Average car maintenance costs by brand
By FergusGuide overview:
- Car maintenance costs vary widely by brand, and choosing a reliable make can significantly reduce your annual running costs.
- Some car brands, like Toyota and Hyundai, have low maintenance costs, while premium brands often cost more due to specialist labour and parts.
- Knowing typical maintenance costs helps you budget better, compare lease deals fairly, and avoid surprises later down the line.
- If you want predictable payments, leasing with a maintenance package can bundle routine servicing into one simple monthly cost.
If you're comparing vehicle maintenance costs or trying to cut your annual running expenses, you're not alone. With car-related prices increasing across the UK, knowing how much different manufacturers cost to maintain can help you choose a lease car that won't drain your bank account.
In this guide, we break down the average car running costs, explain which brands are the cheapest to maintain in the UK, and show how leasing with a maintenance package can help you budget more easily.
Make maintenance easy: Worried about rising repair costs? Our maintenance package rolls servicing, tyres, MOT, and other repair costs into one simple monthly price. It's a stress-free way to keep your lease car in great shape.
Please note: The figures in this guide are estimates based on information from the relevant car manufacturer's website and can vary based on factors like the model, age, mileage, and local service charges.
Car maintenance costs are more than just the price of a service, they're the real-world expenses that come with keeping your car running safely and reliably. When you understand what these costs look like, it becomes much easier to budget, choose your next car, and avoid unexpected costs.
Your typical car running costs include:
- routine servicing
- tyres, brakes, and other wear-and-tear items
- MOTs (if the car is over three years old)
- replacement parts and mechanical repairs
- unexpected breakdowns or repairs (that fall outside of warranty)
The average cost of repairs and servicing was £503 a year in 2025 (NimbleFins) and costs can add up quickly, especially if you're driving a luxury brand with higher labour rates or expensive parts. Unexpected breakdowns or repairs can put pressure on your budget, which is why having a clear picture of maintenance costs is so important.
When choosing your next car, whether you're buying or leasing, it's worth looking beyond style or brand reputation. A car that looks great might not always be the cheapest to run, so taking a proactive approach and comparing maintenance costs helps you pick a car that fits both your lifestyle and financial situation, creating a stress-free driving experience.
“Understanding maintenance costs isn’t just about keeping your car on the road, it’s about creating a smoother, more predictable driving experience. When you know what to expect, you can plan for servicing, prepare for common repairs and budget with confidence.”
Some brands simply cost less to maintain thanks to excellent build quality, affordable and available parts, and fewer unexpected repairs.
In the UK, Toyota, Dacia, Nissan, and Hyundai consistently rank among the most affordable to run, making them great options for drivers looking for predictable running costs. It's no surprise that four of the ten most popular cars of 2025 come from these manufacturers (SMMT).
These brands are ideal for families, new drivers, and anyone on a budget as they rarely need expensive repair work and don't suffer from long repair wait times.
In this section, we provide a comparative breakdown of average maintenance costs for each popular car brand in the UK. The data presented here includes costs for routine services, common repairs, replacement parts, and general wear and tear.
Please note: Figures provided are averages and may vary depending on individual circumstances, driving habits, and specific model. Please check with the manufacturer or approved service centre for the most up-to-date and accurate maintenance cost information.
Sporty performance by Abarth means slightly higher wear on brakes and tyres. Annual maintenance typically ranges from £300 to £500.
Alfa Romeo blends style and performance with mid-range maintenance costs of £350-£600 depending on age and model.
Alpine's lightweight sports engineering leads to £350–£600 annual costs, mainly due to performance-focused components.
Premium parts and advanced technology make Audi's maintenance higher than average at £400-£700 per year.
BMW engineering and diagnostics add cost, with typical maintenance in the £450–£800 range.
As an EV-focused brand, BYD requires less routine servicing. Expect £300–£550 for maintenance and software checks.
Affordable cars with straightforward engineering keeps Changan's maintenance around £300–£550.
Modern, value-focused models place Chery in the £300–£550 range for typical annual maintenance.
Comfort-focused and practical Citroen cars usually cost £300–£550 a year thanks to accessible parts and simple systems.
