Avoid These Money Pits
Buying a luxury car can feel amazing at first, but the moment you drive it off the lot its value starts to drop. Some luxury brands depreciate faster than others, and that can turn what seemed like a cool purchase into a financial head scratch later on. This list highlights 20 luxury brand cars that historically lose value quickly, so you’ll have a better idea of what might hit your wallet harder over time. If you’re thinking about long term value, this breakdown can help you weigh your options.
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1. Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ often loses value quickly because of steep maintenance costs and a reputation for reliability issues. Even well equipped examples tend to sell for much less after only a few years. Luxury buyers looking for prestige might overlook the long term resale picture. That’s why you’ll often see these cars priced low on used car lots.
2. Land Rover Range Rover
Range Rovers have great off road capability and a comfortable interior, but they also depreciate fast. Repair and service costs are high, and that scares off many used buyers. You might score a deal if you’re handy with cars, but the market doesn’t favor them long term. That makes depreciation a real thing to consider here.
3. BMW 7 Series
The 7 Series once defined BMW luxury, but it also comes with a price drop many buyers don’t expect. Sophisticated technology and complex electronics mean expensive fixes down the road. Many shoppers prefer safer bets when the first big maintenance bill shows up. As a result, these sedans lose a lot of value compared with rivals.
4. Audi A8
Audi’s flagship sedan tends to fall in value faster than you’d expect for a luxury car. Buyers often shy away from older high technology cars because repairs can get pricey. Even though the A8 looks slick and drives well, the resale numbers tell a different story. That combination leads to steep depreciation over time.
5. Mercedes Benz S Class
The S Class is a flagship for Mercedes, but that doesn’t protect it from steep value loss. With every new model year bringing fresh tech, older ones feel outdated fast. Insurance and service prices add to the long term cost, pushing resale value down. For that reason, you’ll often see used examples at big discounts.
6. Cadillac XTS
Cadillac’s big sedan earned mixed reviews for its design and performance, and that affects how well it holds value. Many buyers see it as less exciting than competitors, and that shows up in resale prices. This makes it one of the faster depreciating cars in the luxury American lineup. If resale is important to you, that’s worth keeping in mind.
7. Infiniti Q70
The Infiniti Q70 didn’t grab as much attention as its rivals, and that contributes to its rapid depreciation. Buyers looking for prestige often opt for European badges instead. With fewer fans in the used market, prices can drop quickly. That can be good for bargain hunters but not ideal if you’re thinking long term.
8. Lexus LS
Surprisingly, the Lexus LS has seen sharper value drops than other Lexus models. While reliability is strong, luxury buyers often want the flashier names from Germany or Britain. That leaves the LS at a disadvantage when it comes to resale. You’ll find prices dip even on well maintained examples.
9. Acura RLX
Acura’s RLX offered comfort and tech but never caught fire with buyers. Lackluster sales translate into weaker demand in the used market, which pushes prices down. Depreciation hits harder here compared with other Japanese luxury sedans. That’s something you’ll see reflected in resale figures.
10. Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ once seemed like a strong competitor in the luxury sedan space, but it didn’t hold buyer interest over time. With middling sales and a crowded market, these cars don’t fetch as much on resale. That makes depreciation faster than average for Lincoln. If you’re buying used, that could be either good or bad.
11. Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 has elegant styling and safety features, but its resale value tends to fall faster than buyers want. Swedish luxury doesn’t always translate into strong demand when it’s time to resell. Many used buyers head toward more established luxury brands instead. That dynamic speeds up depreciation.
12. Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli stands out for its Italian flair, but that doesn’t stop it from depreciating fast. Buyers often worry about maintenance costs and long term reliability. That fear pushes resale values down more quickly than you’d expect. If you love the style, it’s fun to drive, but the numbers tell a different story.
13. Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia gets praise for performance, but its resale value doesn’t always reflect that. Some buyers are cautious because of reliability perceptions, which hurts demand later on. Even strong driving dynamics aren’t enough to keep prices up. That results in sharper depreciation than many rivals.
14. Cadillac CT6
The CT6 made waves when it launched, but interest fizzled over time. Big sedans in general are losing favor, and that affects how well this model holds value. When demand drops, depreciation accelerates. You can find used CT6s for relatively low prices compared with their original list.
15. Porsche Panamera
You might think Porsche equals strong resale, but the Panamera doesn’t always play that game. Despite solid performance, large sedans from exotic brands can have a narrow audience. Lower demand means prices slide faster than you’d expect from Porsche. That makes this one worth thinking about if depreciation matters to you.
16. Tesla Model S (Older)
Early Tesla Model S versions were revolutionary, but their value can fall quickly as newer tech arrives. Buyers often want the latest battery range and features, which nudges down prices of older examples. That trend makes resale value drop faster than many traditional luxury cars. If you love the electric angle, that’s great, but the value story is shifting fast.
17. Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley’s Flying Spur is ultra luxurious, yet it loses value quickly once driven off the lot. Exotic cars in general have a smaller resale market, which means prices can tank. Service and upkeep costs are also high, so buyers discount that when reselling. The result is faster depreciation than many less extravagant options.
18. Aston Martin Rapide
Aston Martin’s four door suffered from limited sales and niche appeal, pushing resale values down. Even though it’s a cool car, everyday buyers are less likely to pay for it later on. With a smaller pool of used buyers, depreciation happens faster. That’s just part of the market for rare luxury cars.
19. Infiniti QX80
This big Infiniti SUV has a comfortable ride, but it doesn’t hold value like some rivals. Strong depreciation comes from buyers preferring other luxury SUVs with stronger name recognition. Lower resale demand means prices drop more over time. That makes it one of the faster depreciating large luxury SUVs.
20. Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental tried to bring back old school luxury, but shoppers didn’t respond the way Lincoln hoped. Its resale value can fall sharply once it’s a few years old. Demand just isn’t as strong as for competitors, which makes depreciation steeper. If you’re thinking of buying used, that means paying less upfront but losing value quickly.
