Congratulations to our Dealership of the Month for May 2022, North Oxford BMW. 

The team at Oxford BMW have been recognised with this award for providing an outstanding customer experience and using Bumper’s PayLater as a key part of their aftersales process. 

Since joining the Bumper network in May 2021, the BMW team has received non-stop, 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Here are a few of our favourites: 

‘Clayton was excellent. Clear and helpful advice. More good experiences from the North Oxford BMW team. Will recommend.’ 

‘Very happy with your service works very well for me. thanks’ 

Well done to Sean, Clayton, Michael and the rest of the team on your win! 

May's Dealership of the month: North Oxford BMW

The average cost of a full BMW service in the UK ranges from around £200 for smaller engines to £300 or more for larger engines.

However, these are basic averages. All BMWs follow a regular maintenance schedule based on mileage or time since the last service — so other factors might affect your car’s costs!

See the average BMW service costs and what’s usually included below.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a BMW service with costs varying by engine size and tips to save by combining with an MOT. 

We’ll explain them in more detail in the paragraphs below!

A major or full BMW service typically costs from £200 for smaller engines and around £300 or more for larger engines over 3 litres. 

Prices can vary depending on your location and chosen garage, so it’s worth shopping around — you might even save by combining your full service with an MOT. When under warranty, service intervals are mandatory, but once it’s expired, there’s more flexibility. 

How much does an interim BMW service cost?

An interim BMW service typically costs around £150 for smaller engines and from £300 for larger engine sizes.

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth comparing quotes, and you can often save money by combining your interim service with an MOT.

Whether it’s minor upkeep or major work, you can use 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

BMW service packages cover everything from routine maintenance checks in the Interim Service to more extensive wear-and-tear replacements in the Full Service.

BMWs follow a scheduled service plan based on mileage or time. 

Interim Services are every six months or 6,000 miles, and Full Services are typically annual to maintain reliability and value.

If you’re pressed for time or money, you might be tempted to skip a BMW service. 

This is not advised, as skipping a service can cause wear and tear, engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and lower resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your BMW running safely and smoothly. Don’t put Interim or Full Services off!

In general, yes, BMW maintenance costs are higher than standard cars due to premium parts and specialist servicing. 

However, as with any car brand, service costs vary by engine size, garage, and service type, but regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs in the long run.

DIY BMW servicing is possible for basic tasks like oil or filter changes, but BMWs require specialist knowledge for major work. 

Incorrect servicing can damage parts and affect warranties. If you have no experience, attempting repairs yourself can cause serious engine problems or safety issues. 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to leave complex work to qualified BMW technicians.

3 reasons to keep your BMW’s service schedule up to date 

Skipping a service might save you a few quid today, but your BMW won’t thank you tomorrow. Here are three reasons why you should book the service.

1. Regular service helps ward off part failures and breakdowns 

Driving any car causes wear and tear. There's no way to avoid it, even with a premium, finely tuned machine like a BMW. 

What you can avoid is the damage and long-term impacts that wear and tear can cause. 

Driving with a clogged oil filter and dirty engine oil reduces lubrication, causing friction, overheating, and potential damage to engine parts. An oil and filter change costs around £50, while replacing damaged pistons can run into hundreds, and a damaged engine could cost thousands. 

All in all, regular servicing keeps your BMW’s parts in check, addressing issues before they escalate.

2. Your BMW's resale value will be higher 

Every car depreciates in value over time. You can't stop it, but you can reduce its impact. 

A recent study by AutoTrader found, for example, that an incomplete or missing service history can lower a BMW’s value by as much as 20 per cent compared to the book value. 

Skipping a service might seem like a saving, but it can cost you when selling. Buyers of premium cars want a full service history, and without it, you could lose thousands in resale value.

Keep a complete record, and buyers are far more likely to pay full price!

A car that doesn’t run at peak efficiency needs more energy to move, and that energy comes from petrol or diesel.

BMWs are no exception. If they aren’t in tip-top shape they’re more costly to keep fueled and more likely to break down. You may believe you're saving money by delaying a service interval, but you're also losing out at the pump.

