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When it comes to luxury cars, most people associate these expensive vehicles with luxury and high quality. However, what many people don’t realize is that used luxury cars can actually be a great bargain. This is because luxury vehicles depreciate quickly in value, typically losing up to 30% of their original price after just one year of use.
This is compounded even more as these used vehicles start to age after 6-10 years. At that point, you can buy a used luxury vehicle like a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi for under $10,000 or less.
In this article, we are going to talk about why these aging luxury vehicles so quickly lose their value, and why you probably shouldn’t buy one of them.
Used luxury vehicles tend to be cheap due to their high maintenance costs, higher failure rates of expensive technologies, and the fact that none of these things are covered under warranty like they were when bought new.
1. Maintenance on used luxury vehicles is expensive
Used luxury vehicles are a popular choice for many drivers due to their combination of luxury features and affordable prices.
However, what many people do not realize is that the high cost of maintenance for luxury vehicles can make these cars quite cheap in the long run. This is because luxury SUVs require costly repairs and replacement parts, which can quickly add up and eat into any savings from buying used rather than new.
It’s not that parts get more expensive over time, but yet they don’t get cheaper over time. That means that the cheap vehicles have expensive parts, meaning they are less desirable on the used market, further driving down their prices.
2. Higher failure rates of components
Luxury vehicles are often seen as status symbols. They are expensive, and their owners tend to be very picky about what features they want.
As a result, luxury automakers are always looking for ways to add new technology to their vehicles. However, this new technology is often not nearly as tested, in comparison to these same features when they trickled down to more normal vehicles.
When it is released in a luxury vehicle, it is more likely to fail.
This can cause major problems for luxury car owners, who may find themselves stranded with a broken-down car, or are stuck with technology that is outdated and doesn’t work well after a few years.
A great example of this is BMW’s i-drive system. This was a precursor to the infotainment centers we see today in most all other cars. However, due to the fact no one had done it before, there were plenty of issues that couldn’t be seen until it goes into customers’ hands.
This means laggy systems, bad ergonomics, and difficult-to-understand layouts. It also tends to fail, leaving many features in the vehicle unusable (as they had been moved to this older style of infotainment).
3. The warranty is no longer valid
After a luxury vehicle’s warranty expires, the value of the vehicle drops significantly. One reason for this is that luxury vehicles are more expensive to maintain than non-luxury vehicles.
Without a warranty, luxury vehicle owners have to pay for all repairs and maintenance out of pocket. In addition, luxury vehicles often require special parts that are only available from the dealership, which can be very expensive.
As a result, luxury vehicle owners typically trade in their vehicles or sell them for a much lower price once the warranty expires. For anyone considering buying a luxury vehicle, it is important to keep this in mind.
Should you buy a cheap luxury car or a newer regular car at the same price?
When it comes to choosing a car, there are many factors to consider. Some people opt for flashy and luxury models, while others prefer newer, more practical options.
While the former option may seem more alluring in the short term due to its lower price tag, it is ultimately not the best choice for most drivers.
That’s because luxury cars are typically higher-maintenance vehicles that require increased upkeep and frequent repairs. They also tend to depreciate much faster than regular cars, which means that you will likely end up losing money if you decide to sell your luxury vehicle down the road.
On the other hand, newer cars tend to last longer and hold their value better over time, making them a more cost-effective investment in the long run.
Overall, then, if you want a car that will get you where you need to go day in and day out without breaking down unexpectedly or losing too much of its value over time, a regular, newer car is likely the better option.
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What is the most reliable luxury car brand?
Acura and Lexus are both well-respected brands in the luxury car market. Acura is known for its cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design, while Lexus is renowned for its reliability and exceptional build quality.
While both brands offer a wide range of high-quality vehicles, Acura and Lexus offer different strengths that appeal to different buyers.
Acura is a more youthful and dynamic brand, offering features like the AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance technologies. Lexus, on the other hand, focuses on providing a smooth and refined driving experience, along with a high level of comfort and luxury.
As a result, when choosing between Acura and Lexus, it’s important to consider what’s most important to you in a luxury car. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, Acura is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for rock-solid reliability, Lexus is hard to beat.
Conclusion
There are many reasons luxury cars are so cheap. One is that they have expensive parts, which makes them less desirable on the used market. Another reason is that luxury automakers often release new technology in their vehicles that is not as well-tested as it is in more normal vehicles. This can lead to higher failure rates of components.
In addition, luxury cars lose a lot of their value once the warranty expires, as they are expensive to maintain. For these reasons, luxury cars may not be the best choice for drivers who are looking for a reliable and cost-effective vehicle.