Do New Cars Really Cost More In Repairs Than Older Cars? | Endurance Warranty (2024)

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Do New Cars Really Cost More In Repairs Than Older Cars? | Endurance Warranty? ›

Unfortunately, this isn't necessarily the case. While it is true that you may not need to perform upkeep or emergency auto repairs as often, depending on the vehicle make and model, the parts and services for a new car are much more expensive than those for a used car, often five to ten times more.

Modern automotive technology makes newer cars more complex.

This expertise doesn't come cheap, translating into higher labor costs. Additionally, many parts are no longer simple, modular components. Replacing a faulty sensor might necessitate replacing its entire housing, inflating your overall bill.

Key Takeaways: Insurance for new cars is usually more expensive because they cost more to repair and have higher values than used cars. USAA, Nationwide and Geico offer some of the lowest rates for both new and used vehicles. Most lenders require full coverage on financed vehicles whether they're new or used.

Today's cars are generally more reliable and long-lasting than older vehicles, but they can be more complicated and expensive to fix. While most newer cars don't require traditional "tune-ups," each service interval starts with an oil change and usually involves checking a long list of vehicle systems and components.

While it is true that you may not need to perform upkeep or emergency auto repairs as often, depending on the vehicle make and model, the parts and services for a new car are much more expensive than those for a used car, often five to ten times more.

Call around and get an estimate of how much it would cost to fix your current car—including parts and labor. If the total cost of repairs ends up being more than the value of the car (even with the fix), that's usually a sign to hold off on repairs and put that money toward another car.

Between 10 and 15 years after a vehicle's model year, full coverage is a poor investment. While the cost of full coverage by itself likely won't be more than what a car is worth, the cost of insurance is more likely to be higher than the value of the car after an accident.

If your vehicle is older and is not worth as much, you may be able to reduce your insurance premium by avoiding comprehensive and collision coverage. However, if you have a loan on the vehicle or drive a leased vehicle, you may be required to have comprehensive coverage.

Young drivers ages 16 to 24 tend to have the most expensive car insurance. Drivers in this age group are often inexperienced and are more likely to get into car accidents and file insurance claims. As a result, car insurance companies often charge higher premiums to young drivers.

Which car is the hardest to fix? ›

Easily one of the most difficult and expensive car brands to repair and maintain in general, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser takes the cake as one of the worst cars to work on. Why? Much like the 240D we mentioned in our Most Reliable Used Cars and Trucks blog, the 600 Grosser does not depend on electronics in any way.

Age. Used car repairs on an aging vehicle might not be worth the costs if the vehicle has high mileage and is generally deteriorating. You may not want to keep investing in repairs to a vehicle that will continue to break down.

Following its 2023 survey to determine who makes the most reliable new cars, Consumer Reports concluded that Lexus and Toyota lead the industry with predicted reliability scores of 79 and 76, respectively. This doesn't surprise auto mechanics already familiar with Toyota's solid reputation for reliability.

Key takeaways. Buying a new car allows for customization and the latest technology, but it comes at a higher price and depreciates quickly. Used cars are less expensive and slower to depreciate, but may require compromises and can come with higher maintenance costs.

Today's vehicle diagnostic equipment is high tech and expensive and requires trained auto technicians who know how to use it. High-tech automotive diagnostic equipment and receptive technology in the vehicles themselves make the road to repairs less of a guessing game than before.

But classic cars have a few advantages: they can be easier to repair than a modern, technology-laden vehicle, and may also appreciate in value over time. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

Well, cars these days are made to last much longer than those produced even a few decades ago. This is because car parts are now constructed to withstand more wear than in the past. That also means fewer repairs and lower overall maintenance costs.

Older vehicles aren't just at a disadvantage because of the engine designs they use. Years of built-up debris and metal fillings can actively impede your vehicle's ability to use oil. That means you'll need to get oil changes more often than you would otherwise.