For individuals interested in purchasing a new car, it is crucial to prioritize the expenses associated with owning and maintaining the vehicle. While the notion of acquiring a new car can be exhilarating, the accumulation of maintenance costs can become vexing. Paying a substantial bill for car repairs and upkeep is undesirable. While several of these costs are included in the warranty offered by the car dealer or manufacturer, there are various expensive issues that may not be covered by the warranty.
Consumer Reports has recently published a list of the most economical cars in terms of maintenance costs, with the aim of directing the public towards the best options. The findings of the study were indeed surprising.
To compile this list, the website conducted a study analyzing the car repair costs over a ten-year period, solely for the cars recommended by the website. The study excluded models whose data was unavailable for a ten-year period and those that the website deemed unsatisfactory due to poor evaluations in other areas aside from maintenance and repair costs. Additionally, the study factored in other aspects such as fuel consumption rates, tire replacement costs, and various other factors. Nissan Leaf was the top-ranked car on this list.
Here is the complete list for you,
- 2023 Nissan Leaf, with a maintenance cost of $1,190 over 10 years.
- 2023 Toyota Camry, with a maintenance cost of $2,510.
- 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid, with a maintenance cost of $3,015.
- 2023 Toyota RAV4, with a maintenance cost of $2,970.
- 2023 Ford Edge, with a maintenance cost of $3,190.
- 2023 Lexus RX, with a maintenance cost of $4,065.
- 2023 Buick Enclave, with a maintenance cost of $4,365.
The cars were categorized by comparing their maintenance prices over a decade with the mean maintenance cost of their class. For instance, the typical expense of maintaining large, high-end SUVs featuring three rows of seats surpasses $5,000, while the average maintenance cost for electric cars is reduced to $2,320. This is primarily due to the fact that electric cars have fewer movable components than their gasoline and diesel engine counterparts, and do not require fluid replacements such as gear oil, engine oil, and so on, which makes them a more economical option to possess and maintain relative to conventional cars.
Indeed, consumer protection laws are increasingly exerting pressure on car manufacturers and dealerships to offer more extensive and longer warranties compared to previous years. In fact, most companies provide a complete factory warranty for a minimum of 3 years, along with a warranty for the engine and motor system that extends up to 5 years, and an 8-year battery warranty for electric cars, covering a mileage of up to 100,000 km.
What’s the benefit of this list?
If you’re looking to save money on car maintenance costs, it’s worth taking a look at the list published by Consumer Reports. Keep in mind that these cars may not be suitable for everyone – for example, if you need a large family SUV, the Nissan Leaf might not be for you.
It’s important to note that the warranties offered by car companies and local dealerships don’t cover everything. For example, oil changes and tire replacements are just a few of the expenses you may incur that aren’t covered by the warranty. When setting a budget to buy a new car, it’s important to consider these factors.
In the end, the most effective way to save on maintenance costs is to keep up with regular appointments for inspections and servicing. This will keep your car in the best possible condition and prevent breakdowns, which can be costly to repair.
