Maintenance costs over 10 years by brand

[Engineer]

my buddy is a master tech at Lexus - he would laugh uncontrollably at this statement.

Lexus fucks you just like BMW, they're just nice enough to give you the reacharound. They also won't fuck you as often.

Obviously, based on the cost from the OP, that would be the case.

 

[exar333]

The same maintenance can vary considerably in cost, even within the same city/metro area. For luxury/premium vehicles, it is not unheard of to see $300+ synthetic oil changes at some dealerships, while others offer the same service for $100-150.

These numbers are useful, but also consider that many scheduled repairs can be greatly decreased/mitigated with common sense.

 

[rh71]

BMW now provides 4 years of maintenance. Not sure if it's all inclusive though.

If repair costs are factored in and the fact that BMW is through the roof on repair, it's almost scary to own a BMW out of warranty unless you have a local shop that can do the work. I've pretty much decided to throw in 5 years extra coverage when my warranty runs out (buy a 5 year Route 66 warranty). I've never bought an extended warranty (and never needed to) but if I keep the 328i after warranty, I'll be too scared to not have one even it costs 2-3K for the extra coverage.

I'm on year 8 with my BMW and have had Warranty Direct (INDS) coverage the last 4 years (or under 60k total mi.) and couldn't have been happier with them. I got in on a $0 deductible promo too. They paid out every time and I've made my $3k back. Just throwing their name out there because they really are reputable if you wanted to go with someone.

As for the 17k stated for BMWs, that isn't maintenance only, but repairs too... it has to be. And I'm nowhere close to that either. Maybe not even half.

 

[PricklyPete]

I'm on year 8 with my BMW and have had Warranty Direct (INDS) coverage the last 4 years (or under 60k total mi.) and couldn't have been happier with them. I got in on a $0 deductible promo too. They paid out every time and I've made my $3k back. Just throwing their name out there because they really are reputable if you wanted to go with someone.



As for the 17k stated for BMWs, that isn't maintenance only, but repairs too... it has to be. And I'm nowhere close to that either. Maybe not even half.

So how many miles does your BMW have on it?

 

[rh71]

So how many miles does your BMW have on it?

Just hitting 50k now (work from home). I've needed a few $1k repairs (brake actuator, mechatronic sleeve, some gasket replacements) along with various things like blower motor, water pump, sensors and electronics (bluetooth). Still would take a lot to add up to $18k. Annual maintenance is comparatively cheap, even if it hadn't been included.

 

[mvbighead]

lol @ Lexus/Scion/Toyota

I'm surprised Saturn is that high!

The Saturn thing really got me. I guess they're no longer around, so parts are more expensive?

 

[PricklyPete]

Just hitting 50k now (work from home). I've needed a few $1k repairs (brake actuator, mechatronic sleeve, some gasket replacements) along with various things like blower motor, water pump, sensors and electronics (bluetooth). Still would take a lot to add up to $18k. Annual maintenance is comparatively cheap, even if it hadn't been included.

Sure. 8 years also plays a part in wear and tear.

Although not directly comparable in years or vehicle (your X5 is a way better driving vehicle), I have a 2013 4Runner that has required nothing but regular maintenance (oil changes/filters) over 60k miles. I'm about to get the brakes done (I do drive regularly in the mountains).

So while you are nowhere near the 18k figure, you've already mentioned that you have easily made back your 3k investment on your warranty, and you haven't made it to 50k miles.

Of course this is just two anecdotal examples, and as I already mentioned, the 4Runner is not even close to the X5 in terms of engineering/driving. Still, if reliability and repair/maintenance costs factored highly into my purchasing decisions (and they unfortunately do these days)...I'd rather take my chances with the Toyota.

 

[XavierMace]

The Saturn thing really got me. I guess they're no longer around, so parts are more expensive?

I assumed that was the price of just buying another one every year.

 

[TridenT]

I assumed that was the price of just buying another one every year.

Zing...

 

[mvbighead]

I assumed that was the price of just buying another one every year.

My aunt may be outside the norm, but most folks I know of who have had them seem to run them for a while. I wouldn't say they're good/great cars, but they're cheap and I believe most of them run GM parts.

I realize that's a joke and all, but I am genuinely surprised about the Saturn... they're too cheap a car to be expensive to maintain.

 

[XavierMace]

While it was a joke, it also kinda proves the point that that list is BS. I know a few people with Saturn's and they've all been rock solid. But more importantly, $12.5k is like the price the car was new. Nobody is dumping that kind of money into that cheap of a car when you can go get another running one for $1,000.

The source of the data, and the actual data is so laughably vague, I don't know how anybody could come to the conclusion that's an accurate list.