What you'll see
- Known faults for that exact model with UK repair costs
- Independent garage vs main dealer pricing
- MOT failure rate: how likely it is to need work
- Common MOT failure points for that model
- Tax status and fuel type
- Severity rating for each known issue
Why check running costs before buying?
The purchase price of a used car is only part of the cost. A car that seems like a bargain can quickly become expensive if it has a history of faults that cost hundreds or thousands of pounds to fix. Our running costs check shows you the known issues for that specific model, what they typically cost to repair at both independent garages and main dealers, and how likely the car is to fail its MOT each year.
MOT failure rates are a strong indicator of ongoing maintenance costs. A model with a 30% failure rate will cost you more in garage time than one with a 12% rate. We show you the actual DVSA-sourced failure rate for the model you are looking at, so you can factor it into your budget before making an offer.
Repair costs vary hugely between models. A timing chain replacement on one car might cost £400 at an independent garage. On another, the same job could be £3,000 because the engine has to be removed. Our database tracks these costs across hundreds of models so you know what to expect before the first bill arrives.
Running costs also include tax, fuel and insurance. Our free check shows you the fuel type and current tax status so you can estimate your annual outgoings. Combined with our known faults data, you get a realistic picture of what ownership will actually cost.not just what the seller tells you.
The true cost of owning a car in the UK
The purchase price is just the start. Total annual running costs for a typical car in the UK range from £3,400 to £5,000 before depreciation, and £5,000 to £8,000 with depreciation included. Here is where the money goes.
The cost breakdown
- Fuel - the biggest variable. At current prices (petrol ~159p/litre, diesel ~184p/litre), a typical 45mpg petrol car doing 10,000 miles costs £1,400-£1,800 per year in fuel.
- Insurance - £600-£1,200 per year for most UK drivers. Varies enormously by age, location, car group and driving history.
- Road tax (VED) - £200 per year standard rate for post-2017 cars. Can be £0 to £790+ for older cars depending on emissions.
- Servicing and maintenance - budget £300-£600 per year for routine servicing. Add £200-£500 for tyres, brakes and unexpected repairs on older cars.
- MOT - maximum test fee £54.85, plus the cost of any repairs needed to pass.
- Depreciation - the hidden cost. A new car can lose £3,000-£5,000 per year in value. A five-year-old car may only lose £500-£1,000.
Lower and higher cost brands to maintain
Servicing costs vary dramatically by brand. Based on industry data, Kia, Dacia, Toyota, Hyundai and Nissan tend to have lower servicing costs. At the other end, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW cost two to three times more per service visit. Parts commonality matters too: Volkswagen Group brands (VW, Skoda, SEAT, Audi) share many components, so a Skoda can sometimes use cheaper alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What running costs can I check for free?
Our free check shows you the known faults for the specific model with repair cost estimates at both independent garages and main dealers, the MOT failure rate from DVSA data, current tax status, fuel type and engine size. These are the key factors that determine what a car costs to own beyond the purchase price.
Where do the repair cost estimates come from?
Our repair costs are compiled from UK garage data, manufacturer service bulletins, specialist workshop feedback and owner reports. We show ranges rather than exact figures because costs vary by location, garage and the specific parts needed. The ranges give you a realistic bracket for budgeting.
How does MOT failure rate affect running costs?
A higher MOT failure rate means the car is more likely to need repair work each year to pass its test. MOT-related repairs are a significant running cost for older vehicles. Models with high failure rates on items like suspension, brakes and emissions tend to cost more to maintain over time. Our check shows the failure rate for the exact model you are looking at.
What is the difference between independent and main dealer costs?
Independent garages are typically 30% to 50% cheaper than main dealer workshops for the same repair. The quality of work can be equivalent or even better if you find a specialist. For common repairs, an independent garage is almost always better value. Main dealer costs are worth paying for warranty work, recalls and complex diagnostic-heavy jobs on newer cars.
Does this include insurance and fuel costs?
Our free check shows you the fuel type and engine size, which are the main factors in fuel costs and insurance grouping. We do not currently estimate insurance premiums or fuel costs directly, as these depend heavily on your personal circumstances, driving habits and location. The repair costs and MOT data we provide cover the maintenance side of running costs.
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Learn more
Repair costs from UK garage data and specialist workshop feedback. MOT data from DVSA. Vehicle data from DVLA. Last updated September 2026.