The beautiful hum of a well tuned German engine — there’s nothing quite like it, right? From the elegant appearance to the immaculate performance, automobiles like Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes Benz have long grabbed the minds and wishes of auto aficionados throughout the world. But stop just a second before you run out to the next dealership, fantasizing of the autobahn. There’s a bit more to owning these precise machines than meets the eye, particularly when it comes to their care.
Let’s start with a basic fact: German automobiles are notoriously costly to maintain. This isn’t just gossip; it’s a truth that many owners have come to realize, often the hard way. The attractiveness of driving a premium brand comes with its own set of obstacles, notably among them, the expense of upkeep and repairs. A brake rotor repair or replacement, which appears basic for a Toyota, may cost twice as much for a Cadillac, and the figures only skyrocket when we speak about names 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 determined on a luxury automobile but hesitant about the maintenance expenses, going towards Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru could be your best choice. These brands are noted for their dependability and more reasonable maintenance expenses. Plus, if you’re serious about taking care of your vehicle and find a trustworthy auto technician, particularly one who specializes in imported automobiles, you might reduce some of these expenditures.
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
