
Owning a premium, luxury or performance car in South Africa is a dream for many motoring enthusiasts. But while these vehicles offer unmatched driving pleasure, many owners are surprised when maintenance costs start stacking up. From specialised parts and servicing expertise to insurance and fuel, the follow-up expenses can be steep.
In this article, we break down the most expensive cars to maintain in South Africa and explain the main reasons why maintenance costs can be significantly higher than average. Whether you’re buying your first luxury ride or planning long-term ownership, this guide will help you budget wisely.
Understanding why these cars are costly to maintain helps owners prepare financially and makes the extra expense less of a shock.
Most premium cars are manufactured overseas, meaning:
All of these multiply the cost of replacement tyres, filters, sensors and more.
Luxury and high-performance cars often need:
This “specialisation premium” increases labour costs.
Features such as:
Luxury vehicles have smaller production runs, meaning:
High-end cars often require:
For example, Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres — like those sold by Spare24 — cost significantly more than standard tyres due to advanced compounds and engineering.
Here are smart tips for owners:
Owning a luxury car in South Africa is a status symbol—and it can be rewarding—but maintenance should never be an afterthought. Knowing which vehicles typically cost more to maintain and why helps buyers budget wisely.
Whether you’re a daily commuter with a premium hatchback or a weekend warrior with a high-end SUV, understanding maintenance cost drivers is key to owning your dream car confidently.
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