CR reveals the differences in maintenance and repair costs between 28 car brands with five and 10 years of ownership, based on member data. Mercedes vehicles often have high maintenance bills due to their complex technology and engineering. Both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Mercedes-Benz GLE are excellent examples of luxury vehicles with high repair and maintenance costs. It should come as no surprise that a luxury import like BMW tops the list.
What would be a simple solution in another vehicle can be very complex in a BMW, increasing labor costs. Many Lexus vehicles, such as the Lexus RX and Lexus ES, are based on Toyota engineering, known for its durability and ease of maintenance. There are many obvious differences between models and brands (from the type and quality of the engines they wear to the exterior design), but one factor that buyers may forget when buying is the level of maintenance that a car requires. Models such as the BMW 3 Series and the BMW X5 come with complex engineering and advanced technology, which contribute to higher-than-average maintenance costs.
BMW parts can also be expensive, and regular maintenance for optimal performance can add up quickly. The calculations for newer cars are confusing because several brands, including BMW and Toyota, offer free maintenance periods for new cars. Keeping up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotation, can help reduce unexpected costs. Although the purchase price is lower than that of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, it still requires special parts and technology, increasing the cost of maintenance.
You may be able to save a little if you do minor repairs and maintenance yourself to avoid labor costs. A key question is whether you can afford maintenance and drip repairs for as long as you have the equipment. Even between these prestigious brands, there is a substantial difference: the reported costs for Audi and BMW have been thousands of dollars lower in a decade than those of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Land Rover. High maintenance costs are based on the extraordinary stress that trucks face and the premium parts and special skills required by luxury vehicles. The A8's advanced technology, the Q7's complex all-wheel drive system and the R8's high-performance engine require frequent and costly maintenance.
Routine maintenance can be expensive and tedious, but it's the best way to avoid costly repairs.
