The Most Common Vehicle Maintenance Expenses
User car dealerships usually enroll all cars in a “maintenance reminder” program. This could include letters, notifications by email, or even notifications from your vehicle’s control panel.
Here is a list of some of the maintenance expenses you can expect to pay for when buying a used car:
- Brakes
- Belts
- Oil changes
- Spark plugs
- Transmission service
- Coolant service
- Tires
- Smog checks
Be sure to remember that these are just some of the beginning. Many kinds of problems can arise, and you need to be prepared to cover them if they do. This should be a factor in any vehicle you purchase. You can research what people usually have to repair or replace on a vehicle, and you may expect similar issues.
What Makes a Car Cheaper to Maintain?
Here is what experts say makes a difference:
- Unobstructed access under the hood.
- Simple technology.
- Accessible replacement parts.
The Cheapest Vehicles to Maintain
The following is a list of the eight cheapest vehicles to maintain. The following are some makes and models that can help you and your budget by avoiding major repair costs.
Our team of auto technicians at Automobile Repair Shop San Diego came together to compile this list. We see which cars are getting repairs day after day, so we know which are best.
- Chevrolet Silverado
Silverados come with plenty of room around the engine, meaning they are easier to work on. This makes labor charges cheaper. The technology is simplified, which also reduces labor costs. Components are also easy to find. This is a great combination that makes a vehicle cheap to maintain, and it is true for both V6 and V8 models of this particular truck.
- Honda CR-V
Honda makes cars that are durable and maintain their value, and the CR-V holds true to this idea. The 1996 to 2016 CR-V models had the lowest frequency of “check engine light” repairs among all vehicles during that same period. Fewer issues make adding this to the list a no-brainer.
- Honda Civic
As far as Hondas go, the Civic is high on the list of vehicles that are cheap to maintain. The replacement components are common, meaning they are available when needed, and the vehicle design makes the majority of repairs simple to perform.
As the model has evolved, Honda left behind some parts with known replacement periods, such as timing belts. These changes make the car last longer with less maintenance.
- Honda Accord
We cannot emphasize more just how reliable Hondas can be. The last Honda on the list, the Accord, also changed the vehicle design to eliminate the timing belt starting in 2003.
The peak of Accord reliability was in the 2011 and 2012 model years, but the Honda name more-or-less guarantees that you will get a reliable, efficient vehicle.
- Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one of the most sold cars in history. Since the model was launched in 1966, nearly 44.1 million Corollas have been sold, and many of them are still on the road.
The Corolla is one of the most reliable cars you can buy, making it an extremely popular car with widely available components. This means it is another vehicle to choose if you are looking for cheap maintenance.
- Toyota Camry
Another Toyota, the Camry is a fantastic option. This car has many of the same benefits as the Corolla, and the Camry has a four-cylinder engine that is easy to repair and cheaper tom maintain.
When you combine this with the reliability rating of the Camry, which was given a perfect five out of five in 2017, the Camry is a classic low-maintenance favorite.
- Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wranglers are simple and cheap to maintain because it has a modern engine with a simple drivetrain and suspension system. The traditional layout of the internal components means that labor does not take long.
Although newer models are not as spacious around the engine as in the past, it is still a fairly cheap vehicle to maintain.
- Nissan Altima
Nissan offers a 36-month, 36,000-mile limited vehicle coverage and a 5-year, 60,000-mile limited power train coverage, making them competitive with other brands. The Altima is simple to service when issues arise, as well.
The Altima is known for its strong engine and reliability and will stand the test of time.
Cheap to Maintain Does Not Mean a “Cheap” Car
As far as vehicle repairs are concerned, cheap is not always the best. While changing your own oil and checking the air pressure in your tires may seem like a good option, use a warranty if it is available. However, be cautious of extra services that are offered at the dealership, as these can usually be done by another shop for much less.
If you are purchasing a used car from a dealership, they may offer you an extended warranty. Before you sign anything, be sure that you are getting the best deal possible. Some extended warranties cover little more than two oil changes and two inspections.
It is not hard to perform some routine vehicle services on your own, such as:
- Checking tire pressure
- Monitoring and maintaining fluid levels
- Replacing windshield wipers
- Replacing the cabin air filter
You should always read the warranty for committing to purchasing it.
Auto Repair Shops in San Diego
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experiences. We will offer you hassle-free auto repairs starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.