Car repairs and maintenance can be an annoying but necessary part of car ownership. If you want your vehicle running smoothly, it requires regular maintenance to stand the test of time. According to
Progressive Insurance
Typically, a standard vehicle can operate effectively up to 200,000 miles.
The query is, what is the expense of reaching 200K miles, and do the repair and maintenance fees justify the expenditure when your vehicle loses value over time? It might shock you just how costly auto repairs and upkeep can become.
What is the typical amount spent by an average driver on vehicle maintenance and repair?
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The amount you spend on maintaining your car depends on the particular year, make, and model of your vehicle.
Kelley Blue Book
asserts that “the nationwide average expense for repairs across all brands and models totals $838.” This conclusion was drawn from a study carried out by
Bankrate.com
determined that “the concealed expenses associated with car ownership, such as maintenance, amounted to an average of $6,684 per year in the U.S.” for the year 2024.
Therefore, according to current information, motorists should anticipate shelling out approximately $838 annually for vehicle repair costs and roughly $1,500 each year for regular upkeep (figures cited by Bankrate.com). There’s no denying that addressing car repairs and scheduled maintenance comes at a significant expense.
can be extremely costly
, particularly considering the current economic conditions.
Which component in a car typically costs the most when repairs are needed?
Although repairs may help you save money over time instead of purchasing or leasing a new car altogether, certain repairs might not be financially prudent. The costs associated with replacing components and performing specific maintenance procedures could be so high that obtaining another vehicle would ultimately prove to be the more economical choice.
Nasdaq.com
The lists include costly car repair processes such as engine overhauls and swaps along with transmission rebuilding and swapping. As stated by Nasdaq.com, “the cost might range from $4,000 to $7,000” for replacing a transmission. Consequently, should you face significant problems with your engine or transmission, it could be prudent to start looking at purchasing a new vehicle.
How does car repair differ from routine maintenance?
Vehicle upkeep includes replacing faulty or deteriorated components with fresh ones to guarantee that the automobile remains secure and operational. Routine servicing consists of preventive actions essential for maintaining a car’s normal functioning, like changing engine oils. Typically, these routine services come at a lower expense compared to significant repair work; moreover, consistent maintenance can minimize the likelihood of needing extensive fixes later on.
Additionally, you can perform several basic car maintenance procedures yourself to save money on labor costs if you feel comfortable enough. Major car repairs, on the other hand, often require an expert mechanic.
ThePennyHoarder.com
lists “replacing your oil, changing spark plugs, monitoring your fluid levels, and installing a new battery” as some DIY maintenance tasks that can
save money on vehicle repairs
.
If the substantial expenses for repairs and upkeep frighten you, and the idea of attempting do-it-yourself projects on your vehicle induces anxiety, take heart. Numerous manufacturers such as Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford create automobiles that
can extend beyond 200,000 miles
There are numerous instructional videos available on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube that simplify basic upkeep tasks. By staying attentive and putting in some effort, you can maintain your vehicle’s smooth operation for many years and save yourself thousands of dollars along the way.
The article initially appeared in the Nashville Tennessean.
This is how much you might allocate for vehicle maintenance costs in 2025.
