Budget-Friendly Luxury: The Cheapest Luxury Cars To Maintain Over A Decade

If you’re shopping for a luxury vehicle but worried about long-term upkeep costs, you’re not alone. While many luxury brands carry steep maintenance bills, particularly imports from Europe, several manufacturers have cracked the code on affordable ownership. The good news? Some of the cheapest luxury cars to maintain deliver years of reliability without draining your wallet. This guide explores five compelling options that keep your maintenance budget reasonable throughout a decade of ownership.

Why Japanese & Korean Luxury Brands Win On Maintenance Costs

The biggest secret in luxury automotive economics: where a car is manufactured dramatically impacts what you’ll spend keeping it running. As auto industry expert Melanie Musson explains, “European luxury cars tend to have expensive parts that make the cost of maintenance and repair quite high. Japanese and Korean-made vehicles, like the Genesis G70, are made with parts that are a lot less expensive, so repairs come with a more reasonable price.”

This distinction creates a two-tier system. European luxury makers command premium prices for replacement components, while Japanese and Korean manufacturers leverage global supply chains with more accessible pricing. For budget-conscious luxury buyers, this reality shouldn’t be overlooked.

Lexus: The Affordable Luxury Standard

When discussing the cheapest luxury cars to maintain, Lexus consistently tops the conversation. The brand built its reputation on durability that doesn’t require constant attention.

Lexus IS 300 leads the value proposition with an estimated 10-year maintenance budget of just $5,848. New owners spend approximately $265 in year one—remarkably low for a luxury sedan. There’s only a 15.63% probability of needing major repairs during the first decade, making it exceptionally reliable.

Lexus ES 350 follows closely at $5,926 over ten years, matching the IS 300’s impressive 15.63% major repair rate. Musson notes why: “The 350 ES does not follow that trend. It has an engine, transmission, and other working parts that are built to last. So, the 350 ES does not require a lot of maintenance, which in itself makes it cheap to maintain.”

Both models demonstrate that Lexus has engineered reliability into its DNA—not as an afterthought.

Genesis & Alfa Romeo: The Middle-Ground Options

Genesis G70 represents Korean automotive excellence, averaging $7,221 in maintenance expenses across ten years with a 19.65% major repair probability. Drivers typically spend under $1,000 annually through year nine, making budgeting straightforward. Genesis targets “many years of comfort and reliability,” according to Musson, positioning itself as a design-first alternative to Japanese competitors while maintaining cost discipline.

Alfa Romeo Giulia follows at $7,241 for the decade, also carrying a 19.65% major repair risk. First-year costs sit around $322—higher than Lexus but reasonable for an Italian sports-luxury offering. Alfa Romeo buyers accept slightly elevated maintenance in exchange for design and driving character.

Acura TLX: The Sport Sedan Compromise

The Acura TLX completes our list with projected ten-year costs of $7,897 and a 21.88% major repair probability—the highest among these options but still conservative by luxury standards. Owners report staying under $1,000 annually for the first six years, with expenses climbing toward $1,200 in later years.

For those prioritizing athletic handling alongside affordability, the TLX strikes a practical balance. It’s less about absolute cheapness and more about predictable, manageable costs.

Making Your Choice: Which Cheapest Luxury Car Fits Your Budget?

Selecting the cheapest luxury car to maintain depends on your priorities. Lexus models offer the lowest total cost of ownership with legendary reliability. Genesis provides contemporary design paired with affordability. Alfa Romeo adds Italian style without catastrophic expenses. Acura balances performance with reasonable upkeep.

The path forward? Start with your budget ceiling for the decade, then match it to the vehicle that delivers the ownership experience you want. If you’re seeking pure affordability, Lexus is unbeatable. If you’re willing to spend $1,500 more annually for brand diversity, the other options merit serious consideration. Ultimately, the cheapest luxury cars to maintain are the ones you’ll actually enjoy keeping on the road—because the best value is a car you never want to sell.