Ever wondered why some cars seem to chew through your wallet faster than others? Two cars can look similar, drive similarly, and cost roughly the same upfront — but their servicing and repair bills can be worlds apart. If you’re planning to buy a vehicle, or you’re trying to understand why your current one feels pricey to keep on the road, it helps to know what actually drives maintenance costs up.
Below we break down the factors that make certain cars more expensive to maintain, using clear and practical examples that make sense for Aussie drivers.
Why Are Some Cars More Expensive to Maintain Than Others?
The cost often comes down to parts availability, how complex the vehicle is, the brand’s engineering style, and how common the model is in Australia. Simply put: the fewer parts available and the more complicated the car, the more you’ll pay.
1. The Brand and Model You Choose
Some brands naturally cost more to maintain because of how they’re built and where their parts come from. European cars — such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen — are known for premium engineering but can be pricey when something goes wrong.
Why?
- Parts are imported
- Repairs often require specialised tools
- Labour costs are higher due to complexity
On the other hand, brands like Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, and Ford tend to be cheaper to run because parts are easier to source and most mechanics can repair them without needing special equipment.
2. The Age of the Vehicle
Older cars can be a mixed bag. Some are cheap to maintain because parts are abundant, while others become expensive simply because manufacturers no longer produce replacement components.
As cars age, repairs become more common due to:
- Worn-out suspension
- Engine leaks
- Electrical faults
- Rust
- Transmission wear
If the vehicle is more than 15–20 years old, even basic repairs can cost more because mechanics spend extra time troubleshooting outdated systems.
3. Rare or Imported Vehicles
If the car isn’t commonly sold in Australia, expect to pay more. Even simple parts — like alternators, mirrors, or sensors — may need to be shipped in.
Examples of expensive-to-maintain vehicles:
- Grey imports
- Limited-edition models
- Niche European cars
- High-performance sports cars
This often means long wait times, expensive freight costs, and limited mechanic options.
4. High-Tech Features and Electronics
Modern cars are packed with tech: driver-assist features, large infotainment systems, sensors, cameras, and even automated parking. While these features make driving easier and safer, they also make repairs more expensive.
Common high-cost tech repairs include:
- Radar sensors for adaptive cruise control
- Touchscreen replacements
- Parking sensors and reversing cameras
- Electronic steering modules
- Keyless entry modules
A single sensor replacement can cost hundreds, and recalibration isn’t cheap either.
5. Luxury and Performance Components
High-end cars use specialised parts that aren’t found in standard vehicles. Think:
- Performance brake systems
- Turbochargers
- Air suspension
- High-output engines
- Premium tyres
These parts wear out just like everything else — only difference is, they cost much more to replace. For example, air suspension repairs can run into the thousands.
6. Fuel Type and Engine Design
Some engines are simply more expensive to maintain due to their complexity. Diesel engines require specialised servicing and filters. Turbocharged engines need high-quality oil and more frequent checks.
Examples of costly engines:
- Turbo petrol engines
- Turbo diesels
- Hybrid systems
- V6 and V8 engines (more cylinders = more parts)
Hybrids also have battery packs that become expensive to replace once they age.
7. Poor Past Maintenance
Even a cheap-to-run car becomes expensive if it wasn’t looked after by previous owners. Skipped services, cheap parts, and backyard repairs always show up eventually.
Signs of poor maintenance include:
- Sludge buildup
- Worn timing belts
- Transmission issues
- Overheating problems
- Irregular tyre wear
This is why checking service history before buying a used car is essential.
8. Expensive Tyres and Consumables
Some vehicles require:
- Larger tyres
- Run-flat tyres
- Premium-grade oil
- High-performance brake pads
- Specialised filters
These consumables add up quickly, especially if you drive long distances or tow regularly.
9. Labour Costs for Complex Vehicles
Some cars take longer to repair because of cramped engine bays or complex layouts. Even simple jobs — like changing spark plugs or replacing a battery — can require removing other parts first.
More labour hours = higher bill.
Cars become expensive to maintain for a mix of reasons: design, parts availability, engine type, tech features, and how well they’ve been looked after. Understanding these factors helps you pick a car that fits your budget — not just upfront, but for the years ahead. And if you ever reach the point where the repairs cost more than the car is worth, remember that cash for cars services can help you move on quickly and get paid for your old vehicle.
If you are in St Albans, and looking to sell your car, this is the best way to find us.
1/26 Acacia St, Glenroy VIC 3046
0437 773 905
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