Tesla Ranked as Cheapest Car Brand to Maintain in US Survey
A recent survey conducted in the United States has revealed that Tesla cars are the cheapest to maintain and repair over a 10-year period. The study, carried out by the well-known review and comparison service Consumer Reports, compared costs across various car manufacturers and found that Tesla topped the list for having the lowest long-term maintenance expenses compared to more established rivals.
The 2023 annual survey conducted by Consumer Reports involved thousands of U.S. car owners and highlighted significant differences in maintenance costs as cars age. The survey emphasized how maintenance and repair expenses tend to increase over time, with some brands showing variations in costs that could amount to thousands of dollars over a decade. Steven Elek, head of Consumer Reports’ auto data analysis program, remarked on the findings, stating that expensive luxury vehicles are often quite costly to maintain over time.
According to the survey results, Tesla cars had an average maintenance cost of US$580 (AU$900) for the first five years and US$3,455 (AU$5,350) for the subsequent five years. Following Tesla in the top five positions were Buick, Toyota, Lincoln, and Ford.
The data also revealed that on average, Toyotas cost $1,125 (A$1,744) to maintain during years one to five, and $2,775 (A$4,302) during years six to 10, while Fords had maintenance costs of US$1,100 (AU$1,705) and US$4,300 (AU$6,666) respectively.
Other car brands operating in Australia that made it to the top 10 list included Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, and Honda. On the contrary, luxury car manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche were ranked among the most expensive brands to maintain long-term.
Electric car brands have long been touting the lower repair and maintenance costs associated with battery-powered vehicles, as they have fewer moving parts compared to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. However, comparing older models to modern cars can be tricky, particularly since some brands offer free servicing periods on new cars and covers repairs under warranty for the initial years of ownership.
The survey results underscore the importance of considering long-term maintenance costs when purchasing a vehicle, as these expenses can add up significantly over the years. With Tesla emerging as the most cost-effective brand to maintain over a decade, consumers may be inclined to consider electric vehicles for their affordability in the long run.
The survey’s findings have prompted discussions in the automotive industry about the role of maintenance costs in consumer decision-making and how car manufacturers can work towards reducing these expenses to provide more value to their customers. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, factors like maintenance costs and sustainability are becoming increasingly important considerations for consumers when choosing a vehicle.
In conclusion, the Consumer Reports survey has shed light on the long-term maintenance costs associated with various car brands, with Tesla emerging as the most affordable option over a 10-year period. As more consumers prioritize cost-effectiveness and sustainability in their purchasing decisions, the findings of this survey could influence the choices made by car buyers in the years to come.