Unless you drive like a demon, a well-maintained BMW is simply less likely to burn unnecessary fuel. When every part is working as it should, the engine is under less strain and doesn't require more energy to perform at the same level.

Really, prices vary by garage, location, service type, and engine size. But staying on schedule keeps your engine healthy and fuel efficiency high, so it’s best not to put them off!

Services and repairs can put a dent in your budget. 

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

What Does a Full BMW Service Cost and Include?

¿Qué incluye un servicio de mantenimiento BMW completo?

Was beinhaltet eine vollständige Wartung bei BMW?

The average used car driver spends around £1,300 a year on repairs and maintenance.

Most spend £30–£35 monthly at the garage and about £65–£68 on fuel, which has risen 20% since the cost of living crisis. Costs can be much higher for unlucky drivers or for more premium used cars. 

In this blog, we break down average repair costs and share tips to keep your used car in top condition.

Average repair costs for used cars by brand

When something goes wrong with your car, it can be good to check what the typical prices are for fixing problems on your specific make and model. This helps both with budgeting, and ensuring you’re not getting overcharged when visiting a garage. 

Below are some average car repair costs, listed by brand and most common repair types. Bookmark this page so you don’t lose them.

Luckily, you can make surprise bills less likely. There are 

 options that you can turn to if you want to split the cost into interest-free repayments. However, regular upkeep of your used car is the best way forward. 

Yes, in many cases, older cars are cheaper to repair. 

New vehicles need costly dealer tools and access to proprietary data, while parts for older models are generally easier and cheaper to source.

If your car is very old or no longer in production, parts can be hard to find, which pushes up repair costs. On the other hand, older cars with readily available parts and workshop guides are cheaper to fix. Keep this in mind when considering average repair costs. 

Another reason older cars are often cheaper to maintain is that main dealer garages typically charge £100+ per hour, meaning even a simple oil change can cost over £100 before parts.

Yes, some used cars are covered by warranties. 

If your used car still has some time left on the original manufacturer's warranty, you'll still be on their standard maintenance packages and cover schedule. 

However, the warranty has already expired for most used car owners, so you have to pay for each service and part individually. 

Do I have the right to return a used car? 

Yes, you have the right to return a used car. 

, you can return something faulty and secure a full refund within 30 days of purchase. 

The Act states the car must be “as described,” “fit for purpose,” and “satisfactory quality.”But don’t assume that you can return it for a new model. The Act takes into account the used car’s age and mileage.

Where is the best place to buy a used car? 

The safest way to buy a used car is through a dealer, especially via approved used schemes that often include 30-day return guarantees. 

Check the fine print, though, as some schemes offer an exchange rather than a refund. Options and conditions vary between retailers, so always take your time to research before you buy.

When is it not worth it to repair a used car? 

Buying a new car usually makes sense when repair costs start to exceed your current car’s value, often after years of use or if parts are hard to find. You might also consider a new car if yours is written off or needs a major, expensive repair. 

There’s no hard rule for trading in a used car — it also depends on your personal attachment and your budget.

What costs the most to fix on a used car?

Major engine repairs, transmission replacements, and turbo or hybrid system fixes usually cost the most to repair on a used car — or any car in general.

The exceptions are with luxury and premium car repairs. These drive higher costs due to expensive parts and specialist labour required for complex repairs.

Which used car parts have the highest value?

Engine components, transmissions, turbochargers, and hybrid or electric system parts are the priciest to replace in used cars.

Outside of those, brake systems, suspension components, and body panels also add up, especially on premium or imported cars with higher labour and parts costs. 

Regular maintenance is the main way to prevent these expensive repairs from piling up.

Typically, keeping a vehicle for 8–12 years is reasonable, but selling or upgrading sooner may make sense if repair costs exceed the car’s value or reliability declines.

As with any time or cost-related questions, the ideal car lifespan depends on mileage, maintenance history, and your total repair costs. Compare these costs to the price of a new car to know for sure.

6 ways to save money on car maintenance costs 

1. Keep up with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule 

Even if your used car is out of warranty, it’s worth following the manufacturer’s service schedule. 

