Which Cars Cost the Most To Maintain? See 12 Popular Brands Ranked

A vehicle's MSRP might represent its initial value, but it doesn't indicate how much a vehicle might cost to own long-term. While a reliable vehicle could help drivers save on car insurance and minimize pricey repairs, the cost of routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, could really add up over time.

As these recent Consumer Reports rankings show, the difference in average maintenance costs between brands could be thousands of dollars over a 10-year timeframe.

From the least to the most expensive, these 13 automotive brands are the most expensive to maintain, according to Consumer Reports.

Buick

Buick vehicles have average one-to-five-year maintenance costs of $1,160 and average six-to-10-year maintenance costs of $4,100. The brand's average total 10-year maintenance cost comes out to $5,260.

Consumer Reports ranks Buick highly amongst American car companies in their new car reliability ratings. In particular, they recommend Buick's three-row SUV, the Enclave, which is a sister of the Chevrolet Traverse.

With Buick and Chevrolet sharing the same parent company, General Motors, it's likely easier for consumers to find cross-brand components and replacement parts for Buick models.

Lincoln

Lincoln brand vehicles have average one-to-five-year maintenance costs of $920. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs are $4,700, and its average total 10-year maintenance costs come out to $5,620.

Lincoln is Ford's luxury brand, with most of their vehicles being more upscale, quieter versions of Ford's current SUVs. Despite the quality gap between their models, Lincoln's overall maintenance and repair costs are significantly cheaper than Ford's.

Toyota

The Toyota brand has an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,250. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance cost is $4,700, and its average total 10-year maintenance cost is $5,950.

Consumer Reports ranks Toyota as the number one brand for new car reliability, as well as the second overall brand for used car reliability.

Additionally, they laud Toyota vehicles for their excellent fuel economy, standard safety features, quiet cabins, and comfortable driving experience.

Hyundai

Hyundai vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,210. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance cost is $4,900, and its average total 10-year maintenance cost is $6,110.

This South Korean automaker features a variety of vehicles in its lineup, from affordable sedans to three-row electric SUVs.

Hyundai's offerings are typically stylish, fairly priced, and well-suited for daily drivers for a variety of lifestyle needs.

Tesla

Tesla brand vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,020. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance cost is $5,105. Tesla's average total 10-year maintenance cost comes out to $6,125.

Consumer Reports ranks Tesla as the fourth-best automotive brand for owner satisfaction in America. They also note that Tesla's overall vehicle reliability has greatly improved recently.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,325. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance cost is $4,950. Chevrolet's average total 10-year maintenance cost comes out to $6,275.

Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet as the seventh-best brand in the U.S. for maintenance and repair costs.

This iconic American brand still likely benefits from having plenty of cross-brand repair components available, thanks to sharing platforms with parent company General Motors' other brands, like Buick.

Mini

Mini vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,700. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs come out to $8,500. Mini's average total 10-year maintenance costs are $10,200.

The brand's luxury leanings come with a price for consumers. Mini ranks 23rd in Consumer Reports maintenance and repair cost ratings.

Volvo

The Volvo brand has an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,530. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs come out to $8,800. Volvo's average total 10-year maintenance costs are $10,330.

Consumer Reports ranked Volvo as the 10th overall luxury automotive brand in America.

However, the longtime standout for its sleek styling, snazzy interiors, and comfortable seats ranked 18th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in Consumer Reports maintenance and repair cost ratings.

BMW

BMW vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $1,700. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs come out to $9,300. BMW's average total 10-year maintenance costs are $11,000.

Like many European luxury vehicles, its repairs and maintenance could really add up, which is why Consumer Reports ranked BMW 25th in its maintenance and repair cost ratings.

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz brand has an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $3,330. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs come out to $9,300. Mercedes-Benz's average total 10-year maintenance costs are $12,630.

These icons of European automotive luxury come with starting prices worth a king's ransom and below-average reliability (11th for used and 19th for new), according to Consumer Reports.

Additionally, out-of-warranty repairs, especially on used Mercedes-Benzes, could easily cost a fortune.

Porsche

Porsche vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $4,950. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs come out to $12,950. Porsche's average total 10-year maintenance costs are a whopping $17,900.

They often require genuine Porsche parts that are engineered to the exact specifications of each model, and factory-trained and Porsche-certified technicians to properly install them, according to Porsche Cherry Hill. As such, Porsche repairs and maintenance are vastly more expensive than those of the average car.

Land Rover

Land Rover vehicles have an average one-to-five-year maintenance cost of $5,560. Its average six-to-10-year maintenance costs are $13,900. Land Rover's average total 10-year maintenance costs are a staggering $19,460.

Initially known for their off-road prowess, Land Rover SUVs have a notorious reputation for breaking down frequently and being outrageously expensive to repair. Unsurprisingly, Consumer Reports ranks them 29th in their maintenance and repair cost ratings.

Bottom line

A vehicle's true cost encompasses more than just its sticker price. Repairs and maintenance could easily add well over $10,000 to its total.

Even among luxury brands, the difference could be staggering. For instance, Buick and Lincoln drivers only spend about a quarter of what a Land Rover owner spends on maintenance during 10 years of ownership.

Consumers who are aware of these long-term ownership costs should also compare auto insurance rates for different vehicles to get a more accurate idea of how much they might actually end up spending on a vehicle before purchasing it.