Car repairs and maintenance can be an annoying but necessary part of car ownership. If you want your vehicle running smoothly, it requires regular maintenance to stand the test of time. According to Progressive Insurance, “a conventional car can last for 200,000 miles.”
The question is, how much does it cost to get to those 200K miles, and are the repair and maintenance costs even worth the money as your car depreciates? You may be surprised by just how expensive car repairs and maintenance can get.
How much does the average driver spend on car repairs?
Your car maintenance expenditure is dependent on the specific year, make and model of your vehicle. That said, Kelley Blue Book claims that “the national average cost for all types of repairs to all makes and models is $838.” A study conducted by Bankrate.com concluded that “the hidden cost of owning a car, including maintenance, averaged $6,684 annually in the U.S.” in 2024.
You better avoid a fender bender:
The average sale at an auto body shop has crossed $1,000.
It’s more expensive than ever to repair a vehicle.
(Data via NADA/Patrick Manzi) pic.twitter.com/bx6mzcSywm
— Car Dealership Guy (@GuyDealership) April 23, 2024
So, based on existing data, drivers can expect to pay an average of $838 for car repairs and around $1,500 a year for routine maintenance (as per calculations provided by Bankrate.com). It’s no secret that car repairs and routine maintenance can be extremely costly, especially given today’s economic climate.
Owning a car in 2025: Car repair costs set to surge as inventory drops and tariffs take effect
What is the most expensive part of a car to repair?
While repairs can save you money in the long run as opposed to buying or leasing an entirely different vehicle, some repairs aren’t worth the money. Some replacement parts and repair processes are so expensive that getting a different vehicle is actually the more cost-effective decision in the long run.
Nasdaq.com lists engine rebuilds and replacements as well as transmission rebuilds and replacements among the most expensive car repair procedures. According to Nasdaq.com, “you can expect to pay between $4,000-$7,000” for a transmission replacement. So, if you have a major engine or transmission issue, it may be time to shop for another car.
What’s the difference between car repair and maintenance?
“Car repairs involve swapping worn or damaged parts with new ones to ensure that a vehicle is safe and functional. Maintenance procedures are precautionary measures necessary for a vehicle’s regular operation, such as oil changes. Maintenance tends to cost less than major car repairs, and regular maintenance can even reduce the risk of major repairs.
Additionally, you can perform several basic car maintenance procedures yourself to save money on labor costs if you feel comfortable enough. Major car repairs, on the other hand, often require an expert mechanic. ThePennyHoarder.com lists “changing your oil, replacing spark plugs, checking your fluid levels and putting in a new battery” as some DIY maintenance procedures that can save you money on car fixes.
If the high costs of repair and maintenance scare you and the thought of DIY-ing anything on your car gives you anxious sweats, fear not. Several automakers like Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford produce cars that can last for over 200,000 miles or more. There are also plenty of helpful tutorial videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube that make basic maintenance easier. With a little vigilance and effort, you can keep your car running smoothly for years and save thousands of dollars in the process.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How much Americans should expect to spend on car repairs in 2025
