Posted by Liana Harrow
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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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
You don’t have to stick with the dealership to save money. Here’s how to lower your service costs without risking your warranty:
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.
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.
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.
Toyota has the cheapest service in the UK for 2025, with an average annual cost of £185 for routine maintenance. Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia follow closely behind, all under £220 per year. These brands use simple, reliable engines and widely available parts, keeping labor and component costs low.
Yes, electric cars are significantly cheaper to service. They don’t need oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems. A Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 costs around £150-£170 per year to maintain. That’s 40-60% less than most petrol or diesel cars. However, battery or motor repairs can be expensive - so a strong warranty is essential.
Yes, you can use an independent garage without voiding your warranty - as long as they follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and use parts that meet OEM standards. Many independent shops charge 30-50% less than dealerships. Keep your receipts and service records to prove you’ve kept up with maintenance.
German cars like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have complex engines, proprietary parts, and advanced electronics that require specialized tools and training. Their service intervals are often shorter, and parts like brake pads or sensors cost 2-3 times more than equivalents for Japanese or Korean cars. Labor rates at dealerships are also higher due to certification requirements.
Yes. As cars age, wear-and-tear parts like suspension components, hoses, and sensors start to fail. A 3-year-old Toyota might cost £180 a year to service. At 8 years old, that could jump to £300+ due to unexpected repairs. Regular maintenance helps, but older cars always cost more. That’s why buying a newer used car with a remaining warranty can save money long-term.