Which Car Brands Are the Cheapest (and Most Expensive) to Repair?

If you’re considering a new car, it wouldn’t hurt to give brand names some serious thought - some are easier to maintain than others. Whether you’re after something super reliable or have the budget for a glass cannon, we’ve got you covered with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Toyota originally began as a loom-making company way back in 1937, but switched to automobiles and currently have claim to the title of one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world. Its vehicles are durable, simple and efficient - you could say they’re like well-oiled machines!

Essentially unbeatable when it comes to low-maintenance motors, Toyota has made a name for itself with stalwart reliability, so you won’t need a lot of fixes in the first place. However, should an issue crop up, parts are plentiful, affordable and Toyota’s vehicles are mechanic-friendly.

Honda’s roots go back to 1948 when it began manufacturing motorized bicycles after WWII. Its motorcycle clout ballooned into an empire, and eventually it branched out into cars - it’s now one of the most respected brands on the planet with engines that are known to run over 300,000 miles with regular maintenance! 

Honda’s known for making parts that can take a licking and keep on ticking, and it’s more than just hype - it lives up to its reputation. There are long intervals between scheduled maintenance, and if you need to take one into the shop, mechanics are super familiar with their build.

Although these South Korean brands haven’t always been trusted, they have since proven their worth. Back in the 2000s, these underdogs showed they could stand with the alphas by knocking their designs and reliability up a notch! They’re considered big players now, and they’re gaining more respect as time goes on. 

Despite Eastern origins, the SK twins have local production in major markets such as the U.S. to keep import costs down. It helps that they also share platforms and engines, so expenses are kept to a minimum. Their factory warranties are usually impressive - they’ll cover most major repairs, but with such impressive build quality, you might not need it.

Ford is essentially the sire of modern car production, with origins in the early 1900s and an incredible claim to fame: it revolutionized manufacturing by taking inspiration from meat packing and similar industries to implement assembly lines! Its Model T vehicle had a significant impact on vehicular history. 

Because Ford has been around since the early days, it knows a thing or two about what makes vehicles tick. Older models are especially DIY friendly, since they have less fancy tech and more good old-fashioned elbow grease. Plenty of mass-produced parts keeps costs low and shipping fast if you need replacements.

Subaru came out of the 1950s, created by a conglomerate of aircraft manufacturers - knowledge that it leveraged to create better vehicles. You can see the inspiration in many of its designs, from the boxer engines similar to the ones powering fighter planes to the aerodynamic shapes that boost performance. 

Subaru is quirky and characterful, with a solid background in AWD tech. Although some of its related components are unique, most of them use standard designs with little drivetrain variation, making it easier to find matching parts. Its engine components are accessible too, especially in outdoor-loving regions! 

The German brand BMW began life as a manufacturer of aircraft engines during WWI but soon switched to motorbikes where it gained a reputation for precision engineering and luxury. Since then, it’s branched out into other vehicles, retaining its illustrious name… and perhaps even more illustrious repair costs! 

It’s not just that repairs are frequent and often (though they are) - a lot of the time advanced diagnostic tools are required to identify potential faults. This is largely due to BMW’s complex electronics and complicated turbocharged engines, which also necessitate higher labor and component costs.

Mercedes-Benz can be traced back to 1886, when Karl Benz pioneered the first gasoline car and changed the automotive world forever. Obviously that gives it prestige, and that’s what it’s become known for; eleganance, innovative designs and the luxury you’d expect to accompany those ideals. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t disappoint on that score. 

As you can imagine, that means luxury repair prices, too. With such advanced systems as digital dashes, air suspension and other complex features, mechanics need dealer-quality tools and specific know-how to touch a Mercedes-Benz, while replacement parts are often imported on a non-interchangeable, per-model basis.

First created back to 1909, Audi reorganized itself to the modern one we know today in 1969 and is technically part of the Volkswagen Group - however, it focuses on the luxury segment, which it’s consistently brought sleek sophistication to time and again (often with a sport twist to keep buyers on their toes).

Despite its luxury branding, Aldi’s complex electrical systems are often haunted by electrical gremlins that also like to damage vulnerable sensors, and the brand’s AWD systems are complicated - should anything happen to them, it’s a disaster in your wallet. Older models also suffered from expensive timing chain/tensioner malfunctions.

In 1948, Land Rover created rugged, workhorse vehicles for soldiers and farmers. That’s how it made its name - by providing off-road muscle where it was needed most - and it became a titan in the industry. Anywhere you could find mud and dirt, you’d find a Land Rover (though the drivers would be literally above all that, lording it up in a cushy cabin). 

As Land Rover embraced luxury and tech, it became more complicated... and also more prone to problems. It became notorious for its wonky electronics and all the extra terrain response systems and air suspension came at a literal price (especially when they went wrong).

The Swedish brand Volvo started in 1927 and is now known for its commitment to safety and the role it had in pioneering those developments (hello, three-point seatbelt). In recent years, its blended Scandinavian design with innovation and is now dipping its toes into EVs thanks to its Chinese parent company, Geely. 

Newer Volvos have skyrocketed in maintenance costs due to said invested interest in electrification - hybrid tech doesn’t come cheap! - while older ones are prone to expensive electrical failures and fixes muddied by quirky design features. Because they’re a European company, getting hold of parts is a challenge; imports are expensive or hard to acquire. There’s a limited number of certified Volvo repair centers, too.