Toyota Maintenance Cost
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Last Updated: December 27, 2022
When calculating the actual ownership cost of any vehicle, it is vital to factor in its annual maintenance cost along with insurance and taxes. For example, some vehicles may require expensive and frequent repairs to maintain their optimal performance. In contrast, some cars, like Toyota, require less expensive maintenance services.
Toyota is a legit vehicle brand well-known for its reliable and aesthetic cars worldwide. Toyota vehicles do not carry a costlier price tag for their maintenance. If you have a Toyota, you may pay up to $441 per year for its maintenance.
If you're wondering why Toyotas are inexpensive to maintain, then we have sorted you. This article will share the general maintenance services your Toyota vehicle may encounter. We will also compare the annual maintenance cost of Toyota with some other reputable brands.
Average Annual Toyota Maintenance Cost
According to RepairPal, the yearly maintenance of Toyota may cost up to $441, which is on the lower end of the spectrum. The vehicle brand ranks eighth out of 32 car brands for its reliability. Toyota also ranked well in the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. This study highlights that some Toyota models, such as Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sienna, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Avalon, and Toyota Corolla, are the most reliable vehicles in the automotive space.
Although Toyota models are less spontaneous to mechanical malfunctions, it does not mean they don't require routine maintenance. Even luxurious brands are not immune to sudden repairs. Toyota models may also require other maintenance to maintain their integrity and optimal performance.
See below to learn more about different mechanical malfunctions a Toyota model may encounter.
| Model | Repair | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tundra | Exhaust manifold replacement | $917 to $1,113 |
| Tacoma | Wheel alignment | $141 to $170 |
| Tacoma | Suspension ball joint replacement | $228 to $444 |
| Camry | Throttle position sensor replacement | $193 to $225 |
| Camry | Oxygen sensor replacement | $332 to $441 |
General Toyota Maintenance Cost
In addition to scheduled maintenance services, some standard repairs may contribute to the annual Toyota maintenance cost. For example, your vehicle may encounter the following general repairs.
| General Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Headlight replacement | $100 to $200 |
| New tires | $500 to $800 |
| Brake pads | $100 to $300 |
| Wheel alignment | $120 to $200 |
| Oil change | $40 to $120 |
The cost of general repairs may vary depending on your Toyota model and where you get it for repairs. However, as Toyotas are reliable and easy to maintain, any certified mechanic can get its parts fixed. The price of maintaining a Toyota is very reasonable. If you have read my story about the
BMW headlight replacement and saw the amount that I had to pay for it, you will realize that replacing a headlight on Toyota is on average 10x or 20x cheaper.
Common Toyota Repairs Across Different Models
Toyota is a Japanese brand that focuses on reliable manufacturing vehicles. As a result, the components of all Toyota models are easy to repair and replace. Below we have detailed some common repairs different Toyota vehicles may experience.
| Model | Repair | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Prius | Air conditioning condenser replacement | $575 to $742 |
| Prius | Water pump replacement | $752 to $921 |
| Prius | Mass airflow sensor replacement | $175 to $259 |
| RAV4 | Door lock actuator replacement | $416 to $515 |
| RAV4 | Traction control switch replacement | $124 to $311 |
| RAV4 | Ignition switch replacement | $276 to $311 |
| Camry | Door lock actuator replacement | $416 to $511 |
| Camry | Traction control switch replacement | $124 to $131 |
| Camry | Ignition switch replacement | $276 to $311 |
Toyota's Free Maintenance Schedule (ToyotaCare Maintenance Plan)
All the new Toyota vehicles come with a free maintenance schedule. This plan makes the Toyota maintenance-free for the first 25,000 miles or two years. The complimentary maintenance schedule of Toyota sets it apart from the competition. The best thing about this free maintenance schedule is that it is transferable to secondary Toyota owners as long as the mileage interval has stayed the same.
With a free maintenance schedule, you will get genuine Toyota parts from certified mechanics. This plan covers the following;
- Fluid level adjustment
- Tire rotation
- Filter and engine oil changes
- Multi-point inspections
With the ToyotaCare plan, you can get roadside assistance for two years per unlimited miles, which covers;
- Lockout assistance
- Spare tire installation
- Winching
- Battery jump-start
- Fuel delivery
- Towing
Toyota Maintenance Schedule
Having your Toyota vehicle serviced regularly is essential to keep it in the best working condition. Routine tune-up Toyota cost is lower than other luxurious brands. In addition, routine maintenance can help save on your yearly Toyota maintenance cost.
