While the purchase price of a new car is a significant factor, ongoing maintenance costs can greatly impact the overall affordability of vehicle ownership. This article examines the servicing costs of Australia's 10 cheapest cars, revealing that the least expensive to buy isn't always the most economical to maintain.
The GWM Haval Jolion has the lowest average annual service cost at $310 for the first five years. The Kia Picanto, despite being the cheapest to purchase, has the highest average annual service cost at $438. Most vehicles offer 5-7 years of capped-price servicing, with Mitsubishi offering up to 10 years conditionally.
Service intervals are typically 12 months or 15,000km, with some variations (e.g., MG 3 at 10,000km).
Warranty periods range from 5 to 10 years, with MG offering the longest at 10 years/250,000km.
Roadside assistance duration varies, with some brands offering up to 10 years when serviced within their network. The Hyundai Venue is the second cheapest to service at $373 per year on average.
Chinese brands like MG and GWM offer competitive servicing costs and longer warranties. The Mitsubishi ASX has the highest long-term servicing cost at $502 per year over 10 years. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro's servicing costs are yet to be confirmed but will include 7 years of capped-price servicing.
When considering a budget-friendly vehicle, it's crucial to look beyond the initial purchase price and factor in long-term ownership costs. While some of Australia's cheapest cars offer attractive purchase prices, their servicing costs can vary significantly, potentially impacting the overall value proposition over time.
