How much should I budget for car maintenance?

Budget $1,200-2,000 annually for a sedan under 5 years old, $2,000-3,500 for vehicles 5-10 years old, and $3,500-5,000 for vehicles over 10 years. Luxury vehicles and trucks cost 25-50% more. This covers oil changes, tires, brakes, filters, fluids, and minor repairs.

What are the most expensive car maintenance items?

The costliest maintenance items are: transmission service ($150-400), timing belt replacement ($500-1,000), brake jobs ($300-800), new tires ($400-1,200), battery replacement ($100-300), and major tune-ups ($200-600). These are typically needed every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on the part.

Do newer cars cost less to maintain?

Yes, vehicles under 3 years old mostly need oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, averaging $500-1,000 annually. After 5 years, expect to replace brakes, batteries, and tires. At 100,000+ miles, major components (water pump, alternator, suspension) start failing, increasing costs to $2,000-4,000 annually.

Biggest Calculator Hub

Automotive & VehiclesVerifiedFeb 2026

Car Maintenance Cost Calculator

Name: Car Maintenance Cost Calculator
Author: Biggest Calculator Hub

Estimate annual car maintenance and repair costs based on vehicle age, annual mileage, and vehicle type to budget for upkeep expenses.

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How to Use the Car Maintenance Cost Calculator

This free car maintenance cost calculator helps you quickly calculate estimated annual maintenance. Simply enter your values in the fields above and click "Calculate" to see your results instantly.

Understanding Your Results

After entering your information, the calculator will display your results including estimated annual maintenance, monthly budget, cost per mile. Each result is calculated using standard formulas used by financial professionals and experts in the field.

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