The maintenance cost throughout a vehicle’s useful life is an increasingly important factor to consider when purchasing. Saving money on the initial purchase is pointless if maintenance expenses later far exceed that initial outlay. These data are, in any case, very valuable for workshops to understand which brands are more “profitable” in terms of revenue per service visit.
To better understand how these costs increase over time and vary by brand, Consumer Reports published the 2024 Annual Car Surveys, asking U.S. drivers to report how much they spent on vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, tires, and other repairs in the past 12 months—excluding costs related to accident damage repairs.
Generally, vehicles require little work in their early years beyond oil changes and tire rotations. Almost all new car warranties last at least three years and cover repairs. According to Consumer Reports’ ranking and excluding brands not sold in Europe, the most economical cars to maintain during the first 10 years are:
Tesla leads the ranking as the most cost-effective option, with owners spending an average of €543.29 during the first 5 years—a significantly lower figure compared to other brands. However, expenses gradually increase as the car ages, reaching €3,238.48 during years 6–10, for a total of €3,781.77 over the decade.
Toyota stands out as an economical long-term maintenance choice. Costs are around €1,054.23 during the first five years, rising to €3,536.35 in years 6–10. In total, Toyota vehicle maintenance over ten years amounts to €4,590.58.
Ford owners spend approximately €1,030.42 in the first five years, with costs increasing to €4,028.02 during years 6–10. Total maintenance costs for a Ford over ten years reach €5,058.44.
At the other end of the scale, Mercedes-Benz has a total maintenance cost of €9,854.22 over 10 years. Porsche follows closely with €13,196.64 in maintenance expenses during the first decade, and topping the ranking is Land Rover, which has the highest long-term maintenance cost at €18,030.85 over 10 years.
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