Australians are buying more and more cars with each passing year. People bought more than 550,000 units in the first half of 2024 alone. While it is important to consider different factors when buying a car, maintenance cost is one of the most significant priorities.
This is why some of the cheapest cars to maintain Australia are also the ones to sell the most. It makes sense to buy an affordable car in a country where the cost of living is relatively high, and cost-saving is a priority for many.
If you are looking for the cheapest car brands to maintain Australia, then the internet has landed you in the right post. Here, we will take a closer look at some cars in the country with the lowest maintenance costs. So, let’s dive in:
What Influences The Maintenance Cost Of Cars?
Every vehicle owner in Australia is well aware of the adversities of the maintenance cost of cars. Naturally, certain cars are easier and more affordable to maintain, while others cost you more for different reasons. So, let’s understand some of the factors that can drive up your car’s maintenance cost:
1. Car’s Age
The first and most apparent factor influencing car maintenance cost is its age. As your car gets older, it requires more maintenance, in the sense that you might have to replace more expensive components. Even the mechanical charge for replacing these components is higher. As a result, you end up spending quite a bit on car maintenance as your vehicle ages.
2. Car’s Make and Model
The next important factor influencing your car service cost is its make and model. You must have seen that sports and luxury cars come with a higher maintenance price tag. This is mainly because of the intricate and complex engineering in these cars, which contributes to higher labour charges.
3. Availability of Spare Parts
There is a limit to how long you can repair a car’s component and keep it going. At some point, you will have to replace certain parts, and this is where availability becomes a very important factor. If your car’s spare parts are readily available, sourcing them becomes more affordable and helps you save on maintenance costs.
4. Car’s Engineering
While driving a highly engineered car is as fun as it gets, maintaining it is a whole other side of the same coin. The more complex your car is, the more will be its car service cost. So, this is something you must keep in mind while buying a car in the future, whether it is new or used.
5. Driving Habits
Contrary to what many might presume, how you drive your car affects its overall maintenance cost. There is a very simple logic here, the better you drive the less maintenance it requires. The opposite is also true, where rash driving causes more damage, and the car needs more maintenance.
Top Car Brands With Low Maintenance Costs in Australia
The cost of owning and maintaining a car is a significant concern for most Australians. Hence, it makes sense to buy and use a car with lower maintenance costs. So, here are the top 10 car brands with low maintenance costs you need to know about:
1. Kia
Kia cars are becoming quite popular not just in Australia but also in many other countries in the world. One of the most important factors driving this popularity is Kia’s affordable car maintenance cost.
In fact, Kia is also one of the few car brands in Australia that offers a warranty depending on the car you buy. This makes it a reliable option since Kia service & maintenance costs remain low as parts are much easier to source.
2. Hyundai
If you are looking for the cheapest car to maintain in Australia, then Hyundai could be an excellent choice. This brand stands out because of its dependability and widespread appeal.
What’s even better about Hyundai cars is their robust build quality and unmatched reliability. You can easily find a mechanic to fix your Hyundai car with the right components, making it an easier, affordable car brand to maintain.
3. Toyota
Any discussion about reliable cars is incomplete without mentioning Toyota. The brand stands out as the perfect example of a dependable car brand. The company is widely known for making durable vehicles that require little to no maintenance over the years.
When you are driving a Toyota, you can probably drive the car for lakhs of kilometres with just basic service. Even if you need any major repair, the cost of these car components and labour charges are quite affordable, making it a great choice for most.
4. Mazda
Another car brand with low vehicle maintenance costs in Australia is none other than Mazda. This is one of the most reliable car brands available in the country, offering unique driving dynamics without increasing the cost of maintaining the car.
Mazda has always held a reputation for its quality manufacturing and engineering, which makes it easier and more affordable to service this car. This makes it one of the perfect choices for anyone looking for a car whose maintenance costs would not burn a hole in their pockets.
5. Subaru
If you are looking for a dependable car with affordable maintenance costs, Mazda has to be one of the best choices. The built quality of these vehicles, paired with seamless accessibility to all spare parts, make them a great choice.
These cars are perfect for the challenging Australian terrain, and with a robust maintenance infrastructure, owning a Mazda becomes much easier. In most cases, basic car maintenance is enough for a Subaru to continue running and delivering unmatched driving experiences.
7. Ford
When it comes to reliable car brands from the US, Ford stands out as one of the best options available in the market. The robust build quality of cars from this brand is something entirely different in terms of quality.
