Are you budgeting for a new car purchase or wondering why your current ride feels like a money pit? Understanding average car maintenance costs by brand is crucial for long-term ownership. In 2025, with rising parts prices and labor rates, the difference between a budget-friendly Honda and a luxury Land Rover can exceed $15,000 over a decade.
This guide breaks down car repair costs by make and ownership year, using the latest Consumer Reports data on 29 popular brands.
Why Car Maintenance Costs Vary by Brand and Year
Car ownership isn’t just about the sticker price — it’s the ongoing average annual maintenance costs that add up. After year 5, when most warranties expire, costs often triple or quadruple.
Average Car Maintenance Costs: The Big Picture
| Ownership Period | Average Cumulative Cost Across All Brands |
|---|---|
| First 5 Years | $1,500 (often covered by warranty) |
| Years 6–10 | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Total 10 Years | $7,500 – $9,500 |
Lowest and Highest 5-Year Maintenance Costs by Brand
Top 10 Cheapest Brands (5-Year Total)
| Rank | Brand | 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla | $580 |
| 2 | Buick | $900 |
| 3 | Lincoln | $940 |
| 4 | Hyundai | $1,140 |
| 5 | Ford | $1,100 |
| 6 | Chevrolet | $1,200 |
| 7 | Nissan | $1,300 |
| 8 | Mazda | $1,400 |
| 9 | GMC | $1,400 |
| 10 | Honda | $1,435 |
Top 10 Most Expensive Brands (5-Year Total)
| Rank | Brand | 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land Rover | $4,250 |
| 2 | Porsche | $4,000 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | $2,850 |
| 4 | Lexus | $1,750 |
| 5 | Subaru | $1,700 |
10-Year Maintenance Costs: Where the Real Money Is Spent
Top 10 Cheapest Brands (10-Year Total)
| Rank | Brand | 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla | $4,035 |
| 2 | Buick | $4,900 |
| 3 | Toyota | $4,900 |
| 4 | Lincoln | $5,040 |
| 5 | Ford | $5,400 |
| 6 | Chevrolet | $5,550 |
| 7 | Hyundai | $5,640 |
| 8 | Nissan | $5,700 |
| 9 | Mazda | $5,800 |
| 10 | Honda | $5,835 |
Top 10 Most Expensive Brands (10-Year Total)
| Rank | Brand | 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land Rover | $19,250 |
| 2 | Porsche | $14,090 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | $10,525 |
| 4 | Audi | $9,890 |
| 5 | BMW | $9,500 |
How to Slash Your Car Maintenance Costs in 2025
- Choose wisely upfront – Toyota, Tesla, Honda, Hyundai top the reliability charts.
- Follow the maintenance schedule religiously.
- DIY basic tasks (oil, filters, wipers).
- Shop around for repairs using RepairPal or local independent shops.
- Consider an extended warranty only for high-risk European brands.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the average car maintenance cost over 10 years ranges from just $4,035 (Tesla) to a staggering $19,250 (Land Rover). Choosing a low-maintenance brand can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars over a decade.
Which brand do you drive? Let us know in the comments below!
Data sourced from Consumer Reports 2024 Annual Auto Survey (covering 2014–2023 model years). Costs are estimates and vary by model, driving habits, and location.