Sportier engines and performance additions place Cupra maintenance at £350-£600 depending on the model.
Simple engineering makes Dacia one of the cheapest brands to maintain at £250-£400 a year.
Luxury styling and premium features push DS costs to around £350 to £600 a year.
Compact and efficient models put Fiat maintenance in the £300 to £500 bracket.
Widely available parts and simple servicing keeps Ford maintenance around £300 to £500.
Modern tech with practical engineering places Geely in the £300–£550 range.
Luxury tech and premium build quality bump up Genesis's maintenance costs to around £400-£700 annually.
Electric and hybrid options with straightforward servicing keep GWM around £300 to £550.
Honda is known for its reliable engineering, which helps keep maintenance costs around £300 to £550.
Affordable parts and dependable engines keep Hyundai's maintenance costs at £300-£550.
Tech-focused models and value engineering place Jaecoo in the £300–£550 annual range.
Luxury materials and specialist parts bump up Jaguar's maintenance costs to £400-£700 a year.
Off-road capability adds complexity, placing Jeep's maintenance around £350-£600 a year.
Rugged and value-led engineering keeps KGM keeps maintenance costs low at around £300 to £550.
Kia offers reliability and affordable parts keeping maintenance at around £300-£550.
Land Rover provides premium SUVs with complex systems, resulting in higher maintenance costs typically around £450-£900.
Leapmotor provides high-spec electric models that are low maintenance, landing around £300 to £550.
Lexus offers luxury and advanced technology with typical costs of £400-£700 a year.
Lotus is synonymous with high-performance sports cars, which places its maintenance at £400-£700 a year.
Maserati is a premium brand with high-end luxury and premium parts, putting maintenance in the £600-£1,000 bracket.
Maxus focuses their vehicles on practicality and affordability, wiht maintenance falling within the range of £300 to £550.
Reliable engineering keeps Mazda in the £300-£550 range.
Premium tech and specialist servicing place Mercedes-Benz around £450 to £800 a year.
MG offers affordability and practicality, keeping costs around £300 to £550.
MINI vehicles offer a fun and compact driving experience with average annual maintenance costs between £300 to £550.
Dependable engineering puts Nissan maintenance between £300-£550.
Modern, tech-focused models place Omoda in the £300-£550 range.
Practical, easy-to-maintain models usually sit around £300–£550 for Peugeot.
Performance-leaning EVs have low routine servicing but higher repair costs, totalling £350-£600 for Polestar.
High-performance engineering and premium parts place Porsche between £500–£1,000 per year.
Renault provides a diverse range of affordable vehicles with maintenance costs around £300 to £550.
Reliable engineering keeps SEAT maintenance at £300 to £550 annually.
Practical designs and available parts puts Skoda in the £300-£550 bracket.
Smart cars are compact and affordable with costs around £300 to £500 a year.
Subaru vehicles are known for their all-wheel-drive capability and rugged build with maintenance costs of around £350 to £600.
Suzuki cars are affordable with simple engineering, with maintenance costs of £300 to £500 a year.
Tesla offers high-performance electric vehicles with an average maintenance cost around £350-£600 a year.
Exceptional reliability keeps Toyota maintenance low at £300-£550.
Vauxhall cars have common parts and decent engineering, keeping maintenance costs in the £300-£550 bracket.
Solid engineering and good reliability place Volkswagen in the £300-£550 range.
Volvo cars are well-built and reliable, but feature some luxury parts, placing maintenance costs at around £400-£700.
XPeng provides tech-heavy EVs that need minimal servicing, keeping maintenance costs around £350-£600.
Car maintenance costs can vary massively between brands, and a lot of that comes down to factors that affect how quickly a car wears, how often it needs attention, and how expensive it is to repair.
Understanding these factors makes it easier to budget and choose a car that suits your lifestyle and financial comfort zone.
Premium cars look great, but their maintenance costs can be higher. Before choosing a new car, ensure you can afford the maintenance and repair costs just in case something goes wrong.
