It’s common sense that maintenance costs will go up as a vehicle ages. According to a new study from Consumer Reports (by subscription), Subaru models are lower than average when they are 5-10 years old. A survey by Consumer Reports reveals Subaru’s 5-10 year cost of ownership is lower than the average car brand, and the cost to maintain a 5-year-old Subaru is slightly above the average.
Consumer Reports looked at data from 26 car brands by asking car owners how much they paid out of pocket for total maintenance (oil changes, etc.) and repairs over the past 12 months. The average yearly cost for a 5-year-old (2017 model), including mainstream and luxury brands, is $208. The average cost per year for a 10-year-old (2012 model): is $406.
How much does maintaining a 5-10-year-old Subaru vehicle cost?
Subaru vehicles incurred total out-of-pocket maintenance costs of $226 in year 5 (higher than average) and $397 in year 10 (lower than average), according to the Consumer Reports owner surveys. Of the 26 car brands, Subaru ranks number 17 highest in repair costs.
What happens after the first five years of vehicle ownership?
Subaru’s 5-10 year cost of ownership Is higher than all but three other mainstream car brands; Jeep ($400), GMC ($420), and Volkswagen ($422). Luxury brands BMW, Audi, Mercedes -Benz, Volvo, Mini, Volkswagen, and Acura, were the other brands with higher maintenance costs in years 5-10 of ownership above Subaru.
The CR report says reduced insurance and registration costs can make up for the extra maintenance needed as the miles increase. How much does it cost to insure a Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, or other new Subaru model?
A recent study from Consumer Reports shows Subaru has the number five least expensive model lineups to insure among all automakers. Fiat is number one ($,1,534), Jeep #2 ($1,572), Smart #3 ($1,581), Mini #4 ($1,609), and Subaru #5 ($1,625) per year to insure.
In addition to maintenance and insurance, one of the most significant factors is a vehicle’s depreciation costs. This is important when you trade in your car. When you buy a 2022 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other new Subaru model, they drop in value less than most car brands.
A recent study from the Zutobi 2022 Depreciation Report says two Subaru SUVs are among the best in class; the 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV and the 2022 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler. Check out the complete report below.
According to Consumer Reports, if you plan on keeping your Subaru for 5 to 10 years, costs are lower than the average. If you are looking for a used Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or other all-wheel-drive Subaru model, the 5-year cost of maintenance is slightly higher than the average car brand. Subaru vehicles are among the least expensive models when you factor in insurance costs and depreciation.
You Might Also Like: The Best Value SUVs - Subaru Forester, Ascent Depreciate Less Than Most
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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