9 Luxury Cars to Sell Before the Warranty Expires According to Experts

From Range Rovers to Teslas, learn about the costly repairs and issues that can make these vehicles a financial burden once the warranty is up.

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Luxury cars often come with a hefty price tag, but experts like Repair Pal, Slot Car Today and Range Rover Engine Specialists agree that the real cost can skyrocket once the warranty expires. In this article, we explore ten luxury vehicles that you should consider selling before the warranty runs out to avoid costly repairs and maintenance.

9. 2024 Range Rover Velar (Exterior)

Image: MotorTrend

The Range Rover Velar is a stunning vehicle that turns heads with its sleek design and luxurious features. However, once the warranty period is over, owning this car can feel like a financial burden. The maintenance costs are astronomical, with brake replacements costing around $2,500 and tires running up to $3,000. Additionally, the vehicle is notorious for its infotainment glitches and electronic failures, which can leave you waiting at the dealership for repairs.

2024 Range Rover Velar (Interior)

Image: Car and Driver

Beyond the high cost of maintenance, the Velar has been reported to have issues with coolant and oil leaks, which can lead to expensive repairs. It is also prone to timing chain failures, particularly in 2.0 Ingenium Diesel engines. The combination of these factors makes it a vehicle you definitely want to sell before the warranty expires.

8. 2024 BMW 5 and 7 Series (Exterior)

Image: Stratstone

The BMW 5 and 7 Series, particularly the models equipped with the twin-turbo V8 engine, are luxury vehicles that can become a financial nightmare after the warranty period. While these cars are a joy to drive and offer a luxurious experience, they come with a reputation for being money pits. Owners often face excessive oil consumption and premature battery failures, leading to costly repairs.

2024 BMW 5 and 7 Series (Interior)

Image: BMW of Northwest Arkansas

Moreover, the complexity of the engine can result in electrical issues that require expensive fixes. The cooling system accounts for approximately 25% of all mechanical faults in the 5 Series. If you’re considering a 5 Series, it’s wise to lease it rather than buy, as the long-term ownership costs can be staggering.

7. 2024 Lexus GX 550 (Exterior)

Image: Motor1.com

The Lexus GX 550 is a beautiful SUV that boasts a powerful engine and luxurious features. However, the introduction of the new 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine has had issues with reliability. Reports of catastrophic engine failures and issues with crankshaft bearings have surfaced, making this vehicle a risky investment.

2024 Lexus GX 550 (Interior)

Image: MotorTrend

Transmission problems are also an issue, with hard shifts between 1st and 2nd gear. As are brakes squeaking at low speeds. While the GX 550 may look appealing, the potential for major engine problems means it’s best to sell it before the warranty expires. The risk of costly repairs far outweighs the benefits of owning this luxury SUV.

6. 2024 Mercedes GLE 63S (Exterior)

Image: Edmunds

The Mercedes GLE 63S is known for its performance and luxury, but it also comes with a host of problems. From transmission issues to electronic failures, this vehicle has been the subject of numerous recalls. The average annual repair cost is $2,122, which is considerably higher than most vehicles. Owners have reported problems with the central locking system and brake noises, which can lead to expensive repairs.

2024 Mercedes GLE 63S (Interior)

Image: Car and Driver

Additionally, the GLE 63S has been criticized for its poor quality control, making it a vehicle you don’t want to keep beyond the warranty period. The combination of high repair costs and reliability issues makes this luxury SUV a poor long-term investment.

5. 2024 Infiniti QX50 (Exterior)

Image: Car and Driver

The Infiniti QX50 is a stylish SUV that features a unique variable compression engine. However, this complexity can lead to a myriad of problems once the warranty expires. Owners have reported issues with brakes, fuel systems, and even exploding sunroofs. The intricate design of the engine makes it prone to failures that can be costly to repair.

2024 Infiniti QX50 (Interior)

Image: INFINITI Abu Dhabi

There are also random crash sensor activations and automatic braking issues. While the QX50 may be attractive and unique, the potential for expensive repairs makes it a vehicle best sold before the warranty runs out. The risks associated with its complex technology are simply not worth it.

4. Tesla Model S Plaid (Exterior)

Image: DrivingElectric

The Tesla Model S Plaid is a high-performance electric vehicle that has garnered attention for its speed and technology. However, it is not without its issues. Owners have reported problems with electrical systems, panel alignment, and even brake problems. While the battery is covered under warranty, many other components are not, leading to potential high costs after the warranty expires.

Tesla Model S Plaid (Interior)

Image: DrivingElectric

Only Tesla-approved collision centers can properly service these vehicles and new tire replacement can reach $660.50. The allure of owning a Tesla can quickly fade when faced with the reality of its reliability issues. If you’re considering a Model S Plaid, it’s advisable to lease it rather than buy, as the long-term ownership risks can be significant.

3. 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Exterior)

Image: Car and Driver

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is known for its Italian flair and sporty performance. However, it also comes with a reputation for electrical issues, oil leaks, spark plug, and fuel system issues with high repair costs. While it may be fun to drive, the potential for catastrophic failures makes it a risky choice for long-term ownership. Finding qualified service centers can be difficult, as many European specialist shops won’t work on Alfas

2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Interior)

Image: Planet Dave

The Stelvio’s unique design and lower production numbers mean that repairs can be expensive and hard to come by. If you’re considering this vehicle, it’s best to enjoy it for a couple of years and then sell it before the warranty expires.

2. 2024 Volvo T6 (Exterior)

Image: Complete Car

The Volvo T6 is a stylish vehicle that offers a comfortable ride. However, it is plagued by numerous issues, including engine problems, transmission failures, and water leaks. The complexity of its supercharged and turbocharged engine can lead to costly repairs, making it a vehicle you don’t want to keep beyond the warranty period.

2024 Volvo T6 (Interior)

Image: MotorTrend

While the T6 may look appealing and offer a luxurious experience, the potential for significant problems means it’s best to sell it before the warranty runs out. The risks associated with long-term ownership far outweigh the benefits.

1. 2024 Audi Q5 (Exterior)

Image: MotorTrend

The Audi Q5 is a popular luxury SUV, but it comes with a host of issues that make it a poor long-term investment. From heavy oil consumption to brake problems, this vehicle has been known to cause headaches for its owners. The complexity of its systems can lead to expensive repairs, making it a vehicle best sold before the warranty expires.

2024 Audi Q5 (Interior)

Image: Motor1.com UK

While the Q5 may offer a luxurious experience, the potential for costly repairs and reliability issues means it’s not worth keeping long-term. The average annual repair cost for the Q5 is $928, which is notably higher than other luxury midsize SUVs. If you’re considering this vehicle, it’s wise to lease it instead.

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