Delaying maintenance may save money short-term, but minor issues can quickly become costly repairs.

On average, UK drivers spend around £60 a year on car washes.

Regularly cleaning your used car, including the underside, prevents grime from affecting moving parts and helps protect paint, glass, and mirrors. 

: The average car’s lifespan is seven to eight years. If you wash your car at home, you could save £800 from your maintenance costs. 

Getting more life from your used car is often as simple as driving with care. 

Avoid resting your foot on the clutch after gear changes, steer clear of potholes, and brake gently. These habits reduce stress on the clutch, transmission, suspension, tyres, and brakes. 

Over time, careful driving prevents premature wear, keeps components running smoothly, and helps you avoid expensive repairs, ensuring your used car remains reliable and safe for longer.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, so there’s also a growing market for used EVs, and lower repair costs are part of the attraction. 

Alongside being more sustainable, EVs are rightly hailed for being cheaper to maintain. Their motors contain fewer moving parts, and perhaps most importantly, charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling a tank with diesel or petrol.

The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25% cheaper to maintain than cars with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually. Nice. 

Following on from point four, electric cars have far fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, making them simpler in principle. However, repairs like bodywork or suspension often cost the same.

Servicing is easier, with only 2–3 systems needing attention compared to 10+ on combustion engine cars.

If you’re willing to sit through a few YouTube videos and learn how to handle essential car maintenance, you can save a lot of money every year by keeping your used car away from the mechanic. This goes for minor repairs like simple replacements like filters and fluid top-ups.

You're paying for parts and labour when you take your used car into a garage. In many cases, some shopping around will locate the same parts for less than the mechanic will charge you.

But don’t tamper with anything you don't understand! It’s best to contract a professional for the tough repairs.

Predicting repair costs is a necessary evil. However, we hope this guide has helped you plan for the future and navigate upcoming used car repairs. 

Understanding what is the average cost to repair a used car can help you stay prepared. So, you can use the tips in this blog to reduce future repair costs and keep your car safe on the road. Safe driving!

Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to used car maintenance. 

What Is the Average Cost To Repair a Used Car? UK Prices

The cost-of-living crisis is having an enormous impact on the way many of us live our lives. A recent survey by 

 found that the way we drive is no exception. Of the 2,000 surveyed, 69% said they had significantly changed the way they drive since the beginning of the year. 

To make a saving on fuel costs, drivers are significantly reducing the number of journeys they make in their vehicles. 35% of drivers said they had cut down on the number of journeys they make. 

40% of petrol drivers had cut down since the start of 2022, with only 22% of electric and hybrid drivers cutting down. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles are well-known to be cheaper to run. This survey found that of the electric and hybrid owners 17% had switched from a vehicle using an internal combustion engine to keep costs down, whilst 4% had sold their vehicle without replacing it. Hybrid vehicles are built to last longer as well, so you don't have as many expensive repairs to keep up with, like 

hybrid batteries which can last up to 11 years

21% of drivers said they now drive more smoothly and try to avoid harsh braking and 14% were now driving slower than they were at the start of the year to conserve fuel. 

It was discovered 1 in 10 motorists were now regularly checking their tire pressure and 11% had taken unnecessary items from their vehicle in a bid to make it lighter on the road. 

The cost-of-living hike has had a big impact on motorists. Luckily, Bumper has a solution. Our digital PayLater solution allows customers to split the cost of repairs, at no extra cost. 

Applications are completed online in just a few clicks. Plus, our proprietary AI-enabled lending software allows us to make real-time, responsible lending decisions in less than 5 seconds. 

For more information about how Bumper can transform your customer experience, 

Motorists change driving habits due to cost of living

The dealership of the month for April 2022 goes to Lexus Edgware Road.

The win follows an outstanding month for the Jemca site using Bumper’s PayLater to allow customers to split the cost of their repair bills into monthly payments, completely interest-free. 

Team Jemca met with Bumper account manager Alex on site to deliver the award, which has had a brand-new redesign.

Starting in November last year, the team has helped hundreds of customers drive away with their repairs and finances in check. A special shoutout is necessary for Ash, who is a bit of a Bumper expert! 

