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What Is the Average Cost To Repair a Used Car? UK Prices
What Is the Average Cost To Repair a Used Car? UK Prices
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.
Key takeaways
- Average repair costs for used cars by brand
- Is it cheaper to repair older cars?
- Are used cars covered by warranty?
- Do I have the right to return a used car?
- Where is the best place to buy a used car?
- When is it not worth it to repair a used car?
- What costs the most to fix on a used car?
- Which used car parts have the highest value?
- How long should you keep a car?
- 6 ways to save money on car maintenance costs
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.
Ford, Vauxhall, Mazda, Skoda
Volvo, VW, SEAT, Toyota
BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Range Rover
Luckily, you can make surprise bills less likely. There are car repair finance 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.
Is it cheaper to repair older cars?
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.
Are used cars covered by warranty?
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.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, 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.
How long should you keep a car?
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.
2. Regular cleaning
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.
Pro Tip: 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.
3. Drive your used car carefully
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.
4. Make your next car electric
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.
5. Repair costs for electric cars
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.
6. Fix what you can yourself
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.
The bottom line
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!
Split the cost with Bumper
Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to used car maintenance.
With Bumper’s car repair loan, 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.
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