Consumer Reports names luxury cars with lower ownership costs: Lincoln and Buick stand out, Lexus stays reliable, Tesla leads; German costs rise after warranty.
Michael Powers, Editor
The U.S. outlet Consumer Reports regularly publishes research on the reliability and ownership costs of cars across brands. According to the magazine’s findings, two names stand out for offering a sweet spot between quality and manageable running costs in the premium segment: Lincoln and Buick. This pairing may not always be the first to come up in luxury conversations, yet the data points to a well‑judged value proposition.
Beyond American makers, experts also point to Lexus. The brand has repeatedly been cited among the leaders in the premium field thanks to low maintenance expenses and consistently dependable engineering. That kind of steadiness is exactly what many buyers in the segment count on.
Some German models—think Audi, BMW, and Porsche—remain popular, but these automakers are among those whose cars become the most expensive to own once the warranty period runs out. Consumer Reports notes that spending rises sharply a few years after purchase, when factory coverage ends.
Tesla deserves a separate mention. Despite the relatively high purchase price, the overall cost of operation and maintenance turns out to be among the lowest in the premium class. In everyday terms, the electric approach appears to pay off where it matters to owners: in long‑term running costs.
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