Are you meaning to acquire a luxury vehicle? If so, you’re not alone. Luxury vehicles are more popular than ever, and with good reason: they offer features and amenities unmatched by any other type of car. But before you buy, you must know what you’re getting into. This article will look at luxury vehicles in terms of sales, prices, and maintenance tasks. So read on whether you’re looking to buy or just curious about these high-end cars.
Sales and Prices of Luxury Vehicles in the U.S.
According to data from Statista, the U.S. is the world’s leading luxury car market, with sales in 2021 estimated at $5 billion. Prices in 2022 have increased a lot, though. As of January this year, the average cost of a high-end luxury car was $121,199 compared to $100,724 in January 2021. The mid-level luxury car increased from an average of $71,251 to $73,105. Even the entry-level luxury car increased from an average of $46,835 to $49,535.
According to Kelley Blue Book data, in the first quarter of 2022, the share of luxury vehicles in the U.S. market increased to 16.1% from 15.6% in the first quarter of last year. The top-selling luxury vehicle was the newly released Mercedes-Benz S-Class, taking 42% of all high-end luxury car sales for the quarter. At an average price of more than $130,000, it sold 3,800 units. That was three times the number of units sold in the first quarter of 2021.
Luxury vehicles are significant investments. That is why it is paramount to maintain them. The good news is that most luxury cars come with comprehensive warranties covering maintenance tasks for a certain period or mileage. After the warranty expires, you are still responsible for maintaining your vehicle to keep it running smoothly. This will also prevent expensive repairs down the road. Here are some tips on how to maintain your luxury car.
Scheduled Maintenance
The best way to keep your luxury car in good condition is to follow the scheduled maintenance schedule prescribed by the manufacturer. This schedule includes tasks like changing the oil and filter, checking fluid levels, and inspecting brakes and tires. It is important to note that these tasks need to be performed at specific intervals as indicated in the owner’s manual
Owners of luxury cars should also be aware of the unique needs of their vehicles. For instance, most high-end cars have turbochargers that require synthetic motor oil. They also have larger engines that consume more oil than regular cars. As such, they need to be checked and changed more often.
It is also important to note that some luxury car models require premium fuel. This is because their engines are designed to run on higher-octane gasoline. Using regular fuel can damage the engine and void the warranty.
If your vehicle is electric or a hybrid, that has its own requirements. Ensure you read the owner’s manual to find out what type of charger it needs and how often the battery needs to be replaced.
Brand-Appropriate Repairs and Parts
It is best to stick with a brand-appropriate service center. For instance, if you own a Porsche, stay with an auto repair shop that specializes in Porsche repair. Their certified technicians will have been trained by the brand on the inner workings of their cars. They have the expertise and experience to know the common issues with vehicles under the brand and how to repair them. They also have the required equipment and tools to diagnose and repair problems properly.
In addition, luxury car auto repair shops usually stock parts that are specific to the vehicles they service. This means that they can get their hands on the right part faster and at a lower cost. It is crucial to use only brand-appropriate parts as generic or aftermarket ones may not fit properly and can void your vehicle’s warranty.
Ensure that your auto repair shop supplies you with a detailed service history of all the work done on your car. This includes regular maintenance tasks, repairs, and replacement of parts. The service history will come in handy when you need to sell the vehicle or take it in for warranty work.
Keep Your Car Clean
It is also important to keep your luxury car clean, both inside and out. This will prolong the life of your car and help it retain its value.
Regularly wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint from dirt, road salt, and other harsh elements. Consider getting a protective treatment for the paint to make it last longer.
The interior should also be vacuumed and dusted frequently to prevent dirt and grime from building up. Leather seats must be cleaned and conditioned regularly to prevent them from cracking. All-weather mats should also be used to protect the carpets from stains and dirt.
These are some essential tips on how to maintain your luxury car. By following these simple tips, you can keep your valuable car running smoothly for years to come.
