The difference in maintenance costs between SUV’s and regular passenger vehicles

Aug 2013

If you have been considering purchasing a new vehicle, but you cannot decide between an SUV and a sedan, here is some information for you to consider. Due to many differences between these vehicle types, it is obvious that there will be considerable differences when it comes to maintenance and the general running costs.
To illustrate these differences, two of the most popular vehicles in South Africa will be compared. The two vehicles are the Toyota Fortuner 3.0D-4D 4×4 and the Toyota Corolla 1.3 Advanced.
It goes without saying that most regular SUV’s are more expensive to purchase compared to the average family sedan. This particular Fortuner will set you back approximately R471 000,00 while the Corolla retails less than half that price at R213 700,00.
When it comes to fuel consumption, the Corolla comes out on top. Toyota claims consumption figures of 5.9l/100km, but recent tests conducted in Gauteng revealed that certain drivers were able to get their average figure as low as 5.27l/100km. A 3.0 diesel Fortuner, such as this one, will give you a claimed figure of 8.6l/100km.
It’s already made clear that when it comes to consumption, and taking into account the continued increases in petrol prices, the sedan wins the race. In terms of general maintenance, consider the cost of tyres. For a sedan, depending on what tyres you require you will have to pay anywhere from R600 upwards per tyre. When it comes to purchasing tyres for an SUV you could easily pay R1500 and upwards per tyre.
Both vehicles come standard with your Toyota’s standard factory warranty, which covers your vehicle for 3 years or 100000km (whichever occurs first) against manufacturing or mechanical defects, and a 5year /90000km service plan. The cost of servicing your vehicle will vary depending on how old your vehicle is or whether it is a minor or major service interval service plan. Additionally, most new vehicles are sold with service plans these days. This means that when your next planned service is due, it will be paid for from the service plan.
If you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, many are sold with their service plan still intact – which can save you a tidy sum when service time comes around. So with this in mind, it is recommended that you do thorough research on the running costs of any vehicle you wish to purchase.