When considering vehicle ownership costs, many people immediately think of luxury brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or high-performance EVs such as Tesla. Features like advanced technology or turbocharged engines also often come to mind as potential drivers of higher maintenance expenses. However, focusing solely on the initial price tag or perceived complexity can be misleading. The real question prospective car buyers should ask is: could a vehicle with a seemingly affordable price actually end up being more expensive to maintain in the long run compared to a pricier model?
The answer is a resounding yes. Several factors contribute to the overall cost of vehicle ownership, including fuel efficiency, the price of replacement parts, routine maintenance schedules, the likelihood of major repairs, and the expenses associated with those repairs. One brand that might surprise you with its potential maintenance costs, regardless of the vehicle’s age, is Chevrolet.
The Real Cost of Maintaining a Chevrolet
At Endurance, we understand that purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial decision. That’s why we emphasize the importance of vehicle reliability and responsible maintenance. We aim to empower car owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about vehicle protection, including understanding which brands might lead to unexpected expenses down the road.
Our claims data at Endurance reveals a significant number of claims filed for Chevrolet vehicles. This suggests that without adequate warranty coverage, Chevrolet owners might face higher out-of-pocket expenses for maintenance and repairs. While maintenance costs can vary across different Chevrolet models, understanding the general trend is crucial for budget-conscious car buyers. It’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard by unexpected repair bills.
Consider the Chevrolet Cobalt, for example. Despite its relatively low MSRP of around $16,000, the Cobalt surprisingly ranked fifth on Yahoo News’s 2020 list of the most expensive vehicles to maintain. Over a ten-year ownership period, estimated maintenance costs for a Cobalt could exceed $14,500 – almost the price of a brand-new vehicle itself! The Chevrolet Impala also appeared on the same list, with a substantial estimated maintenance cost of $11,500 over ten years. These figures highlight that the initial purchase price doesn’t always tell the whole story.
RepairPal, a trusted partner of ours and a leading source for vehicle reliability and repair cost data, provides further insights. According to RepairPal, Chevrolet’s overall reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, positioning the brand at 20th out of 32 car brands. While this isn’t a poor rating, it’s essential to remember that this is an average across a wide range of 345 Chevrolet models. The estimated annual repair cost for a Chevrolet is around $649. Unfortunately, this figure is higher than the average for all brands, and Chevrolet also has a 15% probability of repairs being classified as severe, indicating potentially costly issues.
Averages can sometimes be overwhelming and lack specific detail. So, let’s delve into the ownership costs of a few specific Chevrolet models to provide a clearer picture.
Chevrolet Trax: Compact SUV, Potentially High Maintenance Bills
With an initial price point of approximately $26,500, the Chevrolet Trax might seem like an economical choice for a crossover SUV. The Trax, known for its fuel efficiency, has been in production since 2015. Data gathered over the years reveals a less appealing aspect of Trax ownership: maintenance expenses.
Owners of a Chevrolet Trax can expect to spend around $859.50 annually on maintenance and repairs. Over a ten-year period, this accumulates to roughly $8,595. To put this into perspective, if you purchase a brand-new Trax, you could end up spending approximately 32% of the original purchase price again just on maintenance and repairs over a decade. This significant additional cost should be factored into the overall affordability of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark: Subcompact Size, Surprisingly Large Maintenance Costs
Subcompact cars are gaining popularity due to their affordability and fuel efficiency. With a starting price well below the national average, around $16,000, the Chevrolet Spark appears to be a very budget-friendly option. However, the long-term cost of ownership tells a different story.
Over a ten-year period, the estimated annual maintenance and repair costs for a Chevrolet Spark average around $600. While this annual figure might seem lower than the Trax, it still adds up to approximately $6,000 over a decade. This means that Spark owners could end up paying over 37% of the initial sticker price again in maintenance and repairs during the first ten years of ownership. This high percentage highlights that even seemingly inexpensive cars can accumulate significant maintenance costs.
Chevrolet Malibu: Mid-Size Sedan with Transmission Troubles
The Chevrolet Malibu, another popular Chevrolet model, also has its share of common problems that contribute to maintenance expenses. Malibu owners frequently report transmission issues, often leading to unexpected and costly repair shop visits. These transmission problems can occur even before reaching 100,000 miles, sometimes necessitating a complete transmission replacement.
Replacing or rebuilding a transmission in a Chevrolet Malibu can cost around $3,500. While transmission issues are always a concern, the Malibu also experiences engine and fuel system problems, further adding to potential maintenance costs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over half of the complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu were related to the engine and fuel system.
Engine and fuel system problems can manifest in various ways, from speed control issues and stalled engines to reduced fuel economy. Alarmingly, these problems are not always associated with high mileage and can occur as early as 5,000 miles, even in new vehicles. This means that even purchasing a new Chevrolet Malibu doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid these potentially expensive issues.
RepairPal identifies the electric power steering system as the most common problem area for the Chevrolet Malibu, particularly for model years 2004-2015. The repair for this issue typically involves a complete steering column replacement, costing around $1,200.
Common Chevrolet Problems Across Models
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck is another example of a Chevrolet model prone to transmission and engine problems. If you encounter these issues, particularly with the transmission or powertrain, repairs could cost you in the vicinity of $3,500.
Even highly-rated models like the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck are not immune to common problems that can lead to significant maintenance costs, regardless of the model year or regular maintenance schedule. One such issue is the failure of the 4WD transfer case position sensor/selector switch. Symptoms of a failing transfer case include difficulty shifting gears, which can impede acceleration and potentially damage the engine.
Problems with the transfer case position sensor can also cause issues with engaging or disengaging four-wheel drive. Fortunately, addressing a failing transfer case position sensor early is often a relatively inexpensive repair, typically costing under $100 in parts. However, neglecting this issue can lead to more severe damage to the transmission, driveshafts, and axles.
Another common problem in Chevrolet Silverados is a malfunctioning fuel level sensor. When this sensor fails, the fuel gauge can become unreliable, making it difficult to accurately determine fuel levels. Mechanics often recommend replacing the fuel pump module on higher-mileage Silverado models to resolve this issue, a repair that can cost around $1,000.
Protecting Yourself from Unexpected Chevrolet Repair Costs
Owning any vehicle comes with inherent costs, but understanding the potential maintenance expenses associated with specific brands like Chevrolet is crucial for informed decision-making. Being aware of common problems and their associated repair costs can help you budget for vehicle ownership and avoid financial surprises. Endurance vehicle protection plans can provide a valuable safety net, helping to offset the expenses of maintaining a vehicle that may be more prone to repairs. Don’t get caught off guard by costly Chevrolet repairs! Request a free quote today and protect your vehicle and your wallet.
