Owning a car in Singapore is expensive, and it can be even more expensive when it comes to car maintenance costs. The good news is that some car brands are more reliable and affordable to maintain than others.
In this article, we will look at the best and worst car brands in Singapore in terms of maintenance costs.
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What is car maintenance?
Car maintenance involves regular car servicing, inspections, and repairs that are essential for keeping your car running smoothly. A reliable car brand means it requires less repair and is less likely to have issues in all areas of the car during the 10-year COE ownership period.
Some of the common car maintenance tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other routine maintenance checks.
The average cost of car maintenance in Singapore ranges from $500 to $800 per year, depending on the make and model of your car.
When it comes to car maintenance, it’s essential to have a checklist to ensure that you don’t miss any critical maintenance tasks. A car maintenance checklist typically includes:
- Checking and changing the engine oil
- Checking and rotating tires
- Checking and replacing air filters
- Checking and replacing the brake pads
- Checking and replacing the spark plugs
- Checking and replacing the battery
- Checking and replacing the timing belt
It’s also essential to have your car serviced regularly to ensure that it’s in good condition and to avoid any costly repairs.
Which car brand is the cheapest to maintain?
Toyota is a well-known brand in the automotive industry and is renowned for its reliability. Toyota cars are generally cheaper to maintain than other car brands.
According to a report by Autowise, Toyota is the best non-luxury car brand with the cheapest maintenance costs. The report also states that Toyota’s maintenance costs are relatively low compared to its retail price.
Surprisingly, Tesla has a similar edge to Toyota when it comes to maintenance costs. The average cost to maintain a Tesla over the first 10 years is just 7% of its retail price.
Tesla cars have fewer moving parts than traditional gas-powered cars, which means they require less maintenance. Tesla cars also have a longer lifespan than traditional gas-powered cars, which means that the cost of maintenance is spread out over a more extended period.
However, if you have an uncommon catastrophic problem, like with the battery, it will cost you thousands of dollars to repair or replace. If the car is out of warranty, this can be a significant disadvantage of EVs over combustion engine cars.
Considering maintenance costs relative to initial retail price
When buying a car, it’s essential to consider the maintenance costs relative to the initial retail price. Some cars may have a lower initial price, but their maintenance costs can be expensive, making them less affordable in the long run.
On the other hand, some cars may have a higher initial price, but their maintenance costs are relatively low, making them more affordable in the long run.
Luxury car with high maintenance costs
First, let’s look at luxury brands’ maintenance costs. BMW is at the bottom of the stack, with the highest relative maintenance cost compared to other luxury brands.
On average, if you buy a new BMW, you can expect to pay more than 25.3% of its retail price just for maintenance over the next 10 years. The main reason is expensive specialty parts, complex engineering techniques and high-grade materials, which many people forget to consider.
Over a 10-year period, a BMW X1 will cost you 42% of its value to maintain, a BMW X2 will cost you 39.9% of its value to maintain, and a BMW X3 will cost you 38.8% of its value to maintain.
Mercedes-Benz is also among the worst in terms of relative maintenance costs, with an average cost of 22.7% over the first 10 years. The Mercedes-Benz S Class will cost you a whopping 23.5% of its initial price to maintain, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE fares slightly better at 19.4%.
Another luxury brand with high maintenance costs is Porsche. On average, you can expect to pay 22.2% of the car’s retail price for maintenance over 10 years. The Porsche Panamera will cost you 24.9% of its initial price to maintain, while the Porsche Macan fares slightly better at 20.9%.
If you’re wondering how other luxury car brands fare, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Volvo are near the bottom of the stack. Their costs range between 22.5% to 24%.
Non-luxury cars with the least maintenance costs
Toyota has some of the most reliable cars in the market compared to most other brands out there, and it’s remained pretty consistent for decades. The average Toyota car will cost you only 13% of its retail price in maintenance costs over ten years, making Toyota cars the cheapest to maintain compared to all other car brands.
