The luxury car market is in flux. While some brands struggle with slowing sales, others are thriving. One consistent trend is rising prices – modern luxury cars cost significantly more than they did just three years ago, and this drives up depreciation. This means that buying a slightly used luxury vehicle can be a smart financial move, offering substantial savings while still providing comfort and quality.
But reliability remains a key concern. Here’s a look at luxury models from 2022 that, according to iSeeCars, still offer dependable performance, ranked from least to most reliable. These ratings matter because they help buyers avoid costly repairs and downtime.
The Rankings: From Good Deals to Solid Choices
1. 2022 Audi A7 (Reliability Score: 7.5/10)
The Audi A7 is a stylish, yet risky choice. iSeeCars predicts it will last roughly 10.5 years or 119,036 miles, with only a 1.5% chance of reaching 200,000 miles. Over five years, expect around $10,932 in maintenance and $8,283 in repairs, totaling $83,839 for ownership. The A7 depreciates aggressively, losing 61% of its initial $72,000 value.
2. 2022 Infiniti Q50 (Reliability Score: 7.7/10)
Infiniti’s Q50 offers better reliability, with an estimated lifespan of 12.6 years or 142,146 miles and a 13% chance of hitting 200,000 miles. Consumer reports from J.D. Power are solid, though ownership costs remain high at $64,291 for five years ($9,192 maintenance, $3,588 repairs). Depreciation is still steep, around 55% off its original $42,100 price.
3. 2022 Audi A4 (Reliability Score: 7.7/10)
The Audi A4 is another solid contender, with a predicted lifespan of 12 years or 129,982 miles. J.D. Power scores it favorably, but ownership costs are substantial at $61,814 over five years ($10,501 maintenance, $7,139 repairs). Expect a 55% loss in value from its $39,900 starting price.
4. 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS (Reliability Score: 7.7/10)
The Mercedes-Benz CLS scores well on reliability, but its lifespan is shorter, at 9.1 years or 94,309 miles. Ownership costs are high ($84,748 in five years, with $12,887 maintenance and $9,820 repairs). It depreciates quickly, losing value off its $72,950 initial price.
5. 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA (Reliability Score: 7.7/10)
The CLA is more reliable than the CLS, with an estimated lifespan of 13.4 years or 130,442 miles. However, five-year ownership costs still hit $62,814 ($9,570 maintenance, $8,689 repairs). Depreciation is moderate, dropping 47.1% from the original $38,200 price.
6. 2022 BMW 2 Series (Reliability Score: 7.8/10)
The BMW 2 Series (Coupe and Gran Coupe) offers a lifespan of 14 years or 121,645 miles. J.D. Power ratings are strong, but five-year ownership costs remain high at $63,669 ($11,985 maintenance, $8,689 repairs). Depreciation hits 53.2% off the original $35,700 price.
7. 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Reliability Score: 7.9/10)
The C-Class provides a longer lifespan (12.6 years or 116,386 miles) and lower repair costs than some competitors. Five-year ownership totals $63,669 ($11,985 maintenance, $8,689 repairs). Depreciation is significant at 52.5% off its $43,550 starting price.
8. 2022 Lexus ES 350 (Reliability Score: 7.9/10)
The Lexus ES 350 stands out as a reliable choice. Although exact lifespan estimates aren’t provided, Lexus has a reputation for long-term durability. J.D. Power scores are high, and ownership costs are lower at $57,199 over five years ($8,166 maintenance, $3,145 repairs). Depreciation is modest: only 24.1% off its $40,950 initial price.
9. 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Reliability Score: 8.3/10)
The E-Class boasts impressive reliability, with a lifespan of up to 13.8 years and 144,034 miles. However, ownership costs remain high at $72,462 ($9,033 maintenance, $8,689 repairs). Depreciation is steep, with a 56.9% loss off its $54,950 starting price.
10. 2022 Lexus IS 350 (Reliability Score: 8.5/10)
The Lexus IS 350 is the most reliable option on this list, with an estimated lifespan of 16.9 years or 182,995 miles and a high 39.8% chance of reaching 200,000 miles. J.D. Power ratings are excellent. Depreciation is moderate, at 41.3% off its $39,125 initial price.
The Bottom Line
When shopping for a used luxury car, depreciation can be your friend. Models like the Lexus IS 350 and ES 350 stand out for their reliability and relatively lower depreciation, making them smart long-term investments. Mercedes-Benz and BMW models offer more style, but come with higher ownership costs. The key is to balance your priorities: if reliability is paramount, Lexus is the clear winner.
