Car Repair Costs By Model Guide (2026)

After you’ve skimmed through a few car cost guides, you’ll notice that car repair costs can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

While some cars are cheap to maintain and repair, others require costly parts and specialist labour. This can make it difficult to estimate how much your repair will cost, which isn’t ideal when you’re budgeting!

In this article, we explain the general car repair costs by model, so you know what to expect at the garage.

How car repair costs are calculated

Repair costs depend on several factors, including the make and model of the car.

Other factors include:

• Labour rates

• Parts availability

• Vehicle age

• Complexity of the systems

Premium vehicles often require specialist technicians, and luxury or high-performance parts are typically more expensive.

No matter the car make or model, you can use car repair finance to split the costs into interest-free repayments if needed.

Average car repair costs for popular UK car models

Below is a table showing average repair costs for some of the most popular cars in the UK.

These costs are based on minor to moderate repairs, such as brake replacements, suspension work, and minor bodywork.

Here are some average costs for 2026.

Cheapest cars to repair in the UK

Some cars are consistently cheaper to repair thanks to common parts and simplicity. This means that most mechanics can work on them without specialist knowledge.

These vehicles are ideal for drivers looking to minimise maintenance expenses, and here are the 2026 estimates.

Most expensive cars to repair in the UK

Unsurprisingly, luxury and high-performance models tend to have the highest repair costs.

This is mainly because the parts are specialised, labour is more expensive and needs intricate knowledge, and repairs often require more time.

The most expensive car repair costs by model in 2026 are as follows:

Common repairs by car model

Different cars have common repair trends, so what breaks down frequently for one may not affect another.

Small hatchbacks often need suspension, brakes, or minor bodywork repairs. Luxury vehicles may require more electronic repairs and advanced suspension parts.

Knowing common issues for your vehicle helps you plan maintenance in advance. And the more you maintain your car, the less likely it is to face an expensive repair.

Speaking of maintenance…

Which car brand has the lowest maintenance cost?

Brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Skoda are known for affordable maintenance.

This is because the car parts are largely inexpensive, and the cars are reliable, meaning fewer repairs are needed over the years.

Which car brand has the highest maintenance cost?

Luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, and Jaguar often have the highest costs.

The costs are higher due to the need for specialist mechanics, premium parts, and complex systems. You may also have to visit specialist garages or dealerships to find mechanics with the right knowledge and parts.

What car brand has the least problems?

All car makes and models can have issues. However, brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Honda are regularly cited for reliability.

Drivers of these vehicles experience fewer reported breakdowns, which helps reduce repair costs over the life of the vehicle.

What’s the most reliable car brand?

Similar to the brands above, Japanese manufacturers, particularly Toyota and Honda, consistently appear at the top of reliability ratings.

They combine affordable maintenance with low failure rates, making them ideal for cost-conscious drivers.

Should you consider repair costs when buying a car?

Absolutely! Factoring in likely repair costs and maintenance expenses can save money in the long term.

For example, cheaper cars may have more frequent minor repairs, while luxury vehicles could have infrequent but expensive bills. Weighing these up against your budget is essential.

How to reduce car repair costs

You can reduce car repair costs by keeping up with regular servicing and choosing a trusted local garage.

Additionally, extended warranties or car repair finance options can help manage unexpected bills.

• Keep up with regular servicing to prevent major issues

• Choose a trusted local garage for fair pricing and reliable work

• Use high-quality parts to extend the lifespan of repairs

• Consider extended warranties to cover potential future costs

Last thoughts

Giving a complete list of car repair costs by model is tricky, as prices shift every year due to demand and other external factors. However, we hope this blog has helped you get rough estimates and identify brands known for higher or lower costs.

Small hatchbacks tend to be the cheapest to maintain, while luxury cars are the most expensive. Keep this in mind if you’re car shopping!

Split the cost with Bumper

Whether you’re driving the latest model or an older vehicle, you can use a car repair loan to split the cost into interest-free repayments.

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