Well done to Ash, Wing, Joseph, Ankit, Renaldo, and Phil. 

Join the Bumper network and get access to our digital PayLater solution, allowing customers to split the cost of their repairs into monthly instalments, completely interest-free. 

For more information on becoming a partner 

The Dealership of the Month: Jemca Edgware Road

Car repair bills often turn out to be more expensive than expected. Sometimes, other emergency bills arise before you can cover the cost of the garage.

No matter the reason, if you can repay your car repair, it can put you in an awkward situation. 

In this article, we’ll explain what happens if you can’t pay for 

your options, and whether a garage can keep your car. It’s all going to be okay — now, let’s get into it. 

Yes, a garage can keep your car if you refuse to pay.

However, be aware that under UK law, mechanics can lien your car if you don’t pay the bill in full within 30 days. 

A lien is a legal claim on property, such as a car, which must be cleared before you can take it back. You might have to leave your car in the garage until the bill is fully paid.

To avoid that happening, you might want to put part of the bill on a 

credit card or consider a dedicated auto repair loan

Yes, if you can’t afford to pay your car repair bill, check your car insurance policy.

Your insurance might cover the costs if your repairs are due to accidents, vandalism, theft, or extreme weather (e.g. 

). However, this largely depends on your policy coverage level. 

What are your car repair financing options? 

If your auto repair bill is more than you expected and you can't afford to pay it, you have some options. Here are six ways you can tackle the situation: 

If a repair estimate seems high, politely ask about cheaper options.

Garages may use less expensive parts or adjust labour costs without compromising quality.

Can a mechanic use used parts to repair my car?

Yes, using reconditioned parts or parts from a breaker can often save lots of money on repair bills. 

Certain parts, such as AC compressors, alternators, gearboxes, and more, can be bought and used online. We advise against using used safety-critical parts like brakes or steering unless professionally reconditioned.

A good way to find second-hand parts for your car is to search on places like eBay. There, you can select ‘used’ under the condition filter and often find breakers listing the exact part.

You can search for general breaking ads, such as “Ford Fiesta 2010 breaking, if there isn't a specific item”. 

These items are usually listed for a token amount - say £1.00. From this listing, contact the seller to ask if they have the required component.

Garages often hesitate to fit used parts and may refuse parts they haven’t sourced. 

Explain your situation, but note this usually voids any warranty since the parts lack a guarantee. If you’re comfortable with this, the mechanic might agree to help.

If multiple repairs are suggested, ask to prioritise the most urgent ones. Spacing out the work helps manage costs, as long as deferring doesn’t pose a safety risk.

Not all car issues need immediate repair, but minor problems can worsen over time. Ask your mechanic if urgent repairs are needed and what might happen if they're delayed.

If the brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, or engine are faulty, avoid driving until they're fixed. 

Paying this bill in instalments is better than not paying at all.

If you can’t clear your car’s repair bill in one go, ask the service centre if they’ll let you break it into multiple payments. 

Some garages will let you do this or may even offer their basic in-house financing for large repair jobs. 

Some garages are more expensive than others, depending on the time, tools, and expertise they have available.

If you’ve been quoted a large repair bill, gather the information the garage used to draft that quote, such as symptoms, tests conducted, etc., and phone around a few other local garages.

Can a specialist garage repair my car cheaper?

In some cases, a garage with no experience tackling your particular job may quote higher purely because they’re unsure 

Specialist garages, those that focus on your particular brand or type of car, may have much more experience and confidence and will be able to fix the problem cheaper. 

Credit cards are a simple way to cover any unexpected expense, though the interest can make an already hefty bill even bigger. 

For a big repair bill, using a credit card can work if you have a 0% APR deal and can repay quickly. Otherwise, standard interest rates will add to the cost.

In that case, the interest rate on a dedicated car repair loan might be more attractive.

In rare cases, selling your car and using the proceeds to buy a more affordable one is the most practical solution. 

When shopping for your next vehicle, take into account fuel efficiency and ongoing maintenance costs to find a cost-effective choice. 

