The High Cost of Driving Fun: 10 Cars That Drain Your Wallet

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Owning a truly engaging car isn’t cheap. While budget-friendly options exist, high-performance vehicles demand a significant financial commitment beyond the sticker price. This isn’t just about gas; it’s about depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and interest adding up over time. This article details ten cars that deliver thrills but come with a hefty five-year ownership cost, potentially exceeding $120,000.

The figures below are based on average costs as of 2025, factoring in depreciation, insurance, financing, fuel, and maintenance.

10. 2025 BMW M5: $123,554

The BMW M5 remains a benchmark for performance sedans. Its 717-horsepower hybrid V8 and rear-biased all-wheel drive ensure blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds). However, that power comes at a price: $55,636 in depreciation alone over five years, alongside substantial insurance ($25,960) and fuel costs ($17,770).

9. 2025 BMW 760: $132,102

The BMW 760 blends luxury with performance. Its 536-horsepower hybrid V8 and plush interior (including an optional 31-inch Theater Screen for rear passengers) offer a high-end experience. But that experience costs: depreciation hits $60,688, insurance $35,415, and fuel $11,550.

8. 2025 Audi S8: $148,751

The Audi S8 delivers comfort and performance with a 563-horsepower turbocharged V8 and all-wheel drive. It hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, but owners face $80,844 in depreciation and $12,835 annually for fuel due to its low 18 mpg rating.

7. 2025 BMW M8 Gran Coupe: $149,117

The M8 Gran Coupe combines style, space, and performance with a 617-horsepower V8. It sprints to 60 mph in under three seconds, but five-year ownership costs exceed $149,000, including $77,943 in depreciation.

6. 2024 Nissan GT-R: $150,290

The Nissan GT-R, in its final production year, offers legendary performance with a 565-600 horsepower bi-turbo V6. Depreciation ($75,127) and insurance ($31,075) contribute to its $150,290 five-year cost.

5. 2025 BMW i7: $152,108

The all-electric BMW i7 balances luxury and performance with up to 660 horsepower. Despite zero fuel costs ($2,685 over five years), depreciation ($79,721) and high insurance ($43,150) push the total ownership cost to $152,108.

4. 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT: $159,328

Audi’s first fully electric RS model delivers supercar-level acceleration (0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds) with up to 914 horsepower in launch control. The downside? Depreciation alone reaches $105,605, bringing the five-year cost to $159,328.

3. 2024 Maserati Quattroporte: $164,456

The Maserati Quattroporte offers Italian flair and performance with up to 580 horsepower from its V8 engine. However, its rapid depreciation (71 percent loss in five years) and high fuel costs ($14,500) result in a $164,456 ownership burden.

2. 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT: $165,193

The Mercedes-AMG GT lineup, ranging from 416 to 805 horsepower, delivers exhilarating performance. Depreciation ($88,664), interest ($37,000), and fuel ($16,500) combine to exceed $165,000 over five years.

1. 2024 Maserati Ghibli: $177,983

The Maserati Ghibli, in its final model year, combines striking design with potent engines. Depreciation ($103,775), insurance ($33,740), and fuel ($14,400) push the five-year ownership cost to a staggering $177,983.

Conclusion: These cars offer an exceptional driving experience, but their true cost extends far beyond the initial purchase price. High depreciation, insurance, and maintenance expenses make them a luxury reserved for deep-pocketed enthusiasts. If you prioritize value, these vehicles are likely not the most sensible choice.