This is how much service costs for 18 popular car models

How often a car needs to be serviced varies between models and powertrains. Many modern cars today have variable service intervals where the car itself notifies you when it is time for a workshop visit, based on driving style and use. This means that the service cost can differ even between two copies of the same model.

The difference between service for electric cars, petrol cars and plug-in hybrids

What is included in a service depends on the type of so-called powertrain the car has. For petrol and diesel cars, this usually involves changing the oil, filters, spark plugs and checking wear parts. Some models also have larger service intervals at specific mileages. This may involve changing the timing belt or changing the gearbox oil. Plug-in hybrids combine a combustion engine and an electric motor, which means that they effectively need maintenance for two different powertrains.

Electric cars generally have lower maintenance requirements. Since electric motors have fewer moving parts, neither engine oil nor traditional engine filters are needed. At the same time, there are several components that require regular maintenance regardless of the powertrain. Brakes, suspension, cabin air filters and air conditioning still need to be checked.

Branded workshop or independent workshop?

The cost is affected by where the car is serviced. Many newer cars are taken to a brand-name repair shop during the warranty period, while older cars are more often serviced at independent repair shops. For several years now, there has been no requirement that service must be carried out at an authorized repair shop, as long as the work is done according to the manufacturer's recommendations and with the correct parts.

This is how much it costs to service 18 popular car models

We have reviewed a selection of popular car models from the 2021–2022 model year with around 4,500 km on the odometer and calculated what the service cost is expected to be over the next three years, expressed per year. The calculations for annual service cost have been developed together with Autoexperten.

Electric cars are leaking out

The results show large differences. Electric cars generally have the lowest service costs. Skoda Enyaq , Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6 are all around or below 2,000 SEK per year. The Tesla Model Y stands out in particular, where traditional scheduled service is only done when necessary.

Among petrol cars, the costs are both higher and more even. Small cars like the Toyota Aygo X and Kia Picanto cost around SEK 3,800 per year to service, while larger and more technologically advanced plug-in hybrids have significantly higher service costs. The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid tops the list with over SEK 6,600 per year.

Here we have calculated popular car models with model year 2021–2022 with around 4,500 kilometers driven. The figures show the service cost for the next three years, expressed per year. The calculations have been developed together with Autoexperten.

Service history is important when buying a used car

Increasingly, the service book is digital instead of physical. When buying a used car, it is important to check that the service history is documented and that the recommended service intervals have been followed.

Regular servicing is not only about reducing the risk of expensive repairs. It is also an important factor in the car's resale value when it comes time to sell it. You know that Kvdbil always reports the service history, right?

Read also: Time to service your car? This is what you need to know!