The Toyota drivers are advised to follow the factory-recommended maintenance schedule to reduce the likelihood of expensive mechanical repairs. For example, increased friction can cause mechanical items to wear prematurely if your car runs out of oil. Regular inspection can catch these premature problems before they damage the other parts of your vehicle.
Toyota's maintenance schedule may vary depending on the model you have. However, for most Toyota models, it is recommended to maintain the following components after a specific mileage interval.
Every 5,000 miles:
- Inspect wiper blades
- Inspect brake pads
- Check fluid levels
- Tire rotation
- Oil change
Every 15,000 miles
- Inspect brake line
- Check hoses
Every 30,000 miles
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Change engine and oil filters
Toyota drivers must keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule to keep their factory warranty valid.
Comparing Toyota Maintenance Cost with other Brands
As mentioned earlier, all Toyota models are less expensive to maintain than other vehicles. The following comparison will help you understand how Toyota stacks up in the competitive automotive space.
| Vehicle | Maintenance Cost (5-Year) |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | $4,659 |
| Honda Accord | $6,117 |
| Nissan Altima | $5,278 |
| Ford Taurus | $5,738 |
| Chevy Malibu | $4,720 |
Comparing the Annual Maintenance Costs of Toyota with
Honda, Nissan, Ford, and Chevy (data is collected from RepairPal)
| Vehicle | Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | $441 |
| Honda Accord | $428 |
| Nissan Altima | $500 |
| Ford Taurus | $775 |
| Chevy Malibu | $649 |
The above data-driven information proves that the maintenance of Toyota vehicles costs less than the industry average of $652.
Toyota Factory Warranty
Suppose any component of your Toyota fails due to defects in artistry or material. In that case, the company will cover the cost of this repair if it still lies under the factory warranty. Understanding the Toyota factory warranty is essential to prevent yourself from paying for a covered repair.
Toyota factory warranty includes:
- A basic limited warranty for three years/36,000 miles
- A powertrain warranty for five years/60,000 miles
- A restrain system warranty for five years/60,000 miles
- A corrosion perforation warranty for five years/unlimited miles
The basic limited warranty of Toyota provides coverage for most components of your vehicle with only a few exclusions. The exclusion list of this warranty plan includes the following:
- Constant velocity joints
- Brake pads and shoes
- Shock absorbers
- Wiper blades
- Exterior trim
- Upholstery
- Bumpers
- Glass
- Bulbs
The powertrain warranty of Toyota covers all the essential components of your vehicle needed to keep it running. It covers the transfer case, transaxle, transmission, and engine of your car's powertrain.
Toyota Extended Warranty
In addition to scheduled maintenance plans and factory warranty, Toyota also offers different extended auto warranty options to provide the best coverage to Toyota owners. Drivers can choose from the following Toyota's extended warranty options:
- Powertrain: The powertrain warranty plan is valid for up to 6 years per 100,000 miles. In addition, it covers some of the significant components of your vehicle's powertrain.
- Gold: It is a mid-level extended warranty plan that can range from 3 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/125,000 miles.
- Platinum: Platinum is the highest-level extended warranty plan offered by Toyota. It provides comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper coverage ranging from 3 years per 50,000 miles to 10 years per 125,000 miles.
Toyota extended warranty options are ideal for making your Toyota maintenance cost more affordable. The cost of Toyota's extended warranty options depends on numerous factors, such as:
- Vehicle model and age
- Deductible amount
- Extended coverage type
These extended warranty options don't cover the Toyota maintenance schedule, but they cover unexpected mechanical malfunctions and breakdowns.
Third-Party Options for Toyota Extended Warranty
Third-party extended warranty companies can offer the best coverage options for your Toyota vehicles. Independent warranty providers prefer covering Toyotas because they are reliable and last longer than other vehicles. With a third-party warranty, you can get your Toyota to any certified repair facility whenever a breakdown occurs.
Independent extended warranty providers also offer long-term vehicle protection plans at more affordable rates. They also provide different benefits with their warranty plans, such as:
- Rental car reimbursement
- Trip interruption reimbursement
- Fuel delivery
- Roadside assistance
Third-party warranty companies also let you choose any certified mechanics to get your vehicle repaired. Our top recommendations for getting a Toyota extended warranty include the following:
Toyota Maintenance Cost Bottom Line
The Toyota owners may have to pay up $441 to maintain these vehicles' integrity and optimal performance. However, Toyota vehicles are well-known for their solidity and reliability. RepairPal gives Toyota cars 4.0 out of 5 stars due to their reliability.
Toyota drivers can make the maintenance cost even more affordable by signing up for an extended car warranty. Toyota offers scheduled maintenance, a ToyotaCare Maintenance plan, and extended warranty options to provide drivers with the best coverage.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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