Is Ford more expensive to maintain than Toyota?
Yes, on average Toyota models cost less to maintain than Ford models.
Costs vary by model, year, and how the vehicle is used; this article examines current data from maintenance-cost studies and reliability rankings to compare Ford and Toyota across mainstream passenger cars and popular SUVs.
What the data says about maintenance costs
Analysts rely on independent cost-to-own studies and reliability rankings to gauge how much owners typically spend on maintenance and repairs. Here’s what the latest data indicate when comparing Ford and Toyota across common models.
- Brand-level trends: Toyota generally shows lower average maintenance and repair costs than Ford, reflecting higher reliability in many core models and simpler maintenance needs.
- Model variation: The gap is not uniform; popular Toyota sedans and crossovers (for example, Corolla, Camry, RAV4) historically incur fewer unexpected repairs, while certain Ford models—especially older vehicles or specific trucks—may have higher-than-average maintenance costs.
- Reliability as a driver of cost: Reliability rankings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power correlate with lower maintenance costs for Toyota vehicles, while Ford's scores vary by model and generation.
- New-vehicle vs. used maintenance: Warranties and maintenance plans available on newer vehicles can offset routine costs early in ownership, but long-term costs diverge by model based on repair frequency and parts costs.
Bottom line from the data: Toyota typically has the edge in maintenance affordability, but the difference depends on the exact model, year, and usage pattern.
Practical guidance for evaluating costs for your situation
To make a robust comparison for your needs, consider model- and year-specific numbers and plan for total ownership costs, not just routine maintenance.
- Gather model-specific maintenance-cost estimates from sources such as RepairPal, Consumer Reports, and AAA Your Driving Costs for the exact models and years you’re considering.
- Review reliability and repair frequency data for the models you’re eyeing, paying attention to issues common in Ford models in the chosen year range and how Toyota models compare.
- Compare routine maintenance schedules and typical service costs (oil, brakes, tires, battery) for the specific trims and configurations.
- Calculate total cost of ownership over a chosen horizon (5–10 years), including depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance/repairs.
- Get local quotes for service and parts, and consider whether you’ll use a dealer or independent shops, as labor rates can vary widely by location.
These steps help ensure you’re comparing apples-to-apples and accounting for regional pricing and your driving patterns.
Summary
Across mainstream passenger cars and popular SUVs, Toyota tends to be cheaper to maintain than Ford on average, driven by stronger reliability and simpler maintenance needs. The difference is model- and year-dependent, so focus on the exact vehicle you’re considering and account for local service costs and your ownership horizon.
Are Ford parts cheaper than Toyota?
As a result, when buying a car, it's important to keep in mind the associated repair costs. Luckily, Toyota has some of the lowest rates in the industry for parts replacement, while Ford sits somewhere in the middle.
Which car brand is most expensive to maintain?
The most expensive car brands to maintain include Land Rover, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, followed closely by Audi, BMW, and Volvo. These luxury and high-performance brands typically have higher maintenance and repair costs due to expensive parts and specialized labor requirements.
| Brand | Estimated 10-Year Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Land Rover | ~$19,250 |
| Porsche | ~$14,090 |
| Mercedes-Benz | ~$10,525 |
| Audi | ~$9,890 |
| BMW | ~$9,500 |
| Volvo | ~$9,285 |
| Infiniti | ~$8,500 |
| Acura | ~$7,800 |
| Mini | ~$7,625 |
| Subaru | ~$7,200 |
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- Land Rover: is frequently cited as the most expensive, with a 10-year cost estimated at around \$19,250.
- Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW: consistently appear at the top of lists due to their high-end parts and complex systems.
- Luxury brands often require specialized labor, which adds to the overall cost.
- These costs can increase significantly after the warranty period expires.
Which car brand is the cheapest to maintain?
Toyota, Tesla, and Honda are often cited as the cheapest car brands to maintain, though results vary by study. Toyota and Honda are known for reliability and affordable, widely available parts, while Tesla's electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance needs than combustion engine cars due to their simpler mechanics.
- Toyota: Frequently tops lists for low maintenance costs due to its reputation for reliability, simple engineering, and widely available, affordable parts. Models like the Corolla are known for lasting over 200,000 miles with basic care.
- Tesla: Consistently ranks as one of the least expensive brands for maintenance in some analyses, particularly over a 10-year period. This is largely because electric vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline cars, with no oil changes and simpler mechanical systems.
- Honda: Another reliable and affordable option, often praised for its durable engines and low-cost parts. Models like the Civic and Accord are frequently mentioned as examples of low-maintenance Hondas.
- Other brands:
- Hyundai/Kia: Have improved their reliability while keeping parts costs low, making them competitive options.
- Ford: Benefits from widespread parts availability and a large network of mechanics familiar with their vehicles, leading to lower repair costs.
- Subaru: Can be a good value, especially in areas where all-wheel drive is necessary, but owners should stay current with oil changes and timing belt service.
Is Ford more reliable than Toyota?
Toyota vs Ford
According to the 2023 Consumer Reports highest reliable brands, Toyota is the number one most reliable brand, while Ford is a few steps below at number five. According to the same report, the most reliable vehicle was the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
