These Cars Look Cool but Cost a Fortune to Replace the Parts
Replacing car parts isn’t supposed to feel like paying off a small mortgage, but for some models, that’s exactly what happens. From headlights that cost more than a weekend getaway to bumpers priced like fine jewelry, these cars can drain your wallet fast when repairs come calling.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When it comes to the S-Class, luxury doesn’t stop at the showroom; it follows you to the repair shop. An S-Class headlight can run over $1,500, and don’t even ask about the air suspension. When your ride is this refined, the parts are precision-crafted and priced accordingly.
BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series is a flagship sedan with a taste for premium repairs. A new set of brake rotors can cost more than a whole used car, and electronic modules are usually costly. The 7 Series has a smooth drive; the parts list reads like a gourmet menu, expensive, fabulous, and it will empty your wallet.
Tesla Model S
The Model S is futuristic, but future tech isn’t cheap. Touchscreen replacements can cost over $2000, and even the door handles are elaborate, motorized, and expensive. Tesla parts are only sold in their own network, so there won't be any hunting for deals.
Porsche 911
Performance has a price, and the 911 proves it. A single carbon-ceramic brake rotor? Around $4,000. Even basic parts demand a premium because Porsche ensures every bolt meets racing standards. If you love that distinctive flat-six growl, be prepared to fund its high-performance appetite.
Audi A8
This luxury cruiser has a web of electronics that makes repairs a technician’s puzzle. Adaptive suspension, LED matrix headlights, and complex infotainment systems mean parts are not just pricey, they’re sometimes rare. Replacing one headlight can cost over $2,000, all in the name of sophistication.
Jaguar XJ
The XJ says British elegance, and it’s not surprising that it comes with aristocratic maintenance. Specialty parts, like adaptive dampers and touchscreen controls, cost a lot, and shipping them isn’t always easy. Although Jaguars always ooze charm, when something breaks, your pocket really feels it.
Range Rover
Range Rovers are capable off-road, but repairs will keep you on the driveway. Air suspension systems can cost thousands, and electronic control modules aren’t far behind. The parts are top-shelf only, and you can guess what that means for your wallet.
Lexus LS
Toyota’s reliability doesn’t fully protect Lexus’s flagship from expensive parts. The LS is loaded with high tech, and replacing parts like the Mark Levinson sound system or climate control seats is expensive. It’s a smooth, quiet ride until the bill arrives, and then you’re not feeling so Zen.
Maserati Quattroporte
Exotic design means exotic parts pricing. A set of brake pads will cost you more than a good vacation, and body panels can often only be imported from Italy. With Maserati, you are not just paying for function; you're paying for the privilege of saying, "It's a Maserati" while you swipe your card, crying.
Aston Martin DB9
Unfortunately, James Bond chic comes with MI6-level costs. Replacement headlights can set you back more than $3,000, and mechanical components are handcrafted for exclusivity. It's not just a car; it's a work of art, and art like this isn't cheap.