Owning a car isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and repair costs. Some cars are far more affordable to maintain over time, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Here’s a guide based on experts' findings.

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Key Insights

Maintenance Costs Vary Widely
- Over a 10-year period, maintenance costs for similar cars can differ 2x or more.
- Example:
- Lincoln Nautilus (MKX): $480 in first 5 years.
- Audi Q7: $1,700 in the same timeframe.

Aging Increases Costs
- Cars that are affordable to maintain early on may become more expensive as they age.
- Essential repairs (e.g., brakes, timing belts) pile up around 80,000–100,000 miles.

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5 Things to Know When Buying a Car

1. Domestic Brands Are Cheaper to Maintain

• American, Japanese, and Korean non-luxury models have lower maintenance costs.
• Luxury Cars: Lincoln and Buick are among the cheapest, followed by Lexus.
• Example:
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC (2023):
  • 10,000 miles = $585; 20,000 miles = $1,050.
  • Lincoln Corsair (2023):
  • 10,000 & 20,000 miles = $130.

Experts' Advice: For luxury cars, choose brands with proven reliability like Lexus or Lincoln.

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2. EVs and Hybrids Are Maintenance Champions

• EVs: Save money with fewer parts to maintain (no oil or fluid changes).
  • Average 10-Year Cost: $2,320.
• Hybrids: Slightly higher costs than EVs but still cheaper than gas cars.
  • Average 10-Year Cost: $2,785.
• Hybrid cars save nearly $1,000 over hybrid SUVs in maintenance costs.

Experts' Advice: Opt for an EV or a reliable hybrid to maximize savings on fuel and maintenance.

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3. Sport and Premium Trims Cost More

• Larger wheels and premium features lead to higher repair costs.
• Example:
  • Toyota RAV4 (2023):
  • 19-inch wheels cost $200+ more to replace than 17-inch wheels.
  • Audi Q5 Adaptive Suspension: ~$2,000 to repair.

Experts' Advice: Skip unnecessary premium features unless rated highly for reliability.

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4. Used Cars Require Extra Vigilance

• Older cars (80,000–100,000 miles) often need costly replacements (spark plugs, timing belts).
• A used luxury car may seem like a bargain but can come with steep repair bills.

Experts' Advice: Check service records and inspect big-ticket items before buying.

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5. Independent Repair Shops Can Cut Costs

• Dealership repairs are generally more expensive than independent or chain repair shops.
• Example:
  • Front Brakes (Lincoln Corsair 2023):
  • New Jersey dealership: $725.
  • Nearby New York dealership: $550.

Experts' Advice: Use tools like Experts' Car Repair Assistant to find reputable local repair shops.

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Cars That Save You Money

Least Expensive Brands

Toyota

Honda

Subaru

Mazda

Hyundai

Affordable Luxury Brands

Lexus

Lincoln

Buick

Most Expensive Brands

Audi

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

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Tips for Long-Term Savings

Stick to Routine Maintenance: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections prevent costly repairs.

Drive Smart: Gentle driving reduces wear and tear.

Invest in Reliability: Choose cars with high reliability ratings in rankings.

Shop for Repairs: Compare prices at dealerships and independent repair shops.

Avoid Costly Features: Simpler trims often have fewer issues.

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Bottom Line

Investing in a reliable car with lower maintenance costs ensures savings over the years. By factoring in long-term costs like repairs and fuel, you can enjoy both a better driving experience and a healthier wallet.

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