Which Car Brand Has the Cheapest Service? Real Costs Revealed for 2025

When you buy a car, the price tag is just the start. The real cost shows up years later - at the service bay. You might think all cars cost the same to maintain, but that’s not true. Some brands charge half as much for routine service as others. If you’re trying to save money over the long run, knowing which car brand has the cheapest service isn’t just smart - it’s financial sense.

Why service costs matter more than you think

Most people focus on the monthly payment or the sticker price. But over five years, maintenance can add £3,000 to £8,000 to your total cost of ownership. That’s more than some people spend on their entire first car. Routine services like oil changes, brake checks, and timing belt replacements aren’t optional. They’re required. And the price varies wildly between brands.

Take a typical 5-year service schedule. At one brand, you might pay £120 for a basic service. At another, it’s £280. Multiply that by five services, and you’re looking at an extra £800 - just for basic upkeep. Add in parts like brake pads, filters, or sensors, and the gap gets wider. The difference isn’t just about luxury brands. Even mainstream cars can surprise you with high service fees.

The top 5 cheapest car brands for service in 2025

Based on data from the UK’s largest independent service networks, repair shops, and manufacturer service manuals, here are the brands with the lowest average annual service costs in 2025:

• Toyota - £185 per year
• Honda - £195 per year
• Mazda - £205 per year
• Hyundai - £210 per year
• Kia - £215 per year

These numbers include the full manufacturer-recommended service at 12,000-mile intervals: oil and filter change, cabin air filter, brake inspection, fluid top-ups, and safety checks. No hidden extras. No upsells. Just the basics.

Toyota leads because their engines are simple, parts are widely available, and service intervals are long - up to 10,000 miles for oil changes on newer models. Honda follows close behind. Their i-VTEC engines need minimal attention, and their brake systems last longer than average. Mazda’s SkyActiv tech reduces wear on components, so fewer repairs pop up. Hyundai and Kia, backed by 10-year/100,000-mile warranties, have kept service costs low to compete on value.

Where service costs go up - and why

Now, let’s look at the other end of the spectrum. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo average £420 to £580 per year in service costs. Why? Three big reasons:

1. Complex systems - Turbochargers, hybrid components, advanced sensors, and adaptive suspensions need specialized tools and training. That means higher labor rates.
2. Proprietary parts - Many premium brands use parts only available through dealerships. A simple cabin air filter for a BMW can cost £45 - the same part for a Toyota is £12.
3. Shorter service intervals - Some German brands recommend oil changes every 10,000 miles, but others require them every 7,500 miles. More visits = higher total cost.

Even within brands, costs vary. A 2025 Ford Focus costs about £190 a year to service. But a 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost? That’s £265. Why? The turbocharged engine needs more frequent checks and higher-grade oil. The same logic applies to Volkswagen: a Golf is cheaper than a Touareg. Always check the model, not just the brand.

What’s not included in those numbers

Those annual service costs are for routine maintenance. They don’t cover unexpected repairs. But here’s the good news: brands with low service costs also tend to have fewer major breakdowns.

According to the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, Toyota and Honda ranked #1 and #2 for reliability. Hyundai and Kia jumped into the top 5. That means fewer expensive fixes - like transmission replacements, engine issues, or electrical gremlins. A car that needs less service and breaks down less often saves you double.

On the flip side, luxury brands like Land Rover and Jaguar have some of the highest service costs - and the worst reliability scores. Land Rover owners spend an average of £1,100 a year on repairs and service combined. That’s not a mistake. That’s the cost of owning one.

How to cut your service bill even more

You don’t have to stick with the dealership to save money. Here’s how to lower your service costs without risking your warranty:

• Use independent garages - As long as they follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and use parts that meet OEM standards, your warranty stays valid. Many independent shops charge 30-50% less than dealerships.
• Buy your own parts - Air filters, oil filters, and brake pads are easy to replace. You can buy them online for half the price. Install them yourself or pay a local mechanic to fit them.
• Track your service history - Keep receipts. If a garage tries to upsell you on a service you’ve already done, you’ve got proof.
• Choose the right fuel and oil - Don’t use premium fuel unless your manual says so. Most cars run fine on regular unleaded. Use the exact oil grade specified - going thicker or thinner can damage your engine.

One driver in Bristol switched from a BMW dealership to a local garage and saved £620 over two years. He did his own oil changes every 10,000 miles, bought filters from Amazon, and only went to the garage for brake checks. His car has 140,000 miles and no major issues.

What about electric cars?

Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t need oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust systems. That cuts service costs by 40-60%. A Tesla Model 3 service averages £150 a year. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 is around £170. Even with tire rotations and brake checks, EVs are cheaper to maintain.

But here’s the catch: if your battery or motor fails, repairs can cost thousands. That’s why warranty length matters. Hyundai and Kia offer 10-year battery warranties. Tesla offers 8 years. BMW’s i4 only gives 8 years. If you’re going electric, pick a brand with a long battery guarantee.

Bottom line: The cheapest service isn’t always the cheapest car

Buying a cheap car doesn’t mean you’ll save money long-term. A £12,000 used Honda Civic might cost less to run than a £15,000 used Audi A3 - even if the Audi looks nicer. The Civic’s service costs £195 a year. The Audi’s? £410. Over five years, that’s £1,075 more in maintenance. That’s almost the price of a used engine.

If your goal is to spend less over time, choose a car with low service costs and high reliability. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda are your best bets. Avoid brands with complex tech, short warranties, and expensive parts unless you’re ready to pay for it.

And remember: service isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about peace of mind. A car that runs reliably and doesn’t break the bank at the garage? That’s real value.