Canada is a country where cars have to deal with long distances, freezing winters, salty roads, and fuel prices that can swing wildly depending on the province. While plenty of vehicles are built to be affordable and practical for everyday Canadian life, some cars punish their owners with costs that never seem to end. Whether it’s sky-high insurance, fuel that disappears faster than your paycheck, or repairs that rival a down payment on a house, these are twelve cars that cost a fortune to run in Canada.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is the ultimate German luxury sedan, but once the warranty runs out, Canadian owners discover how punishing it can be. Advanced technology like air suspension, driver assistance systems, and complex electrical setups often fail, and repairs are rarely under four figures. Even basic maintenance costs more than a compact car’s monthly payment. Premium fuel is a must, and winter tires for such a large luxury sedan cost a fortune. In Canadian cities, insurance premiums are steep, and in smaller towns, finding a mechanic who will even touch one can be a challenge.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Owning a Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Canada is a dream that quickly becomes a wallet-draining reality. The S-Class introduces cutting-edge technology, but when those systems start failing in harsh Canadian winters, repairs become astronomical. Heated steering wheels and massage seats are great until they break and cost thousands to replace. Add in the high cost of premium fuel, pricey tires, and complex 4MATIC all-wheel-drive maintenance, and the S-Class becomes a luxury sedan that only the wealthiest Canadians can comfortably keep on the road.
Range Rover
The Range Rover looks perfectly at home in Toronto’s wealthy neighborhoods or at a ski resort in Whistler, but running one is another story. Repairs for suspension systems, drivetrain components, and electronics are notoriously expensive. With gas mileage that rivals a snowplow, the Range Rover drinks premium fuel at alarming rates, especially when battling through deep Canadian winters. Insurance companies treat it as a high-risk, high-value luxury SUV, so premiums soar. It’s no wonder many Range Rovers in Canada change owners quickly once the bills start stacking up.
Audi A8
The Audi A8 blends elegance with quattro all-wheel drive, which is perfect for Canadian winters, but perfection comes at a steep cost. Its aluminum body is expensive to repair after even minor fender-benders on icy roads. Tires and brakes for this heavyweight sedan can run thousands per set, and insurance is predictably high. With advanced electronics and luxury options everywhere, there’s always something that needs attention, and Canadian mechanics often have to order parts directly from Europe, adding wait times and costs. It glides along the Trans-Canada Highway beautifully, but the bank account takes a hit every time it does.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte offers Italian flair in sedan form, but in Canada, it quickly proves punishing to own. Fuel economy is atrocious, and premium gas isn’t optional. Service requires specialists, and parts often need to be shipped from overseas, making even routine maintenance a painful ordeal. Insurance companies see the Quattroporte as an exotic, driving premiums through the roof. For Canadians outside major cities, the nearest Maserati service center could be hundreds of kilometers away, which only adds to the inconvenience and cost.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a beast of an SUV that delivers sports car performance, but in Canada, that comes with a steep price tag. Its massive turbocharged V8 is a fuel guzzler, and those winter fill-ups sting when premium prices spike. Tires, brakes, and suspension wear out fast thanks to the Cayenne’s weight and power. Insurance is no bargain either, as the Cayenne is one of the more expensive SUVs to cover in Canada. While it’s one of the best-handling SUVs money can buy, it’s also one of the most financially demanding.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ has long been admired for its elegance, but Canadians who have owned one will tell you it’s a car that drains savings. Repair parts are rare, and labor costs skyrocket because so few mechanics are willing to touch British luxury cars outside major cities. Winter driving is tough on its delicate systems, and rust can creep in faster on salted Canadian roads. Even something as simple as replacing a control module can cost thousands. The XJ looks classy pulling up to an event in Toronto or Montreal, but keeping it on the road requires a lot of disposable income.
Dodge Ram TRX
Not every wallet-draining car is imported. The Dodge Ram TRX, Canada’s wildest pickup truck, is a financial hurricane in disguise. Its supercharged V8 guzzles premium fuel faster than almost anything else on the road, and fuel bills during a Canadian winter can rival a mortgage payment. Tires are massive and wear quickly if you use the truck’s full performance. Insurance is high, thanks to its performance numbers, and maintenance isn’t cheap on such a heavily engineered beast. Canadians love it for its sheer audacity, but few can afford to run one daily.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is the king of North American luxury SUVs, but its size and presence come with staggering running costs. Its V8 engines devour fuel, and filling up the giant tank in Canada often feels like a small investment. Insurance rates reflect its high value and theft risk, while repairs to its complex suspension and luxury features can be brutal. Canadians love the Escalade for its style and space, but even the wealthiest buyers admit it’s one of the most expensive SUVs to keep happy.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 is the ultimate Canadian summer toy, but it’s far from cheap to own. It requires premium fuel, performance tires, and constant attention to keep it track-ready. Tires and brakes wear out quickly if you push it, and insurance premiums in Canada for a high-performance sports car can be jaw-dropping. Winter storage adds another layer of cost, with many owners paying for heated garages or storage facilities. It’s a car Canadians adore, but even short ownership stints can be financially draining.
Tesla Model S Performance
Electric cars are supposed to save money, but the Tesla Model S Performance proves that’s not always the case. While you skip gas stations, the rest of the ownership costs sting. Insurance companies in Canada charge high premiums for Teslas, replacement parts are expensive, and tires wear out quickly under all that torque. Battery replacements, though rare, cost as much as some small cars. In cold Canadian winters, range drops significantly, adding charging costs and inconvenience. The Model S delivers speed and prestige, but it’s hardly a cheap EV to run.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is a relic of the early 2000s, but plenty are still running around Canada. Unfortunately, they’re some of the most expensive vehicles to keep alive today. Fuel economy is atrocious, and Canadian gas prices make every fill-up feel like punishment. Parts are heavy-duty and costly, and insurance isn’t much better due to its weight and repair complexity. Winter rust attacks them quickly, making maintenance even pricier. Canadians miss the bold presence of the H2, but owning one today is like volunteering to bleed cash.
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