Cars from the higher end of the market often have a number of things in common: they depreciate like a brick and become more expensive to keep running over the years. We have listed five used cars from the top segment that can pose a potential danger to your bank account.
It seems so attractive: get into a car that is really equipped with all conveniences for next to nothing. However, many people misunderstand what it costs to keep such cars in good condition. Apart from the often high fuel consumption, if you are a little unlucky, you will have to deal with maintenance that the previous owner has failed to do. And the maintenance of a car with many special things is often very expensive. It is therefore not inconceivable that you will have to spend the amount for which you bought the car on maintenance in no time. We have found five cars on the used car market that at first sight seem very attractive, but on which you first have to sleep well for a few nights. The common denominator when it comes to problems is mainly of an electronic nature.
1. BMW 745i (E65 – 2002)
With the E65, led by Chris Bangle, a pretty radical change of direction was introduced for the Siebener. One of the most eye-catching design elements is the boot lid, which appears to be on top of the stern. It is also the first BMW to be equipped with the – then still infamous – iDrive system. However, that’s not the only aspect that makes this generation of the 7 infamous. For its time, the E65 was incredibly advanced, but the electronics are fragile and the 745i’s engine and gearbox don’t have a reliable reputation either. The six-cylinder is a wiser choice in that regard. Such a V8 only drives great when everything works. We found this copy for a paltry € 6,950. Do you dare?
2. Mercedes-Benz S 500 Long (W220 – 2004)
In a way, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 is just such a case of ‘dare you?’ as the 7 series of the time. The W220 also suddenly has much more vulnerable electronics on board compared to its predecessor. Another problem that Mercedes of this era have to contend with is rust formation. The above copy is from the facelift, where that problem is already a lot less present. However, the air suspension remains a vulnerable point. In contrast to its Munich counterpart, the engine and gearbox are quite reliable. The 306 hp V8 from the S500 provides a wonderfully comfortable driving experience, in the long version you also have plenty of space in the back. This specimen looks neat. However, the mood can change very quickly with these types of cars, so be careful when you decide to go for an S-class of this generation.
3. Volkswagen Phaeton (2006)
After the BMW and the Mercedes-Benz, an Audi A8 would be the obvious choice, but within the Volkswagen group there is a more original choice: the Phaeton. This copy, which incidentally has the necessary experience, costs less than five grand. Unlike the previous two top limousines, you don’t get a V8 for that, but a car that is filled to the brim with options. For example, things such as massage chairs, seat cooling and entertainment for the rear passengers are available. This Phaeton still looks quite fresh. The model was a prestige project of the late Ferdinand Piëch and therefore extreme over-engineered. Basically, the Phaeton is therefore a very good car, but here also applies: when the complex electronic matters on board give up the ghost, it becomes a different story. The 3.2 V6 is one of the better choices in terms of running costs. If you really want the crème de la crème of luxury experience and bank account destruction, then you can go for the Phaeton with W12 for just that little bit more.
4. Porsche Cayenne (2003)
Something different from a limousine. The first generation of the Porsche Cayenne made purists shudder when it was unveiled. Porsche going to build an SUV, it was seen as sacrilege. Some still believe that the model does not belong in the Porsche range, but the Cayenne has now become quite common. The SUV also brought in much-needed money for the Stuttgart brand. You can now purchase the first generation Cayenne for a relative apple and an egg. You can take this Cayenne S with 4.5-liter V8 for € 7,900 euros. With this engine, make sure that there are no problems with the Nikasil coating of the cylinder walls. This can initially lead to high oil consumption, but if you do not fix it in time, the block can crash. In practice, this almost always means that the car is a total loss. In addition, it also applies to the Cayenne that things like the electronics and air suspension can be expensive.
Cadillac STS (2006)
Where the above cars are all fairly obvious options if you’re looking for a luxury car for little money, the Cadillac STS is less so. This copy from 2006, with a relatively modest mileage, is for sale for € 8,480. Under the hood lies a 3.6 V6, which has a more reliable reputation than the troubled Northstar V8. However, problems with the timing chain can throw a spanner in the works. The electronics of the STS are also a vulnerable point. However, the STS appears to be more reliable than the CTS, which is the model below it. Of the cars in this list, the Cadillac seems at first sight the ‘wisest’ choice, but keep in mind that the finish is on a much lower level than the European competition.