Tesla is cheapest car brand for servicing – but most expensive for tyres

Tesla Model Y

The car manufacturer with the lowest servicing bills is Tesla, according to a new analysis of the top 20 companies’ running costs.

Automotive data provider Cap HPI says that, over a period of three years and 60,000 miles, servicing a Tesla will cost an average of £338. This makes it the cheapest of the 20 best-selling car manufacturers, at £143 less than second-placed Skoda, £195 less than Renault and £217 less than Honda.

However, Tesla finishes in 20th and last place when it comes to tyre costs, dropping the American marque down to 16th for total service, maintenance and repair (SMR) bills.

Tesla also ranks first for brakes, with an average cost of £113. That compares with £916 for Land Rover in 20th place.

Hyundai is the most expensive of the 20 brands analysed for servicing, at £1,122 on average.

Renault is cheapest to run overall

Car servicing

Overall, the manufacturer ranking first for total service, maintenance and repair costs – including servicing, tyres and brakes – is Renault, at £1,883.

The French firm is followed by Honda (£1,902), Seat (£1,933), MG Motor (£1,999) and Peugeot (£2,039). Tesla comes 16th overall, with a total SMR cost of £2,946. BMW ranks 20th and last, with an SMR figure of £3,944.

“Outside of servicing, tyres are the main cost consideration for EV drivers. These are typically more expensive as they become worn sooner… mainly due to vehicle weight,” said Andrew Turner, senior product specialist at Cap HPI.

Turner said electric cars tend to “have larger or less common tyre sizes that are more expensive”, which could also explain Tesla’s poor showing in this area.

“Fundamentally, when it comes to basic service costs, EV models do cost less to run,” Turner added.

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