Almost every auto care shop Perth has a technician well-versed with the competence of working in Ford cars. This makes labour and spare parts more accessible, helping you a lot with the car’s maintenance cost in the long run.
8. Honda
Honda is one of the first car brands that will come to mind when thinking of the cheapest car to maintain Australia. These vehicles tend to come with a relatively higher upfront cost but are worth every buck you spend on them.
The built quality of Honda cars is well-known among the global car community, and affordable maintenance makes them a great choice. Even spare parts for Honda cars are easily accessible in Australia, making them a great choice for many.
9. Suzuki
Suzuki has long been a preferable choice for most Australians looking for a versatile and reliable car for its diverse terrain. The extensive network of Suzuki car repair shops across the country ensures you get accessible and affordable maintenance.
But what’s truly impressive is Suzuki’s undeterred commitment to providing the Australian market with cars on which they can depend. This makes this car brand one of the best choices for buying cars that keep your maintenance costs at a minimum.
10. Nissan
Nissan is the final addition to the list of affordable car maintenance costs by brand Australia. This car brand is one of the most preferable choices for buying a car that provides the right value for money.
The brand boasts an expansive maintenance network, which is great for keeping the cost at a minimum. What’s even better are the easily accessible car components for Nissan, which make it a great choice for saving on car maintenance in Australia.
Tips To Reduce The Maintenance Cost Of Cars In Australia
As you know already, there are many factors that affect the maintenance cost of your cars. This also means that there are certain ways and practices you can leverage to keep the car’s maintenance cost at a minimum. So, here are some tips to help you lower spending at a mobile car mechanic Perth:
1. Regular Oil Change
Your car’s engine oil is like the blood in your body that the engine needs to keep things going smoothly. While your body has the right mechanisms to care for your blood, your car needs an oil change every once in a while. It is very important that you monitor the car’s performance and change its oil regularly from a reliable
mobile auto mechanic.
2. Use The Right Oil
Since you need to change your car’s engine oil regularly, you cannot use just any random oil. Instead, you must refer to the car’s manual and car mechanics Perth to find the right grade and quality of engine oil for the car. This little caution goes a long way in protecting the engine components from any premature damage. It also prevents overheating and sludge buildup within the car’s components.
3. Don’t Undermine Preventive Maintenance
General repair and maintenance, like engine oil changes, are important; preventive maintenance is equally important. This means changing your car’s components like spark plugs, hoses, fuel filters and belts. You must also change car fluids from a 24-hour mobile mechanic on a regular basis to ensure every component does its job properly.
4. Develop Proper Driving Habits
There are many different types of car brands available in the Australian market. You might see that some of these cars are more durable than others, and this is something you need to remember. Always make it a point to drive your car in a proper manner to keep the maintenance costs at a minimum. This does not require much effort from you, but going easy on braking and acceleration is often more than enough.
5. Keep An Eye On The Car Battery
Another important thing to consider when minimising car maintenance costs is the car’s battery. It is natural for car battery terminals to develop corrosion over time. These things have a bluish or white colour, and leaving them unattended can result in cracks or deformities. You must check on the car’s battery terminals regularly to ensure they are as clean as they should be.
6. Rotate Your Car Tyres Regularly
There are so many things that you can do to maintain your car and prevent any unwanted damage. But rotating the car tyres is one of the simplest ways to keep unwanted maintenance at bay. It is very important to ensure even wear on every tyre of the car and that you get a better life from them.
7. Never Ignore Emission Inspections
Another simple way to save on your car service price is to prioritise emission inspections. As long as your car passes the emission tests, take it as a good sign that everything in your car is doing its job properly. In case your car fails the mission test, it is important that you don’t ignore this and check for anomalies.
8. Be Thorough With The Owner Manual
Not many people realise this, but your car’s owner manual is far more important than you might think. These manuals often have accurate and reliable information about what is best for your car. Be it the components to use or the fluid quality or grade, the owner’s manual of the car is something you can trust. Therefore, always make it a point to refer to the car manual before getting a vehicle servicing.
Final Thoughts
Car maintenance can cost you a lot if you don’t take the right proactive measures to save some bucks here. One of the best things you can do here is to get a car that offers affordable maintenance.
This is where car brands like Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Suzuki, and more stand out with their cheap car service. Besides that, you must have a clear understanding of all the factors that can affect the maintenance cost of your car.
This will help you leverage the right approach to car maintenance with mobile car service Perth and drive better savings. So, make sure you make the most of this information and generate better savings on your car’s maintenance costs.
Also Read: 12 Best Car Battery Brands in Australia 2024