When we look at specific models, Toyota blows its competitors out of the water. Of the top 10 car models with the best maintenance cost relative to retail price, eight are Toyota models.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has the best maintenance cost, amounting to just 7.3% of its retail price. The Toyota Sequoia will cost eight and a half percent, followed by the Supra at 8.6%, RAV4 at 10.5%, Corolla at 11.8%, Camry at 12%, and Prius at 12.1%.
Honda, Toyota’s competitor, has a relative maintenance cost of 21.2%, while Mazda and Kia are both in the 25% to 26% range.
Hyundai is one of the worst non-luxury car brands for maintenance costs, with an additional 28% of the retail cost for maintenance and Hyundai Venue, which has an average maintenance cost of 33%.
For non-luxury American car brands, GM has the lowest relative maintenance cost at 14.3%, followed by Ford at 18.2%, Chevy at 19.8%, and Dodge and Chrysler at 26.3% and 26.6%, respectively.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that technology in the automotive industry is continuously advancing, and brands like Hyundai have made significant improvements compared to their car models from 20 years ago.
Luxury cars with least maintenance costs
Tesla and Lexus are considered to have the lowest relative maintenance costs among luxury car brands. Tesla’s electric powertrain and fewer moving parts make it a low-maintenance car.
The average maintenance cost of a Tesla over ten years is only 7% of its retail price, and the Model S has the lowest maintenance cost of 4.6% and the Tesla Model X has a maintenance cost of 5.1%
The Tesla Model 3 has the best maintenance cost relative to retail price.
On average, it costs approximately $2,800 to maintain a Tesla over the first ten years, which is significantly lower than other luxury brands.
Lexus, another luxury brand known for reliability, also has a low cost of maintenance relative to retail price. The Lexus ES is a popular model with a maintenance cost of only 12.3% over ten years.
The Lexus LX has a maintenance cost of 7.6%, which is significantly lower than other luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Prioritising maintenance costs for long-term savings
When purchasing a car, it is essential to consider not only the initial retail price but also the long-term cost of maintenance. Toyota is the best non-luxury brand with the cheapest maintenance costs, making it an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective car.
Tesla and Lexus are the top two luxury brands with the least relative maintenance costs, making them excellent options for those looking for luxury cars with low maintenance costs.
If you own a car that requires frequent repairs and maintenance, it may be time to consider selling it and switching to a better maintenance model. However, in the case of a major car accident or when the repair cost is too high, it might be better off to scrap your car. Make sure to evaluate the situation and weigh the options before making a decision.
Carsnap is a trusted car selling platform in Singapore that can help you sell your car quickly and easily. Whether you want to switch to a more reliable car or simply get rid of your current car, Carsnap can help you get the best price for your vehicle. With Carsnap, you can sell your car hassle-free and get a fair price for your vehicle.
How often should I service my car in Singapore?
It is recommended to service your car every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.
What are some common car maintenance services required in Singapore?
Some common car maintenance services required in Singapore include regular oil changes, brake pad replacement, tyre rotation, and battery replacement.
How much does car maintenance cost in Singapore?
The cost of car maintenance in Singapore can vary depending on the type of car and the extent of the maintenance required. On average, car maintenance costs can range from $200 to $800 per year.
How can I reduce my car maintenance costs in Singapore?
You can reduce your car maintenance costs in Singapore by regularly maintaining your car, driving smoothly, and avoiding aggressive driving. It is also important to choose a reliable car brand and have it regularly serviced.
Are there any car maintenance tips specific to driving in Singapore?
Yes, some car maintenance tips specific to driving in Singapore include regularly checking your car’s air conditioning system, as it is often used in Singapore’s hot and humid climate, and ensuring that your car’s brakes are in good working order, as driving in Singapore can involve frequent stops and starts in traffic.
Disclaimer: The information and data provided in this article are for informative purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, please note that different factors may affect maintenance costs, and the actual cost of maintenance may vary.