Or check out the cheapest ways to buy a car here.

 is designed to cover unexpected car repairs, with a simple application process for quick access to funds. 

While good credit helps, specialist lenders often cater to those with poor credit, though this may mean higher fees or interest rates.

How Bumper can help if you can’t pay your repair bill

Bumper lets you split a hefty repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments. 

With one bill split every three minutes, 5,000+ partners nationwide, and a five-second response time, we’re always ready to help.

Here’s a quick step-by-step summary of the Bumper system:

The whole process takes a matter of minutes. 

Bumper lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. Visit our 

 page to find out more or search for a trusted repairer near you.

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Car Repair?

It’s been an interesting two-year stretch for the UK car industry. Shifting trends in automotive buying means this year’s list of the top 10 cars could surprise some industry observers. 

With COVID-19 upending supply chains, ongoing semiconductor shortages, and the Ukraine invasion set to disrupt production further, 2022 is hard to predict. But there are some signs of what’s to come. 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that more than 174,000 cars were sold in the UK as of 1

 March 2022. That’s a 23 per cent increase over the same period last year. 

 are also on the rise, jumping 150 per cent and accounting for nearly 15 per cent of all new car sales. 

Diesel, on the other hand, looks to be on the way out. Sales sank by a whopping 45 per cent from the same period last year, accounting for just over five per cent of total sales. 

Some things have stayed the same though. The Vauxhall Corsa leads the pack again this year in terms of individual model sales, while the Kia Sportage sits in second place and the Mini Hatchback holds the third spot on the podium. 

While there’s still lots of time for things to change, here’s our list of the top 10 cars for 2022 based on the most recent figures. 

Perennial favourite Ford Focus fell out of many top 10 lists last year, disappearing from the top ten off the back of a poor reception to its Vignale version. That said, the Focus is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in early 2022 ahead of an expected design facelift in June. 

The Focus has always been a critic’s darling and the 2021 model is typically rated on par with cars like the Volkswagen Golf. 

This one’s been a regular feature on dealer forecourts since early 2018 and holds firm as a favourite with both reviewers and car buyers alike. 

It's worth noting that both the petrol and plug-in hybrid models have had a better critical reception than the XC40 ‘pure’ electric model. They're seen to offer better value for money than their EV cousin. 

Oddly enough the Toyota Corolla is only the second car on this list to be built here in Blightly. While it dropped out of the SMMT’s top ten in February, strong sales figures in January have kept it aloft for the year-to-date. 

The Corolla comes as a hybrid-only and it's been gradually finding a firm niche in the UK new car marketplace. Many reviewers have noted how much of an improvement it represents over the former Auris, which it replaced on Toyota’s 2021 roster. 

Hyundai’s new Tucson has been a top sales performer and frequent fixture in many ‘best of lists’ since it launched in 2021. The good news and sales keep coming as SMMT figures indicate a strong start to 2022. 

The Vauxhall Mokka is the first car to feature Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ styling. Based on strong sales for the Mokka you can expect the firm’s new look to roll out across its range over the next few years. 

The Mokka comes in standard petrol and diesel models. There’s also the all-electric Mokka-e, which numerous awards last year in the Small SUV category. 

This one's been around a long time, but Kia’s legacy brand Niro shows no signs of losing steam. Strong sales in January and February suggest that the Korean car maker is doing just fine in sustaining a reliable supply of semiconductor chips for the car’s onboard systems. 

While we expect the current Niro to come to the end of its production life soon, Niro enthusiasts can look forward to an all-new model reaching British shores in the second half of this year. 

The Puma is another top performer, but its popularity began to wane at the end of 2021 after a sales surge in the first quarter. It's a similar picture so far for 2022, with strong sales in January followed by a slight dip in February. 

Car reviewers continue to heap praise on the Puma and give it top ratings in the ‘supermini’ SUV class. 

A strong showing in the first two months of 2022 suggests the Mini hatch could keep burning up the sales charts. It finished last year ranked third overall and has started this year strongly as well. It’s also the best-selling new car that’s made in the United Kingdom. 

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer