrated (J.D. Power)

2020 Cadillac CT4 front angle
Cadillac

The 2022 Cadillac CT4 is the compact luxury sedan that replaced the retired ATS. The car sits below the CT5 in the Cadillac hierarchy and comes in three trims, starting at $34,395 for the base luxury trim. The CT4 comes with a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 in most trims, rising only to a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 in the CT4-V Blackwing.

Reliability:

A Cadillac CT4 will set you back about $9,161 for maintenance and repairs for the first ten years of service. This is about $2,543 less than the industry average for luxury sedans and more than $3,000 less than Cadillac’s average. You also get a car with agile handling and sharp, appealing styling to compete with European rivals.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $663 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,161 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 4 (electrical systems, service brakes, airbags among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2021

12 2022-Present Acura MDX (Starts From $47,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 78/100 (J.D. Power)

2022-acura-mdx-exterior-front-angle-on-road-2
Via Acura

The MDX is Acura’s flagship SUV, and while it isn’t as noble as some of the competition, it prides itself on a high-tech cabin, sharp styling, and a surprisingly nimble chassis. With an estimated first ten-year maintenance cost of $9,820, the Acura MDX beats the industry average for luxury SUVs by $5,640.

Reliability:

Furthermore, the MDX ranks second out of 14 among luxury midsize SUVs, with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Significant issues are not common, and the severity of repairs is low, with an average maintenance frequency - mostly thanks to the Honda engineering underneath.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $571 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,820 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: None

Related: 2022 Acura MDX Type-S: Costs, Facts, And Figures

11 2022-Present Lexus RX 450h (Starts From $48,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 85/100 (J.D. Power)

2023 Lexus RX - Front Quarter
Lexus

The RX 450h follows in the footsteps of the RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid made by Lexus back in 2006. The new car has undergone steady improvements from its predecessor, and it now offers generous passenger room, smooth power delivery, and excellent fuel efficiency. Most of the competition has also gone hybrid, but the RX 450h remains a perfect choice. According to RepairPal, the car ranks first among luxury midsize SUVs with a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Reliability:

With a maintenance cost of $7,634 over ten years, you will spend $7,826 less than the average cost for luxury SUVs. Furthermore, the RX 450h is 19% less likely to require a significant repair than other vehicles in the class. Plus, the new RX simply looks fantastic!

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $540 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,634 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 1 (accelerator pedal)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2022

10 2020-Present Tesla Model Y (Starts From $41,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 73/100 (J.D. Power)

2021 Tesla Model Y
Tesla

The Tesla Model Y is practically a Model 3 that has morphed into a crossover by stretching a few inches vertically. You get all the benefits of the Model 3 with extra space. Filling the electric crossover niche is good news for Tesla, as they can now appeal to a larger pool of buyers. The car has impressive performance and an anxiety-settling battery range, forming an excellent choice for entry into the EV world.

Reliability:

Despite its high MSRP markup, the Model Y is dirt cheap to maintain, with a predicted annual maintenance cost averaging $217. Its predicted 10-year cost of $4,732 is $10,728 lower than the average luxury SUV - mostly down to the lack of moving parts associated with an electric vehicle.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $217 (Estimated)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,732 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 21 (steering wheel, critical fasteners, adaptive steering among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2020

Related: This Is The Best-Selling Electric Car In America

9 2022-Present Lexus ES 300h (Starts From $41,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 87/100 (J.D. Power)

2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport Review
Lexus

The 2022 Lexus ES 300h provides unassuming hybrid luxury in a balanced blend of elegance and efficiency. Isn’t that all we ask for in a car? With the sleek coupe-like silhouette and a provocative grille pattern, the 300h shines in pretty much everything, which is in line with the Lexus tradition. The interior is expensive and comfortable, with plenty of standard safety features, coming at an attractive starting price. Besides the plush-riding luxury, it is a sedan that is inexpensive to maintain.

Reliability:

With a ten-year maintenance cost estimated at $5,662, the Lexus 300h is $6,042 less than the average cost of luxury sedans – much in the same style as its Toyota Camry Hybrid sibling. The ES might be the most boring of Lexus' line-up, but its efficiency and comfort won't ever disappoint – even after the ten years are over.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $524 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,662 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: None

8 2021-Present Tesla Model S (Starts From $79,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 75/100 (J.D. Power)

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla

Tesla has sold the Model S since 2013, giving it enough time to refine and perfect the sedan’s production. One can argue that the Model S cemented Tesla’s legacy. We probably wouldn’t have the robust electric car scene we have today if Tesla never made the Model S. The current iteration is still a desirable EV with a 412-mile range and a 1,020-horsepower Tesla Model S Plaid version that is insanely fast.

Reliability:

While the Model S comes with a hefty sticker price, it is cheap to run in the long run, with a $4,566 maintenance cost over ten years, $7,138 short of luxury sedans' average. Furthermore, the car has a low 8.64 percent chance of needing a major repair. The base Long-Range model even has an impressive 121 city MPGe rating, adding to the already overwhelming appeal compared to rivaling luxury electric sedans.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $420 (Estimated)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,566 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 25 (adaptive steering, electrical power assist, display function among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2021

Related: Why Tesla’s FSD Is Useless To Use In Snowy Winter

7 2019-Present Acura ILX (Starts From $28,395)

Predicted Reliability Score: 81/100 (J.D. Power)

Blue Acura ILX
Via Acura

Acura is only behind Tesla and Lexus as the least expensive luxury brand to maintain, and the Acura ILX is one of their best models. The ILX is a compact luxury car with a low $28,395 starting price, cheaper than most premium-brand competitors. If you thought everything cheap is expensive to maintain, you should reconsider your position because the Acura is very reliable, ranking 2nd out of 17 luxury compact sedans reviewed by RepairPal.

