Are Chryslers Expensive to Maintain?
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After you've bought a car, you'll still have to cover the repairs and other expenses. Having your vehicle maintained is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly. Some cars cost more to service annually.
One of the essential factors you should consider when choosing a car brand is its affordability and reliability. But are Chryslers expensive to maintain?
Chrysler is a relatively reliable brand that is often cheaper to maintain than the average vehicle. The average annual repair cost for a Chrysler is around $600.
Chrysler is an excellent choice for weekend drivers and daily commuters due to its affordable and reliable characteristics. However, before you buy a car, you must understand the cost of ownership.
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Are Chryslers Expensive to Maintain?
The cost of maintenance for Chrysler is slightly higher than that of other car brands. On average, it costs around $608 annually to maintain a Chrysler, which is less than the average of about $646.
However, since it mainly makes minivans and sedans, it does not perform well compared to other car brands.
When considering a new or used Chrysler, you might start asking yourself: What does it cost to maintain a car? This article will comprehensively summarize the costs associated with maintaining a Chrysler.
How Expensive Is It to Maintain a Chrysler?
Founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler, the company is known for its minivans and sedans. Due to its high-reliability rating, it has been regarded as one of the most popular car brands among families.
The following are the cost of maintaining the three models Chrysler:
The Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a spacious sedan that can accommodate five adults. It has various features and options, such as a Uconnect infotainment system.
The 300 is available in two different engine types: the 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8. Both of these have eight-speed automatic transmissions. You can also choose from one of four trim levels: the Touring, Touring L, S V6, or the S V8.
Owners of the Chrysler 300 can expect to spend around $631 annually on general maintenance.
This includes essential services like oil changes and tire rotations. Over the next 10 years, this cost can reach about $6,310.
You can avoid paying for essential maintenance with a sound vehicle protection plan.
These plans provide comprehensive coverage for the car's most vital components and come with various regular maintenance services for free. These include oil changes, tire rotation, pressure checks, and more.
The Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler minivan, which was first introduced in 1999, is currently available in different trim levels and prices starting at around $36,245.
Like the 300, the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that can provide a powerful and efficient performance. Its fuel economy is also expected to be around 21 miles per gallon.
The hybrid version of the vehicle, also known as the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, can achieve an impressive 82 miles per gallon in city driving and a total driving range of over 500 miles.
All the trim levels of the hybrid model feature a Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine. The Pacific also comes in four trim levels: the Touring, Limited, Touring L, and the Pinnacle.
Although the hybrid versions of the vehicle can cost more, the average cost of maintaining the standard model of the Chrysler Pacifica is around $647 annually.
With a free year of Endurance's premium benefits, you can enjoy various perks, such as 24-hour roadside assistance, tire repair, and key fob replacement.
Just purchase any of Endurance's protection plans, and you'll be able to get peace of mind knowing that the company will be there to help you whenever your vehicle experiences any issues.
The Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager is a more economical version of the Pacifica that comes in the L and L trim levels.
Like the other models, it features a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It can be purchased for around $28,160 to $33,545.
The average cost of maintaining the Chrysler Voyager is around $647 annually. However, given its lower purchase price, this amount could cost you more over a decade.
Common Chrysler Repairs and Costs
One of the most popular vehicles manufactured by Chrysler is the Chrysler 300.
Unfortunately, it can also come with common issues, such as engine failure due to oil sludge. And taking care of this problem can cost northwards $6,000.
Some drivers of the Chrysler Pacifica have reported experiencing hard shifting, which can result in an out-of-pocket cost of around $1,390 for repairs. The same issue can also be encountered with the Chrysler Voyager.
How Frequently Does a Chrysler Require Maintenance?
To determine the frequency of major maintenance, we looked at the number of times a vehicle needed major unscheduled maintenance within three years. This type of repair usually involves a component or part that costs over $1,000.
Although this data is based on a make-model basis, factors such as miles per gallon and driving habits can also affect the frequency of major repairs.
For instance, older vehicles may require more frequent services. On the other hand, new cars often don't need as much attention.
The frequency score measures how frequently a vehicle needs major repairs. It shows how often a specific model requires major maintenance over three years. The score is presented in a way that shows how often this vehicle requires major repairs.
A vehicle with a frequency score of 3 typically requires primary services yearly. On the other hand, vehicles with a score of 0 would typically require fewer repairs.
The frequency score of Chrysler is computed to be around 0.75. This means that it's significantly better than the average of 1.3. Although many reliable vehicles require regular maintenance, some may require more visits.
For instance, some domestic brands may require higher maintenance levels but at a lower overall cost. This doesn't mean that the car breaks less often, but it shows that it's very easy to fix if there are issues.
Some repairs are typically more expensive than the average repair cost. When it comes to major repairs, such as replacing a major component or engine, RepairPal uses a severity score to identify these types of repairs.
The severity score can determine which makes and models have the most potential issues that need major repairs. It can be used to estimate the likelihood of these issues happening.
The NHTSA also uses the severity score to enforce the safety standards of vehicles. It can help prevent accidents involving cars that need repairs. The Chrysler 300 has a severity score of 13%, significantly higher than the average for other vehicle models.
If you're considering getting an extended warranty, the severity score can be used to help you make an informed decision. Although it's not always economically feasible, these types of insurance can help avoid costly repairs.
The reliability score is also used to help give a good impression of a vehicle's overall condition. This study looks at the trade-in and auction vehicle data to see how frequently these problems occur.
Why Are Chrysler Costly to Maintain?
We've already established that the vehicles manufactured by Chrysler are more expensive to maintain than the average.
The main culprit is the 300 model. Although the maintenance costs for the smaller car aren't as high as those for, the larger model, the 300, requires more frequent repairs.
Although the 300 is the most popular model manufactured by Chrysler, other models, such as the first and second generations, have also experienced various problems.
These include the gearbox design and the door panels' warp when exposed to high temperatures.
Due to the various problems that have been encountered by Chrysler, many people have been searching for private solutions to their vehicle's problems instead of having it repaired through a manufacturer's warranty.
Unlike other Asian brands, Chrysler is only made in Detroit and doesn't have the same labor and cost advantages compared to other companies. This makes it slightly expensive to maintain.
A Recommended Maintenance Plan For Chrysler Cars
Having a maintenance schedule is very important for any vehicle, as it can extend the life of your car. It can also prevent you from going to the repair shop without a scheduled service.
In addition, it can help prevent you from voiding your vehicle service contract or extended auto warranty.
8,000 Miles
After every 8,000 miles, changing the oil and filters and rotating the tires are recommended.
16,000 Miles
After the 16,000-mile mark, make sure that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle components, such as the brake linings, the exhaust system, and the front suspension.
24,000 Miles
After 24,000 miles, you must regularly change the oil, filter, and inspect the CV joints. Also, make sure that the exhaust system is working properly.
