Easterns Blog

There are many obvious differences between models and makes – from the type and quality of engines they’re sporting to how their exterior is designed – but one factor that can escape shoppers’ minds while buying is the level of maintenance a car demands.

Since new cars typically won’t require serious maintenance in the first few years of ownership, it’s easy to forget about this important variable. Cars won’t stay new forever, and buyers should consider the possibility that they are signing up to pay thousands of dollars for maintenance later on when a similar make or model may cost significantly less to maintain.

What Are the Most Expensive Cars and Trucks to Maintain?

BMW: BMW vehicles come with sophisticated engineering that can be costly to maintain. A typical oil change can cost between $150 and $250 when the average is $50. More significant repairs, like a brake job, can exceed $1,000.

Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz models have a reputation for high maintenance prices. The S-Class can cost upwards of $1,200 for a major service. The G-Class can cost up to $16,561 over 10 years due to its need for unique parts and specialized service.

Audi: As one of the flagship luxury makers, Audi models are expensive to maintain. The A8’s advanced technology, the Q7’s complex all-wheel-drive system and the R8’s high-performance engine all require frequent and costly maintenance. An annual service for an Audi A8 can easily reach $1,500, while the R8 can cost even more since its design centers on its performance capabilities.

Land Rover: Land Rover’s luxury off-road system can lead to high maintenance costs. A typical annual service for a Range Rover can cost between $1,200 and $1,500, with more complex repairs costing significantly more.

GMC: GMC’s advanced tech features can make it more expensive to repair and replace. Annual maintenance costs for the Sierra 1500 Denali, in particular, can exceed $1,000, with repairs often costing more than the standard models.

Is It Worth It to Buy a Car That’s Expensive to Maintain?

If your budget allows for pricy maintenance fees, there’s a lot of enjoyment a high-maintenance luxury vehicle can give you. From providing a powerful engine and advanced technology to a sleek and comfortable interior, some of the benefits can make the extra costs worth it. Potential buyers should carefully weigh these benefits against the financial implications, considering their financial stability and monthly budgets, before making a decision.

They should also consider this when buying new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned. Buying new is often a reliable but pricey option, while pre-owned is the cheapest but also the quickest to fall apart, requiring frequent maintenance. Certified pre-owned cars are often buyers’ preferred choice, as they’ve been officially reviewed and come with manufacturer warranties but cost significantly less than new cars.

If you’re looking to save on maintenance, many high-quality models don’t cost a lot to maintain. Some brands with the lowest maintenance costs include:

• Toyota: Toyota models are renowned for being high-quality and low maintenance. The Corolla and Prius’s annual maintenance costs typically range from $300 to $700.

• Honda: Honda vehicles also have low maintenance expenses. The Civic’s annual maintenance costs average around $428, while the Accord and CR-V cost approximately $407.

• Hyundai: Hyundai models offer cost-effective maintenance fees, with the Elantra’s annual maintenance costs ranging from $280 to $380 and the Sonata costing around $390 to $490.

• Kia: Kia cars are typically low maintenance and have extensive warranties. The Forte has annual maintenance costs of approximately $290 to $390, and the Optima costs about $400 to $500.

• Mazda: Mazda models have affordable maintenance costs, with the Mazda3’s annual maintenance fluctuating around $433 and the Mazda6 costing around $481.

• Subaru: Subaru vehicles cost a moderate amount to maintain. The Impreza’s annual maintenance costs are about $653, which is approximately the national average, while the Forester costs around $632.

• Nissan: Nissan’s maintenance costs are generally inexpensive due to their models’ enhanced durability. The Sentra costs approximately $491 to maintain, while the Altima costs around $483.

Trust the #1 Certified Pre-Owned Dealership in Baltimore and Washington D.C. for High-Quality Cars and Customer Service

You shouldn’t have to break the bank to buy reliable transportation. At Easterns Automotive, we offer well-maintained and thoroughly inspected pre-owned vehicles that have been built to last. Our models are refurbished to meet strict quality standards and to ensure we’re not passing unnecessary maintenance-intensive vehicles on to car buyers.

Work with the long-time winner of DealerRater’s “Consumer Satisfaction Award”. Browse our inventory online or visit one of our dealerships and let one of our car experts help you find the right model for you.