Reliability:

The 2022 Acura ILX will also use about $7,104 in maintenance costs for the first ten years of ownership, which is $4,600 lower than the industry average for luxury sedans.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $435 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,104 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls:0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: None

6 2021-Present Lexus IS 350 (Starts From $42,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 92/100 (J.D. Power)

Blue 2023 Lexus IS 300 - Front Quarter
Lexus

The 2023 Lexus IS 350 has sharp, aggressive styling and a premium cabin, making it a top contender among compact luxury sedans. The latest model comes with much-improved handling with a high ride quality that is smooth and comfortable even on bumpy roads. You also get more features than its German rivals for the money you pay. But the car’s admirable reliability makes the stronger value statement.

Reliability:

J.D. Power grants the car an 86 percent overall rating, which is quite good. Further, it will only cost $5,680 to maintain the IS 350 across the first ten years of ownership, $6,024 less than the industry average for luxury sedans.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $543 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,680 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 3 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: None

Related: 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Review: An M3 For College Graduates

5 2022-Present Lexus ES 350 (Starts From $40,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 87/100 (J.D. Power)

2023 Lexus ES - Front Quarter
Lexus 

This car is the fourth Lexus on our list, and for good reason. Toyota’s luxury brand provides unique cars with fantastic performance and admirable durability. Furthermore, they come with widely available parts; mechanics don’t charge a high premium, so repairing the Lexus is often a cheap endeavor. The 2022 Lexus ES 350 is no exception, as it is pretty reliable, and it ranks 4th out of 31 luxury midsize sedans. According to Car Edge, it beats the industry average ten-year maintenance cost by $6,216.

Reliability:

J.D. Power awards the car a predicted reliability score of 84, which is respectable and shows you can expect less frequent visits to the mechanic. This is now quite the standard for Lexus vehicles and its incredibly reliable engineering reputation.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,216 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 10 years or 10,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: Null

4 2021-Present Tesla Model 3 (Starts From $43,990)

Predicted Reliability Score: 75/100 (J.D. Power)

2023 Tesla Model 3
Electrek

The Tesla Model 3 is an EV with robust motors that give high-end mileage and range returns, making it relatively affordable to buy and cheap to maintain. The car is quick, fun to drive, has top-class high-tech features, and has range estimates better than direct competitors. The various Model 3 trims have an EPA rating falling between 113 MPGe and 141 MPGe. While the base model starts at $43,990, maintenance costs over ten years are the lowest among all luxury car segments.

Reliability:

The Model 3 will dent your pocket by $3,587 in the first ten years of ownership, $8,117 lower than the average luxury sedan. Moreover, with the Long Range trim, you get an eight-year or 100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, which is up there among the best warranties offered for any EV. Even Volvo's after-sales services go for a maximum of seven years.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $320 (Estimated)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $3,587 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years and unlimited miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 27 (automated steering, forward collision avoidance, instrument cluster among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2021

3 2016-2020 Lexus GS 350 (Starts From $25,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: Unrated (J.D. Power)

via lexus.com

One of the older cars on our list, the 2016-2020 Lexus GS 350 is a mid-size luxury sedan that has become synonymous with comfort, performance, and impressive build quality – the latter of which is practically an assurance with all of Lexus’ models these days.

Reliability:

At just $468 to maintain on average each year, the estimated 10-year cost amounts to an even more impressive $5,488. For those who purchased a 2020 model, you may still be able to make use of the car’s original warranty until the end of this year - something we’d thoroughly advise doing!

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,488 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 6 (fuel pump, fuel system, engine cooling among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2013

2 2021-Present INFINITI Q50 (Starts From $36,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 83/100 (J.D. Power)

2020 INFINITI Q50 front angle
Infiniti

The 2023 Infiniti Q50 is a quite brilliant car, boasting a copious yet finely molded interior, in addition to several powertrains and exterior finishes along the trim grades. Regardless of which specific Q50 you choose, you’re likely to save a substantial amount over ownership on maintenance than most of its rivals.

Reliability:

An average of $648 annually on maintenance is music to the ears of customers. Further complemented by a four-year or 60,000-mile warranty, you can pick up a brand-new example for as low as $36,000 right now.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $648 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,136 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 60,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 3 (display function, steering, engine cooling among issues)
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: 2021

1 2017-2020 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Starts From $25,000)

Predicted Reliability Score: 84/100 (J.D. Power)

2017 Lincoln MKZ
Via: Lincoln

Checking out the best features of the 2020 Lincoln MKZ, you realize just how much value you’re getting for an average used car price of $25,000. Coupled with a J.D. Power reliability rating of 84, you’d be fair to ask: why get anything else?

Reliability:

At $831 per year on average maintenance costs, translating into around $8,378 over 10 years, the MKZ is one of the slightly more expensive (but still comparatively cheap) cars on this list where running costs are concerned. But given how much they’ve depreciated, that seems like a fair compromise.

  • Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $831 (RepairPal)
  • Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,378 (CarEdge)
  • New Car Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles (Cars)
  • Total Recalls: 0
  • Worst Model Years To Buy Used: None