Car Maintenance Costs by Brand

18 May Car Maintenance Costs by Brand

When people are in the market for a new car, the first things they look at are usually the make, model, cost, color, and maybe the gas mileage. They create a vision in their head of the perfect car. Yet, one thing that is often overlooked when people are shopping for cars, is car maintenance cost. Car maintenance costs by brand can vary greatly. A brake rotor repair or replacement for a Cadillac might cost twice as much as it would for, say, a Toyota.

Cars are meant to last a long time, and if you will have to pay a fortune in regular car maintenance, you’ll have to budget for that. It’s a completely different financial commitment. Typically, German cars (Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, VW) are among the most expensive car brands to repair and maintain. But, let’s take an in-depth look at a few examples of car maintenance costs by brand.

Car Repair Costs by Brand

As you may have already heard, the cost for the maintenance of an imported car like an Audi is often more expensive than a domestic car, such as a Ford or Chevrolet – even if it’s the same part. However, this is sometimes because the part itself is higher quality and the repair process is more complicated. According to Your Mechanic, “The estimated cost to maintain and repair an Audi ranges from $70 to $6095, with an average of $285.” When looking at BMW, besides the initial cost, it is also one of the most expensive cars to maintain and own. For starters, Forbes has listed BMW’s as among the most expensive cars to insure. The BMW 750i, specifically, is second on the list. Almost any maintenance or repair cost for a BMW will range from $70 to $10,678, with an average cost of $303.

Similar to Audi and BMW, the repair and maintenance costs for a Mercedes Benz will also be high compared to that of American domestic cars, like Fords or Chevrolets. However, compared to other luxury cars, Mercedes Benzes are some of the most expensive cars to fix. 

While the BMW 750i takes second place on the Forbes’ list of most expensive cars to insure, the Mercedes SL65 AMG tops the list. Mercedes Benz is also top 2 in the “most expensive total car maintenance over a 10-year span,” right behind BMW. Audi is the most affordable out of these 3 makes but still rounds out the top 5. In general, Germany is associated with cars with highest maintenance costs. 

Luxury Cars With Low Maintenance Costs

According to Hot Cars, the top luxury cars with low maintenance costs are Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru.

As expected luxury cars’ maintenance costs are also higher. Luxury cars are going to be expensive to maintain in general, but certain factors will affect the price as well. This includes the condition of the car if it is pre-owned and any manufacturer-required maintenance. The good thing is, if you take good care of your car, you’ll significantly reduce the costs. Also, if you can find an auto mechanic shop that specializes in imported cars, you’re more likely to get a good price for a job well done.

GT Automotive offers auto repair services to all makes and models, but we specialize in imported cars, with an emphasis on Japanese makes. To schedule a repair for your car, call (801) 302-0912 today!