Is Subaru more expensive to repair than Toyota?
When it comes to car ownership, one of the most important considerations is the cost of maintenance and repairs. Subaru and Toyota are two of the most popular car brands in the United States, known for their reliability and longevity. However, many car owners wonder: is it more expensive to repair a Subaru than a Toyota? Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Repair Costs: Subaru vs. Toyota
Both Subaru and Toyota are renowned for their reliability, but there are differences in repair costs due to factors such as parts availability, complexity of repairs, and the frequency of certain issues. Here’s a breakdown:
- Parts Availability: Toyota has a larger global market share and a more extensive supply chain, which often makes Toyota parts more readily available and less expensive than Subaru parts.
- Repair Complexity: Subaru vehicles are known for their unique Boxer engine design and all-wheel-drive systems, which can make certain repairs more labor-intensive and costly compared to Toyota’s simpler designs.
- Frequency of Repairs: While both brands are reliable, Toyota tends to have a slight edge in terms of fewer reported issues over time, which can translate to lower overall repair costs.
Common Repairs and Their Costs
To provide a clearer picture, let’s compare some common repair costs for Subaru and Toyota vehicles:
- Brake Repairs: Both brands have similar costs for brake pad replacements, typically ranging from $150 to $300 per axle. However, Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system may require additional labor in some cases.
- Engine Repairs: Subaru’s Boxer engine design can lead to higher costs for repairs such as head gasket replacements, which may range from $1,500 to $2,500. Toyota engines, on the other hand, are generally less expensive to repair, with similar repairs costing $1,000 to $1,800.
- Transmission Repairs: Subaru’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can be more expensive to repair or replace, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. Toyota’s traditional automatic transmissions are often less costly, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.
Factors That Influence Repair Costs
Several factors can influence the cost of repairs for both Subaru and Toyota vehicles:
- Model and Year: Newer models or luxury trims may have higher repair costs due to advanced technology and specialized parts.
- Maintenance Habits: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can prevent costly repairs down the line.
- Location: Labor rates and parts availability can vary depending on where
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, an auto service shop with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I'm often asked about the relative costs of repairing different makes and models. One common question is whether Subaru vehicles are more expensive to repair than Toyota vehicles. Let's take a closer look at the data and see how these two popular brands compare.
Repair Costs: Subaru vs. Toyota
According to industry data, the average repair cost for a Subaru vehicle is generally higher than for a Toyota vehicle. Subaru repair costs tend to be about 12% more expensive on average compared to Toyota. This can be attributed to a few key factors:
- Subaru's use of more specialized and complex technologies, such as their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which can be more costly to maintain and repair.
- The relative rarity of Subaru models compared to the ubiquitous Toyota lineup, making Subaru parts and labor slightly more expensive.
- Subaru's reputation for reliability, which can lead owners to seek out higher-quality (and more expensive) replacement parts.
Maintenance and Repair Frequency
While Subaru repair costs may be higher on average, it's important to consider the overall maintenance and repair needs of each brand. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their reliability and low maintenance requirements. In contrast, Subaru's all-wheel-drive systems and other advanced technologies can require more frequent servicing and attention.
So, while the per-repair cost may be higher for Subaru, Toyota owners may end up visiting the shop more often for routine maintenance and unexpected repairs. This can ultimately result in similar long-term ownership costs for both brands.
Factors to Consider
When comparing the repair costs of Subaru and Toyota, it's essential to consider the individual vehicle, its age, mileage, and driving conditions. Proper maintenance and care can also significantly impact the overall repair expenses for any make or model.
Ultimately, both Subaru and Toyota are reputable brands with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. While Subaru may have slightly higher average repair costs, the differences are relatively small, and the long-term ownership costs can be comparable depending on the specific vehicle and driving habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most mechanics work on subarus?
Any mechanic can work on Subaru cars however mechanics who have trained to be a Subaru specialist are more reliable and knowledgeable. They will understand how to properly work with different Subaru models and perform Subaru servicing and repairs more efficiently.
Which car is better, a Toyota or a Subaru?
In conclusion, Toyota and Subaru both offer exceptional vehicles with a range of features and capabilities, Subaru stands out as the superior choice for drivers seeking a blend of safety, reliability, versatility, and value.
Do subarus last longer than Toyotas?
And, Toyota was awarded the most reliable brand at the 2021 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Also, Toyota's can last well past 300,000 miles (think of the million-mile Tundra), while Subaru typically lasts around 200,000 miles.
How much is a Subaru oil change?
The price of an oil change can vary, depending on whether you drive something like a BRZ or an Impreza. But overall, expect your Subaru oil change to run around $35 to $75. We recommend checking our rotating service specials to save even more on your next visit!
What is the biggest issue with Subaru?
Most common Subaru problems
- Fuel pump failure.
- O2 sensor problems.
- Blown head gaskets.
- Oil leaks.
- Battery draining rapidly.
- Unintended acceleration.
- Cracked windshields.
- Subaru Starlink problems.
What is the most reliable car model?
Consumer Reports' 10 most reliable car models
- Toyota RAV4. CR reliability score: 86. Overall CR score: 76.
- Toyota Corolla. CR reliability score: 84.
- Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. CR reliability score: 84.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata. CR reliability score: 84.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. CR reliability score: 83.
- BMW i4. CR reliability score: 82.
What is the most reliable car brand?
Consumer Reports: Subaru, Lexus Make the Most Reliable Cars. Toyota lost the top spot in Consumer Reports' list of the most reliable car brands in 2024. Subaru knocked off the usual leader, with Toyota's Lexus luxury brand taking second and Toyota's mainstream offerings in third.
Are subarus more expensive to fix than Toyota?
Maintenance: While Subarus can be reliable, some models may have higher maintenance costs due to their unique engine designs (like the boxer engine) and all-wheel-drive systems. Overall, Toyota tends to have a slight edge in terms of overall reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Does a Subaru require high maintenance?
The Cost of Routine Maintenance for Subarus
Expenses for Subaru routine maintenance and unscheduled repairs are in line with some industry averages. RepairPal reports that the typical Subaru owner spends $617 yearly to keep their car on the road. This amount compares to $652 among all vehicles.
Are Subarus high in insurance?
Subaru vehicles are generally less expensive to insure than luxury or sports car brands, but insurance rates can vary depending on the specific model and your personal driving history.
