Buying a new vehicle is often an exciting time for those who choose to invest in this popular item. The elegance, performance, technology and excitement of a brand new car can lead to the feeling that the purchase will be well worth the cost of the vehicle that appears on the showroom floor. But, in many cases, the cost on the showroom floor is simply the beginning of the end.

Once the car arrives at a buyer’s driveway, the true cost begins to add up. Every vehicle, from the cheapest pick-up to the most expensive sports car can turn into a money pit as time passes and the miles add up. Some vehicles tend to hold their value over the years, while others can be far more expensive to own as time passes.

Below, we review the cars that have the greatest chances to become owner’s money pit and take a hard look at the costs that can add up to staggering figures over the years of ownership. While many are popular models and some can even be considered among the most desirable automobiles, a closer examination at the long term maintenance costs can reveal some frightening details that may very well change your buyer’s mind before they test drive the car of their dreams.

1. RAM 3500

RAM 3500 is one of the most popular and powerful heavy duty trucks on the market. It can withstand the most rigorous tests and it was designed to carry the heaviest payloads. It is the ultimate workhorse, but it can also become one of the most expensive vehicles to own and maintain due to the sheer power of the engine and the components needed to control it. The total projected maintenance cost for the RAM 3500 for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $26,900.

Key Maintenance Challenges:

• Expensive heavy duty spare parts.
• Diesel engine repair costs.
• Turbocharger maintenance.
• Emission repair costs.
• Specialist mechanic costs.

The RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty truck, which means that the spare parts for it are often more expensive than regular passenger cars. Diesel engine, turbocharger and emission repair costs tend to be especially expensive for this type of engine. Heavy duty trucks are generally expensive to maintain due to the nature of their construction and the parts needed to repair and service them. The components required for their maintenance tend to be far more expensive and sometimes require a specialist mechanic to install or perform repairs. These high costs often lead to an overall increase in the cost of ownership for these types of vehicles, especially if they are used frequently.

2. Porsche 911

Porsche 911 is one of the most recognizable, powerful and fastest cars in the world. It has become a symbol of ultimate driving performance, but this reputation comes at a price an expensive price. The 911 can become extremely expensive to maintain, especially when the owner’s primary goal is the ultimate driving experience rather than transportation from one point to the other. The projected maintenance cost for the Porsche 911 for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $20,610.

Main Ownership Cost Factors:

• Performance oriented design.
• Specialist mechanic costs.
• High cost of replacement parts.
• Increased complexity costs.
• Manufacturer specific repair costs.

The nature of the Porsche 911 design is performance oriented, which increases the projected costs considerably. Most of the replacement parts for this vehicle are not standard and therefore tend to be far more expensive. In addition, many mechanics that work on the Porsche 911 are specialists and require higher pay. Increased complexity of the design of the car can also add to the cost of repairs and maintenance, especially when compared to other models of cars.

3. Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover Range Rover is one of the most luxurious and capable SUVs on the planet. But it is not cheap to own and maintain either. The projected maintenance cost for the Land Rover Range Rover for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $18,737. The Range Rover offers a luxurious and powerful SUV experience, but the projected long term maintenance costs show that the true price of this luxury is significantly higher than most owners expect.

Major Maintenance Cost Sources:

• Advanced air suspension systems.
• Complex electronic technology features.
• Specialised drivetrain components.
• Expensive diagnostic procedures.
• Expert technician servicing needs.

One of the main reasons why the projected maintenance costs for the Range Rover are so high is the complexity of its design. The advanced technology features offered by the vehicle can be extremely expensive to diagnose and repair. Drivetrain, suspension and air suspension components tend to be the most expensive to maintain and repair when compared to other models of vehicles in the same class. Many mechanics that work on these vehicles are specialists, which points to the higher projected costs.

4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, commonly known as the G-Wagon, is one of the most iconic luxury SUVs in the world. It has been recognized as one of the most desirable and unique vehicles on the planet. But, in spite of the luxurious image and outstanding driving experience provided by the G-Wagon, the projected maintenance costs can be extremely high for the owners of the vehicle. The projected maintenance cost for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $17,861.

Important Ownership Expenses:

• Advanced electronic system repairs.
• Mercedes-specific technician expertise.
• Premium replacement parts costs.
• Complex luxury feature maintenance.
• High long-term service expenses.

The projected maintenance costs for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class tend to be high because of its complexity and the higher cost of its replacement parts. The vehicle offers exceptional performance, power and comfort, but most owners will find that the long-term ownership experience comes with significantly higher projected maintenance costs. The complexity of the system of the vehicle tends to play a major role in the higher projected repair costs, which increase considerably when the warranty is no longer valid. The G-Wagon offers true luxury and power, but these qualities tend to carry over to the long-term maintenance costs, which become significantly higher after several years of ownership.

