One Of The Worst Cars A Retiree Can Buy Has Costs That Will Sneak Up On You

The BMW X6 M may be a nice-looking car, but it's one of the worst vehicles a retiree can buy. That's because the specialized servicing and parts it requires puts estimated repair costs well above the national average — even among luxury SUV models. Per CarEdge, within the BMW X6 M's first 10 years, an owner can expect to spend about $20,497 in maintenance and repairs. By comparison, the industry average for luxury SUVs is $14,355 over 10 years — a difference of over $6,000. Not only that, but CarEdge also reports the BMW X6 M has a 26.37% chance of needing major repairs in its first five years. That's nearly 6% worse than comparable vehicles. 

Beyond the impact these sneaky maintenance costs can have on fixed incomes, insurance premiums can further strain a retiree's budget. The BMW X6 M averages $3,878 per year in insurance, according to CarEdge, which is $581 more than the national average for luxury SUVs. Of course, insurance costs vary depending on where you live, your driving record, and your credit score, so this annual amount could vary. For example, if you're 65 and have poor credit, CarEdge estimates you could be paying as much as $6,202 annually in insurance costs for the BMW X6 M.

For retirees on a fixed income, these costs can eat into their savings. As of 2024, U.S. Census data puts the median household income for Americans aged 65 or older at $56,680. For starters, the BMW X6 M's starting price tag is already well beyond this budget. If buying new, the 2027 model starts at $132,940. If we assume a retiree puts 20% down, and has a car loan interest rate of 7.1% – the average rate for new vehicles as of September 2026, per Edmunds – over a 60 month term, the estimated monthly payment would be $2,106. This is over $25,000 annually, or nearly half the median income for age 65 and older. In comparison, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average expenditure for transportation among all U.S. households is only about 17%.

Adding on annual insurance and repair expenses, the vehicle costs well over $30,000 per year for the first five years of ownership. Now, it's likely that if you're eyeing the BMW X6 M, you're in an upper income tier, but even if your X6 M is already paid off long-term repair costs could still cost you. This is a costly hassle most people won't want to deal with in their golden years, especially as living costs for U.S. retirees keep going up. That said, if driving a luxury vehicle is still your retirement dream, there are better models from reliable luxury car brands to consider.