One of the most common questions I receive from first-time car purchasers is, “are American cars cheap to maintain?” The simple answer is an unequivocal “yes.” And the reason for this is quite simple. Automobiles were not made on a static assembly line. In fact, cars were not even mass produced in America until after World War II and they did not reach their full production capacity until after the 1950s.
Therefore, American cars have been put through the ringer as far as manufacturing and maintenance go. Nevertheless, in spite of this fact, they continue to remain highly popular with millions of loyal drivers throughout the country. This is largely due to the fact that they represent such a low-cost option. For example, a four-door sedan such as the Honda Civic can easily be had for well under $20,000, which is quite a deal when you consider how much a similar car would cost if it were to go through the entire manufacturers and rental/sale/trade-in warranty process.
This brings us to the next question. Why is this? It is primarily because American cars do not undergo the same level of abuse that other vehicles are subjected to. For instance, a Ford Focus will experience far less abuse than a Ford Taurus. Why? This is largely due to the fact that Focus cars are assembled in factories that are highly-efficient and modern.
These highly efficient plants feature automated assembly lines that keep the assembly line running smoothly. This means that there is no more need to pay overtime or allow extra time for maintenance. As a result, you are not subject to the whims of a flailing auto shop technician. As a result, you will never again have to wonder, “Why is my Ford Focus failing?”
Additionally, American cars come with less stringent emissions standards. In fact, many cars are now sold based on their green status. These cars are designed to use energy-efficient gasoline, and some are even power-efficient hybrid cars like the 2021 aviator. As a result, they can typically be expected to have less wear and tear when it comes to maintenance.
Finally, many American car owners choose to simply pay regular maintenance charges. For example, a Ford Focus can typically be expecting to receive an oil change every 3k miles. Other vehicles may require more frequent service intervals. Again, this is often determined by the model and manufacturer of your vehicle. Ultimately, the frequency of maintenance should be tied to the age of your Ford Focus.
Of course, when it comes to American cars, they aren’t the cheapest around to maintain. Maintenance costs are still high, though. However, if you want something that will last and save you money, then this is the one for you. There are many great brands of cars on the market these days, so it should be no trouble finding something that you will love. To defray the costs of ownership, look into an extended auto warranty for your vehicle. Many options exist for American cars, such as this Subaru extended warranty. Of course, make sure you look at the various policy options, waiting period, and reputation of the extended car warranty company.
Of course, you also have the option of choosing to go with the “go it alone” route. By doing so, you can expect to spend as much as $500 on each oil change. Not only does this add up to a huge expenditure over time, but it also renders the benefits that come from routine maintenance completely ineffective. The good news is that most cars are now available with customizable Oil Change Kits that allows you to perform these maintenance tasks on your own.
If you are wondering “are American cars cheap to maintain?” there are definitely factors that you will need to take into consideration. After all, the way your car works will have a big impact on its performance and the amount of maintenance required. By considering the aforementioned factors, you can better understand whether or not you should go the route of inexpensive maintenance or go the expensive one.
For example, if you want to go cheap with your maintenance, then you will want to find a car that has a high level of integrity and longevity. You can do this by selecting a car that has excellent bodywork and strong suspensions. It is also advisable to choose a model that has a low profile engine, as this will limit the amount of mechanical work that is required in order to keep the car on the road. Additionally, select a car with a long service history, as this will guarantee that the car was properly maintained over the years. Finally, before you start any maintenance tasks, you should always ensure that you disconnect the battery.
The second question “are American cars cheap to maintain?” also has some simple answers. This question is primarily focused on the type of maintenance work that is performed. In general, the more work that is performed, the more expensive the total cost of maintenance will become. Therefore, it is wise to select a vehicle that has minimal maintenance requirements.
The final question “are American cars cheap to maintain? “is really a question of what type of maintenance tasks are required, and how much effort is required in order to keep your vehicle on the road. In general most people choose to perform basic maintenance on their vehicles every three thousand miles. However, there are those who purchase older model vehicles, and they may want to perform more detailed maintenance tasks on their vehicles. When it comes down to it, the final answer to the question “are American cars cheap to maintain?” is “no.”