Purchasing a new car, whether a mainstream model like Toyota or a luxury brand like BMW, is a major financial decision. Beyond the purchase price, buyers must consider factors such as insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs.
Many car manufacturers offer free maintenance packages to attract customers, reducing early ownership expenses and ensuring the vehicle remains in optimal condition.
Understanding which brands provide free maintenance and what these packages cover can help buyers make informed decisions and save money. This guide explores the maintenance benefits offered by various car manufacturers.
A free maintenance package is an incentive provided by car manufacturers covering scheduled service work for a set period or mileage limit. These packages typically include:
- Oil changes
- Fluid replacements
- Tire rotations
- Air filter replacements
However, they often exclude repairs for accident damage, cosmetic wear, and glass replacements. Some brands offer more extensive coverage, while others limit it to the first service or a short ownership period.
The savings from a free maintenance package depend on the duration of coverage and the type of vehicle. Examples include:
- Toyota: Owners save approximately $300–$400 over the first few years.
- BMW: With a three-year/36,000-mile coverage, owners of these luxury vehicles save significantly on service costs.
- Porsche: Offers limited free maintenance, typically covering only the first service.
Luxury brands may not always provide extensive free maintenance, meaning owners could still face high service expenses early in the car’s life cycle.
Free Maintenance Packages by Car Brand
1. Toyota
Toyota offers two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. This coverage includes oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-ups. ToyotaCare, the brand’s free maintenance program, applies to all new models and ensures cost savings for early servicing. Additionally, Toyota provides 24-hour roadside assistance for two years with unlimited mileage, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
2. Honda/Acura
Honda and Acura provide two years or 24,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. The package covers oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. While Honda’s offering is relatively standard, Acura’s free maintenance adds a premium touch to its luxury lineup. New owners benefit from lower early ownership costs, ensuring essential maintenance is taken care of without additional expense.
3. Hyundai/Genesis
Hyundai and Genesis offer three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. This includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. Combined with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranties, this maintenance package adds significant value. Genesis, as a luxury division, extends similar benefits, reinforcing its commitment to hassle-free ownership.
4. Mazda
Mazda does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, some dealerships may offer prepaid maintenance plans at an extra cost. While Mazda excels in reliability and efficiency, owners must budget for routine maintenance expenses, making it less appealing compared to brands with included servicing.
5. Kia
Kia does not include free maintenance with its vehicles. Owners must pay for routine services unless they opt for a prepaid maintenance plan. Kia’s strong warranty coverage helps offset long-term costs, but buyers looking for free scheduled maintenance may find better value in Hyundai models, which share similar engineering.
6. Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi offers three free maintenance visits within the first two years or 30,000 miles. This plan covers oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and inspections. While not as extensive as Hyundai’s program, Mitsubishi’s coverage helps reduce early ownership costs and ensures proper vehicle upkeep.
7. BMW
BMW provides three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. The program includes oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups, and routine inspections. This benefit significantly reduces service costs for luxury car buyers. BMW’s maintenance coverage is among the best in the premium segment, adding value to its vehicles.
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8. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz does not offer free maintenance for combustion-engine models. However, all-electric EQ models receive two years of complimentary service in select regions. The brand’s prepaid maintenance plans can help reduce service costs, but prospective buyers must account for routine maintenance expenses.
9. Jaguar
Jaguar provides an industry-leading five years or 60,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. This extensive plan covers oil changes, brake fluid replacements, and tire rotations. Jaguar’s commitment to after-sales service makes it one of the most appealing luxury brands in terms of maintenance coverage.
10. Audi
Audi does not include complimentary maintenance with new vehicle purchases. Owners must pay for routine services or opt for a prepaid maintenance plan. Despite its luxury status, Audi does not match the free maintenance offerings of competitors like BMW and Jaguar.
11. Infiniti
Infiniti offers three years of free scheduled maintenance, covering essential services like oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections. This package enhances the brand’s appeal by reducing ownership costs, making it a competitive choice in the luxury segment.
12. Porsche
Porsche offers limited free maintenance, usually covering only the first service. This means owners must budget for maintenance costs beyond the initial check-up. While Porsche vehicles are known for performance and engineering excellence, their high service costs can be a drawback.
13. Ford/Lincoln
Ford does not offer free maintenance, but Lincoln’s Black Label models receive four years or 50,000 miles of complimentary scheduled servicing. This exclusive package includes oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections, adding value to high-end Lincoln models.
14. Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac/GMC
General Motors brands provide one free scheduled maintenance service within the first year. Corvette C8 owners can redeem this service at any time within the first two years. While this offering is minimal, it still provides some early savings for new vehicle buyers.
15. Jeep
Jeep includes three years of free maintenance through its ‘Jeep Wave’ program. This package covers essential services and includes additional perks like one-day rental car access and 24/7 roadside assistance, enhancing the ownership experience.
While free maintenance packages help reduce costs, buyers should carefully review the terms. Some packages only cover basic services, while others may include roadside assistance or rental car perks. Additionally, some dealerships offer prepaid service plans, which differ from manufacturer-backed free maintenance programs.
Choosing a car with a free maintenance package can lead to significant savings and peace of mind. Brands like Toyota, BMW, and Jaguar provide generous coverage, while luxury names like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche offer limited or no maintenance benefits.
Prospective buyers should compare their options carefully and prioritize models with extensive maintenance coverage to maximize their investment. By understanding these packages, new car owners can enjoy a worry-free ownership experience while minimizing unexpected expenses.
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