In the modern automotive world, V8-powered cars are becoming an increasingly endangered species. As automakers focus on downsizing, efficiency, and electrification, the V8 engine, once a common sight on American roads and beyond, is becoming rarer each day. As a result, prospective buyers looking for a car with a V8 on board are increasingly turning to the used market to expand their options.
To help you choose your next set of wheels, we have selected three used V8-powered models to compare on reliability. Reliability is, of course, always a major part of the equation when buying a car, but it becomes even more important when you’re making your purchase on the used market. If you want a car that already has a few years and a few miles under its belt to last as long as possible, making sure you choose a model with a good track record for reliability is a crucial step.
To make an accurate and fair comparison, we have selected the 2016 model year for all three cars, as it is the most recent year when all three were in production at the same time. Here is an overview of what each one has to offer and what you can expect in terms of reliability and ownership experience: the most common issues, complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recalls, and average repair and maintenance costs per year.
2016 Lexus LS460
Silver 2014 Lexus LS460 on roadLexus
Engine
4.6-liter V8
Horsepower
386/360 hp (RWD/AWD)
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
We start with the 2016 Lexus LS460, a member of the fourth-generation Lexus LS lineup. This model was introduced for 2007, and remained on the market until 2017. It had several styling changes, including a redesigned grille and headlights compared to its third-gen predecessor.
Power came from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 386 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque with rear-wheel drive or 360 hp and 347 lb-ft with all-wheel drive. Regardless of the drivetrain layout, the sedan came with an eight-speed automatic.
The RWD version of the LS460 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while its AWD counterpart took a little longer at 6.3 seconds. Both models had an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Silver 2014 Lexus LS460 rear endLexus
According to NHTSA records, the 2016 LS460 has only racked up six complaints and is not affected by any recalls. The complaints are focused on various areas of the vehicle, suggesting issues are evenly distributed across components rather than concentrated on a single major point of failure.
As far as ownership costs go, according to CarEdge, you can expect to pay around $961 for yearly maintenance to keep your LS460 in top shape. Some of the most expensive repair jobs for this model include powertrain control module replacement, which can cost around $1,700, and active suspension system control module replacement at about $1,900.
2016 Mercedes-Benz E550
2016 Mercedes-Benz E550 front nearside quarterBring a Trailer
Engine
4.7-liter twin-turbo V8
Horsepower
402 hp
Complaints
88
Recalls
9
Our second car is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E550. It came from a moment of transition for the E-Class lineup in the United States. The fifth-generation sedan was new this year, but buyers had to opt for the AMG E63 S to get a V8 in the four-door. Meanwhile, the fourth-gen E-Class two-door was still available for the 2016 model year. The E550 Coupe and Convertible offered a non-AMG model with a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 making 402 hp and 443 lb-ft. The only transmission available was a seven-speed automatic.
2016 Mercedes-Benz E550 rear quarterBring a Trailer
The twin-turbo V8 let the 2016 E550 Coupe hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive or 4.8 seconds with all-wheel drive. For all models, top speed was electronically limited to 130 mph, increasing to 155 mph with the optional Sport Package.
The Mercedes has a far more complex NHTSA record than the Lexus, with the 2016 model having nine recalls and 88 complaints to its name. Issues with the engine, airbags, electrical system, and fuel system are the most frequently mentioned in the list of complaints. The recalls, meanwhile, are related to airbag issues, the emergency location-tracking system, a detaching roof spoiler, a rubber seal malfunction, and electrical and steering issues.
The estimated yearly maintenance cost is a little higher as well, somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on the mileage and overall condition of your chosen vehicle. The repair bills could be steeper as well: some of the most expensive jobs for this model include AC compressor replacement, which can set you back around $2,500, and HVAC air door actuator replacement at about $2,200.
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2016 BMW 550i
Front shot of a 2011 BMW 550iBring A Trailer
Engine
4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
Horsepower
445 hp
Complaints
81
Recalls
7
The third car on our list is the 2016 BMW 550i, a member of the 5 Series’ sixth generation. This generation launched for the 2011 model year and remained on the market until 2017. The 550i was the most powerful non-M model in the lineup. Its engine, the N63B44, was a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that initially produced 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, but by the 2016 model it had 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. The 550i was available in two body styles: a four-door sedan (known as the F10) and a five-door Gran Turismo fastback (known as the F07).
Rear shot of a 2011 BMW 550iBring A Trailer
The 2016 BMW 550i is on a similar level as the Mercedes when it comes to NHTSA records: it has 81 complaints associated with it and is affected by seven recalls. The engine is the area most frequently mentioned on the complaints list, followed by the electrical system and airbags. The recalls are related to issues with a water pump connector, a coolant leak, fuel pump failure, and problems with the seat belts and child seat anchor point.
The average annual maintenance and repair cost for this model places it somewhere in the middle of the other two, at $1,046. According to CarEdge, the most expensive jobs for the 2016 550i are the exhaust muffler replacement, which can cost up to $5,500, and the valve cover gasket replacement is around $1,700.
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Which Model Is The Winner?
Silver 2014 Lexus LS460 side viewLexus
Due to its low number of complaints and recalls, and its lowest projected annual maintenance and repair costs, we give the title of most reliable among the three to the Lexus LS460. Despite now being in double-digit age, this model is highly likely to provide you with a good ownership experience. As long as you choose a vehicle that has been looked after by its previous owners, and follow the recommended maintenance schedule once you have completed your purchase, you are likely to enjoy V8-powered motoring without significant hassle.
As Toyota’s luxury branch, Lexus has always enjoyed a good reputation for reliability, in line with that of its parent company. The LS is one of the brand’s earliest models, having been introduced at the start of Lexus’ history in 1989. Over the decades that followed, the LS went through five generations, during which its quality and reliability continued to go up; the 2016 LS460 belongs to the penultimate generation of the model. Adding one to your garage today is a great way to enjoy the qualities of a stylish, V8-powered sedan while knowing that its reliability won’t let you down.
Sources: Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, NHTSA, CarComplaints, CarEdge