Common factors which impact maintenance costs
Age of the vehicle
As a car gets older, parts naturally begin to wear out. Components often need more attention, and sourcing parts for older models can sometimes be more difficult or expensive. This means older cars generally cost more to maintain than newer models with fresher components and active manufacturer support.
Fancy a new car? Browse our latest lease deals.
Mileage
High-mileage cars have been through the wringer and experience more wear and tear as the miles climb. This can lead to more frequent servicing, earlier replacement of major parts and higher annual running costs. Low-mileage cars, on the other hand, tend to need fewer big-ticket repairs.
Driving habits
How you drive has a big influence on what you spend. Hard acceleration, heavy braking and constant stop-start driving put extra stress on brakes, tyres and mechanical parts. Smoother driving helps components last longer and can save you money on routine repairs. Even using eco-driving techniques can make a noticeable difference over time.
Geographical location
Drivers in areas with harsh winters, salted roads or high coastal humidity may see more corrosion or rust-related issues than drivers in cities like London or Manchester. Those who regularly drive on uneven or poorly maintained roads may face higher suspension and tyre wear.
Regular maintenance and servicing
Sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule is one of the best ways to keep costs down long-term. Routine checks, like oil changes, fluid top-ups and filter replacements, help spot problems early before they turn into expensive repairs. Regular servicing also protects your car’s reliability, safety and value.
Where possible, we encourage car drivers to adopt a proactive approach to car care, helping to reduce long-term costs and ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
Regular inspections by a certified mechanic can help detect minor problems before they escalate, preventing expensive repairs down the road. It also helps preserve the car's resale value and ensures that it remains safe and reliable for daily use.
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is crucial. Regular oil changes, filter replacements and fluid checks help prevent bigger issues later on, while keeping tyres properly inflated and your car clean protects against rust, corrosion and everyday wear.
Driving a car doesn't have to be excessively expensive. With a proactive approach and careful consideration, car drivers can minimise maintenance expenses and enhance the overall ownership experience. Here are some practical tips on reduce maintenance costs and ensure your vehicle stays in optimal condition:
- Conduct regular inspections to identify potential issues
- Address minor issues promptly
- Establish proactive maintenance routines
- Choose quality replacement parts (required if you lease a car)
- Drive smoothly and responsibly
- Consider extended warranty or service packages
If unpredictable repair bills stress you out, leasing can help. With a maintenance package, you get:
- Routine servicing included
- Mechanical repairs due to fair wear and tear
- MOT (if applicable)
- Service booking and management service
- Predictable monthly payments
“Many of our customers add a maintenance package to their lease because it takes the worry out of running a car. The cost is predictable and unexpected bills don't land on your doorstep. ”
Budgeting for car maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated, it’s mainly about planning ahead and knowing what to expect. A good rule of thumb is to set aside a small monthly amount to cover routine servicing, tyres, unexpected repairs and MOTs. Even putting away £20 or £40 a month can make surprise bills much easier to handle.
Here's some practical advice on budgeting for car maintenance costs:
Create a monthly savings plan
Take your estimated yearly maintenance cost and divide it by 12. Setting aside this amount each month, ideally in a separate savings pot, means you’ll always have money ready when servicing or repairs come up.
Build an emergency fund
Routine maintenance is one thing, but bigger repairs can still appear out of nowhere. Setting aside a little extra each month helps you build an emergency fund, giving you a financial cushion if something unexpected happens.
Stay on top of preventative maintenance
Preventative maintenance, like regular oil changes, fluid checks and fixing small issues early, is almost always cheaper than a major repair. Staying consistent with servicing helps you avoid big, unexpected bills and keeps your car running smoothly for longer.
Be realistic and flexible
Even with a solid plan, some years will simply cost more than others. Older cars may need extra attention, and unexpected issues can crop up. Being flexible with your budget helps you stay prepared without needing to dip into other essential savings.
All new cars offered through Nationwide Vehicle Contracts come with an optional maintenance package. If you’d like predictable running costs, explore our maintenance packages or call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595 and we’ll be happy to help.
Guide Information
Originally published: 4th January 2024
Last updated: 21st November 2025
Due to be reviewed: 21st April 2026
