The sweet hum of a finely tuned German engine – there’s nothing quite like it, right? From the sleek design to the impeccable performance, cars like Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes Benz have long captured the imaginations and desires of auto enthusiasts around the globe. But hang on a second before you rush off to your nearest dealership, dreaming of the autobahn. There’s a little more to owning these precision machines than meets the eye, especially when it comes to their upkeep.
Let’s start with a simple fact: German cars are notoriously expensive to maintain. This isn’t just hearsay; it’s a reality that many owners have come to learn, sometimes the hard way. The allure of driving a luxury brand comes with its own set of challenges, chiefly among them, the cost of maintenance and repairs. A brake rotor repair or replacement, which seems mundane for a Toyota, can cost twice as much for a Cadillac, and the numbers only soar when we talk about brands like Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW.
The notion that imported cars, particularly those of German make, cost more to maintain than domestic ones isn’t unfounded. An Audi, for example, can see maintenance costs ranging from $70 to a staggering $6,095, with an average cost of $285. BMWs, synonymous with luxury and high performance, also come with high maintenance tags. They’re not only expensive to insure but repairing them can cost anywhere between $70 to $10,678, with an average hovering around $303. The BMW 750i takes a proud second place in the list of most expensive cars to insure, courtesy of Forbes.
Mercedes Benz doesn’t fall far behind, cementing its position as one of the priciest brands to maintain. In fact, it tops the Forbes’ list of most expensive cars to insure, with the Mercedes SL65 AMG leading the pack. Over a 10-year span, Mercedes holds the title for the “most expensive total car maintenance”, a spot it only relinquishes to BMW. While Audi is somewhat more affordable, it still rounds out the top five most expensive brands for car maintenance.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re set on a luxury car but apprehensive about the maintenance costs, looking towards Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru might be your best bet. These brands are known for their reliability and more manageable maintenance costs. Plus, if you’re diligent about taking care of your car and choose a reputable auto mechanic, especially one that specializes in imported cars, you could mitigate some of these costs.
Take it from someone who has been on both sides of the spectrum, owning both a Honda City and a VW Jetta. The Honda, at 23 years old, has been nothing short of reliable, with exceptional support from the dealership. On the other hand, the VW Jetta, despite being a fantastic vehicle, has presented a myriad of maintenance challenges, from accident repairs gone wrong to service mishaps. The level of service for a car that was once new can drastically change as it ages, especially beyond the 6-7 year mark. This has been a bitter lesson, taught by experiences ranging from sagging roof liners to expensive mirror mechanism replacements.
Moreover, the conversation around car maintenance isn’t confined just to forums or personal experiences. Enthusiasts and experts alike have voiced their opinions on the matter. For instance, the mention of running a European car in Australia leads to an immediate tripling of maintenance costs according to one enthusiast. Another points out the stark contrast in maintenance costs when switching from German brands to Toyota, experiencing a significant decrease in expenses.
While German cars offer an unmatched driving experience, the cost of maintaining such a vehicle can be daunting. It’s a complex equation of quality, performance, and upkeep cost. Japanese cars, on the other hand, pose as a sensible, reliable alternative that won’t break the bank in the long run. Whether it’s a luxury Mercedes or a sturdy Honda, understanding the full scope of ownership – beyond the initial purchase – is crucial. So, before you indulge in the dream of German engineering, consider the road ahead, maintenance costs and all.
Related posts:
9 Most Expensive German Cars To Maintain And Repair (hotcars.com)
Car Maintenance Costs by Brand
Living with & maintaining a German car: An owner’s honest perspective