5. Ford F-250 Super Duty

Ford F-250 Super Duty is one of the most powerful and durable heavy-duty trucks on the market. But the power and durability of the vehicle come with a significant price tag. The projected maintenance cost for the Ford F-250 Super Duty for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $15,636.

Key Maintenance Cost Factors:

• Heavy-duty component repairs.
• Power Stroke engine servicing.
• Fuel system maintenance needs.
• Emissions equipment repair costs.
• Professional technician requirements.

Many owners of heavy duty trucks soon discover that the projected maintenance costs for these vehicles tend to be considerably higher than for the average passenger cars. This trend is reflected in the Ford F-250 Super Duty figures showing that the projected costs for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as mentioned above.

6. BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is one of the most luxurious and powerful vehicles in the BMW lineup. The 7 Series is engineered to provide the ultimate driving experience, but it may not be as easy on the pocketbook as one may expect. The projected maintenance cost for the BMW 7 Series for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $14,769.

Major Ownership Challenges:

• Advanced electronic system repairs.
• Complex suspension technology.
• Premium replacement part costs.
• Specialist diagnostic requirements.
• Expensive labour procedures.

The complexity of the design of the BMW 7 Series plays a major role in the higher projected maintenance costs for the vehicle. The higher level of complexity usually means that there are more potential points of failure and any repairs would be far more expensive than on other, simpler models of cars. This trend tends to increase with the age of the vehicle, especially after the warranty expires. The higher cost of replacement parts, especially in luxury models is another factor that can contribute to the higher projected costs.

7. Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market. It delivers on power and comfort, but it also comes with extremely high projected costs of ownership and maintenance. The projected maintenance cost for the Cadillac Escalade for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $13,358.

Important Maintenance Expenses:

• Large vehicle wear component costs.
• Expensive brake replacements.
• Premium tyre replacement needs.
• Advanced suspension repairs.
• Luxury electronics maintenance.

Larger vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade tend to have higher projected maintenance costs when compared to smaller cars. The higher cost of components such as brakes, tyres, suspension and other parts that are larger or more powerful than in smaller vehicles all contribute to higher projected costs.

8. Infiniti QX80

The Infiniti QX80 is one of the largest luxury SUVs on the market. It has many luxury features and excellent performance, but it is not without its drawbacks. One of the drawbacks of the Infiniti QX80 is the fact that the projected costs of maintenance can be significantly higher when compared to other similar vehicles. The projected maintenance cost for the Infiniti QX80 can be as high as $11,864 for the first 10 years of ownership.

Main Maintenance Cost Sources:

• Powerful V8 engine servicing.
• Luxury component repairs.
• Advanced suspension maintenance.
• Premium material replacement.
• Large SUV operating expenses.

One of the primary reasons for the higher projected maintenance costs for the Infiniti QX80 is its larger V8 engine. Larger or more powerful engines tend to have higher repair and maintenance costs when compared to smaller engines of similar design. Larger vehicles tend to have higher projected maintenance costs when compared to their smaller counterparts. This trend applies to most aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair. In addition, luxury features such as comfort and convenience can also be a factor in higher projected costs.

9. Audi A8

The Audi A8 represents the pinnacle of luxury and technology in the Audi lineup. But, as expected, many of these luxury features and improvements to the driving experience come with higher costs of ownership and maintenance. The projected maintenance costs for the Audi A8 can be as high as $10,258 for the first 10 years of ownership.

Key Maintenance Cost Factors:

• Advanced aluminium body construction.
• Specialist repair requirements.
• Adaptive air suspension systems.
• Complex electronic technology features.
• Manufacturer-specific service needs.

The higher projected maintenance costs for the Audi A8 can be explained by the higher complexity of many of its features, as well as the construction of the vehicle. While many car manufacturers attempt to make their vehicles lighter for better performance, Audi takes weight reduction to a whole new level with the Audi A8. The lighter body construction allows for better performance and fuel economy, but it can also be much more expensive to repair in the event of an accident.

10. Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X represents one of the newest approaches to luxury electric vehicles. The Tesla Model X promises performance, technology and innovation, but some of these advantages may come at the cost of higher projected maintenance costs for the vehicle. The projected maintenance cost for the Tesla Model X for the first 10 years of ownership can be as high as $8,014.

Major Ownership Challenges:

• Falcon wing door maintenance.
• Advanced electronic system repairs.
• Battery technology servicing.
• Tesla-specific repair requirements.
• Software-controlled feature issues.

One of the unique aspects of the Tesla Model X is the design of its doors. The doors open in a manner that is different from any other vehicle on the market, which means that repairs to the doors can be far more expensive than on other vehicle models.