Are Fords Expensive to Maintain?
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They’re an America-made staple, offering vehicles for everyone from heavy duty trucks to sporty Mustangs. But are Fords expensive to maintain?
Although Ford cars are known for their versatility and toughness, their annual maintenance costs are higher than the industry average.
Let’s see how it works.
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Are Fords Expensive to Maintain?
According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for Ford cars is around $775, which is higher than the average cost of all vehicles in the industry. This includes unexpected breakdowns and scheduled maintenance.
To give you an idea of the potential cost of repairs, take a look at the following Ford models;
Ford Fusion: $581, Ford Escape: $600, Ford Edge: $611, Ford Ranger: $615, Ford Mustang: $709, Ford Explorer: $732, Ford F-150: $788, and Ford Expedition: $861
According to the latest ratings released by Consumer Reports, Ford was the best American brand in the automotive industry regarding reliability.
However, it was still ranked in the bottom half of the list of all brands regarding reliability, at 18 out of 29.
On the website RepairPal, Ford received a 3.5 out of 5 stars for its reliability. This means Ford ranked 20th out of 32 brands, which places it in the bottom half of the list.
Determinants of Ford Maintenance Costs
The exact cost of repairs for Ford depends on several factors. One of these is the predictable nature of scheduled maintenance, which includes oil changes and filter replacements.
Unfortunately, Fords will likely require repairs that are less predictable.
Things like the model of the Ford, how often it is used, the climate and road conditions of the location where it is driven, how old it is, and how many miles are on it.
The recommended schedule for regular maintenance is:
10,000 Miles
After every 10,000 miles, you must change the engine oil and oil filter, rotate the tires, and conduct general systems inspections.
20,000 Miles
Replace the cabin air filter.
30,000 Miles
Replace the engine air filter.
100,000 Miles
Replace the engine coolant and spark plugs. Also, change the drive belt.
150,000 Miles
Replace the transmission fluid and timing belt.
Ford's Prepaid Maintenance Plan
The Protect Premium Maintenance Plan from Ford lasts up to eight years or 150,000 miles and covers various services and repairs including oil changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections.
The plan consists of wear-and-tear components such as brake pads, clutch discs, spark plugs, and engine belts. It's also suitable for secondary buyers and comes with a small fee.
As an example of how much this maintenance plan costs, a 2019 Ford Escape SEL quote estimated that the plan's total cost was $2,590.
A prepaid maintenance plan from Ford provides predictability by guaranteeing that your vehicle's service costs will stay the same throughout the contract.
Can a Car Warranty Lower Your Ford Maintenance Cost?
An extended warranty can lower your vehicle's ownership costs by covering a variety of costly repairs, such as those related to mechanical issues.
With an extended warranty, you don't have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. Instead, the plan provides you with a one-time payment or monthly contract.
Some companies also offer maintenance contracts designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
An extended warranty can provide you with peace of mind, as it can cover the cost of repairs over time and help you maintain a consistent budget.
Ford Extended Warranty
Ford's extended warranty can cover your vehicle for up to eight years or 150,000 miles, depending on the model.
Although the company offers four coverage options, these are only accepted at dealerships. If you're looking for more flexibility, consider a third-party warranty.
Extended Warranty from a Third-Party Provider
Through third-party providers, you can get coverage at any licensed repair shop. These companies have more competition and lower prices compared to dealers.
Usually, third-party plans are cheaper than extended warranties from the dealer.
Although the plans from third-party providers can last longer than Ford's, it's important to note that they can only cover up to 250,000 miles.
Toyota VS. Ford Repair and Maintenance Cost
Toyota is currently the world's largest carmaker, while Ford is a major player in North America. But how do their maintenance costs compare with eachother?
Repair and maintenance on a Ford is going to be a lot more expensive than a Toyota.
Toyota owners typically spend around $441 annually on repairs and maintenance, while Ford's owners would spend about $785.
The difference is even larger if you consider the average cost to maintain a vehicle for the first ten years after it's been purchased. Toyota is the cheapest brand in the industry regarding vehicle maintenance, costing around $5,000 less than Ford over a decade.
The average price of essential maintenance on a Toyota car should be around $75 to $150. However, the 100,000 miles annual service is more expensive, costing about $500 to $600.
Ford charges significantly higher maintenance fees. Expect to pay around $190 for a 25,000-mile service and about $775 for a 100,000-mile service.
Specific models, such as the Ford F-150, come with lower maintenance costs than their Toyota counterparts. A simple oxygen sensor replacement for the F-150 will set you back $143, while the same procedure for the Toyota Tundra will cost you $269.
Toyota has the lowest rates when it comes to replacing parts. Ford, on the other hand, is somewhere in the middle.
For instance, the cost of a replacement for a spark plug on a Ford Explorer, it can be done for around $280, while it would cost $158 for a Toyota Highlander.
