Ranking The Top 5 Most Expensive Vehicles To Maintain That We Work On At Our Shop!

Summary

In this video, the speaker ranks the top five most expensive car lines to repair, based on average repair order data from the past two years. The list includes Audi/Volkswagen, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram, Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar/Land Rover, with common repair issues such as engine, oil leak, and suspension problems driving up costs. The video also highlights notable vehicles just outside the top five, like Ford and GM, and offers insights into why these repairs are costly, emphasizing that regular maintenance can reduce long-term expenses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The list of the top five most expensive car lines to repair is based on average repair orders over the last two years.
• 😀 Data was compiled from repair records, and car lines with similar repair costs (e.g., Audi and Volkswagen) were grouped together.
• 😀 The average repair order calculation was straightforward, based on the total cost of repairs divided by the number of vehicles worked on.
• 😀 Expensive car lines may have higher repair costs due to factors like common issues, age of the vehicles, and higher maintenance demands.
• 😀 Audi and Volkswagen (grouped together) have an average repair order of $1,653, with common issues being oil leaks and crankcase ventilation valve problems.
• 😀 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have an average repair order of $1,728, largely due to engine issues like camshaft and oil filter housing gasket failures.
• 😀 Mercedes-Benz vehicles have an average repair order of $1,835, with air suspension and oil leak issues driving up repair costs.
• 😀 BMW repairs average $1,838, with common problems including oil leaks, expensive oil services, and high-performance tire replacements.
• 😀 Jaguar and Land Rover, with a smaller sample size, have an average repair order of $1,159.86, affected by coolant leaks, timing chain issues, and air suspension problems.
• 😀 Ford and GM were surprising entries on the list, with Ford's EcoBoost engine issues and GM's transmission and lifter problems contributing to higher repair costs.
• 😀 A key takeaway is that regular maintenance, such as timely oil changes and addressing small leaks, can prevent higher repair costs in the long run.

Q & A

How did you compile the data for the repair costs of different car lines?

The data was compiled by printing out reports from our system showing the vehicles we worked on over the last two years. We calculated the average repair order by dividing the total dollars spent on those vehicles by the number of cars worked on, and we grouped car lines with similar repair costs, like Volkswagen and Audi.

Why are oil services so expensive for certain car lines?

Oil services can be expensive for some European vehicles because they require high-quality oils and filters, and sometimes more labor-intensive procedures. For instance, cars like Audi and Mercedes often have oil services that can cost $180 to $300 depending on the car model.

What are some of the common issues that make Audi and Volkswagen more expensive to repair?

Common issues include expensive repairs like crankcase ventilation valve failure, which requires removing parts like the supercharger, and frequent oil leaks. These issues tend to escalate repair costs.

What are the main reasons Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles are costly to maintain?

These vehicles are costly to repair primarily due to internal engine issues such as camshaft problems, oil filter housing gasket failures, and lifter issues in some of their engines. Engine replacements also contribute to high repair costs.

How does the age of a vehicle influence the repair costs, particularly for European brands?

Older European cars, like Mercedes, often experience problems such as air suspension failures or crankcase ventilation valve issues, which increase repair costs. These cars may still be valuable to repair, but their age means more frequent and costly repairs.

Why is BMW ranked so highly in terms of expensive repair costs?

BMW repair costs are high due to frequent oil leaks, expensive oil services, and the use of high-performance tires that can add to overall maintenance costs. BMWs are also known for having complex mechanical issues that require costly parts and labor.

What makes Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles the most expensive to repair on this list?

Jaguar and Land Rover have several costly issues, including timing chain problems, coolant leaks, and air suspension issues. Additionally, parts for these vehicles are more expensive because they are less common in the market, which drives up repair costs.

What are the main problems that cause Ford vehicles to have high repair costs?

Ford vehicles, particularly those with the EcoBoost engine, tend to have issues like engine problems, electrical issues, and expensive water pump replacements, which increase the overall repair costs.

Why are GM vehicles, like Chevy and GMC, also expensive to repair?

GM vehicles are costly to repair primarily due to transmission issues and lifter problems in their engines. These problems often require expensive repairs or replacements.

What factors influence the average repair order for these car lines?

The average repair order is influenced by the types of common issues each vehicle faces (e.g., engine problems, oil leaks, air suspension failures) as well as the cost of parts and labor required to fix those issues. Additionally, some car lines require expensive oil services or specialized repairs, further driving up costs.