Car Maintenance Costs: Approximately 70% Feel They are "Higher Than Expected" – Strategies to Reduce Expenses Revealed
A joint survey by NEXER and Fujiya Glass reveals that 70.3% of car owners find maintenance costs higher than expected, with battery and tire replacements being the main culprits for unexpected expenses. While many feel the financial burden, only about 20% actively take steps like DIY or using specialty shops to save money.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 11:09 (378h 21m after Collected)
■ Realities of Car Upkeep and Maintenance Costs Revealed
Owning a car involves various ongoing costs, not just daily gasoline and insurance, but also inspections, consumable replacements, and unexpected repairs. Maintenance costs, in particular, can vary significantly based on vehicle type, model year, and mileage, often leading owners to feel they are more expensive than anticipated.
In collaboration with Fujiya Glass Co., Ltd., a specialist in automotive glass, NEXER conducted a survey on "Car Maintenance and Upkeep Costs" among 400 men and women nationwide who identified as car owners.
[Survey Overview]
- Method: Online questionnaire
- Period: March 10 to March 23, 2026
- Target: Men and women nationwide who own a car
- Valid Samples: 400
■ 26.8% Spend "10,000 to Less Than 30,000 JPY" Annually
First, the survey looked at annual maintenance costs (including inspections, consumables, and repairs). The most common response was "10,000 to less than 30,000 JPY" at 26.8%, followed by "less than 10,000 JPY" (21.8%) and "50,000 to less than 10,000 JPY" (19.8%). While nearly half (48.6%) keep costs under 30,000 JPY, a segment spends significantly more, with 2.8% exceeding 200,000 JPY per year.
■ 70.3% Have Felt Costs are "Higher Than Expected"
When asked if they ever felt maintenance costs were higher than expected, 25.8% said "often" and 44.5% said "sometimes," totaling 70.3%. This suggests a widespread shock among drivers regarding actual service fees.
■ 52.0% Have Experienced "Unexpected Expenses"
Over half of respondents (52.0%) reported experiencing unexpected costs during maintenance. The top "unexpected" items were:
1. Battery replacement (52.4%)
2. Tire replacement (48.6%)
3. Additional repairs during vehicle inspections (33.2%)
The difficulty in predicting when batteries or tires will deteriorate often leads to these surprise financial hits.
■ Only 20.5% Take Measures to Reduce Costs
Despite the high percentage of people feeling the pinch, 79.5% answered that they do "nothing" to lower maintenance costs. Among the 20.5% who do try to save, the most popular methods were "DIY tasks where possible" (42.7%), "preventing major failures through regular checks" (37.8%), and "using auto parts stores" (23.2%).
■ 45.0% Have Used Non-Dealer Specialty Shops
Finally, the survey asked about the usage of specialty shops other than authorized dealers. 45.0% have used them, citing "cheaper prices for the same work," "campaign discounts," and "flexibility/no appointment needed." Those who stick to dealers (55.0%) prioritize "peace of mind," "reliability," and "familiarity with their specific vehicle."
■ Summary
The survey highlights that while most drivers feel maintenance is a financial burden, few take proactive steps to mitigate costs. Regular inspections for early detection and exploring reliable specialty shops for specific repairs like glass replacement are recommended as effective ways to broaden options and save money.
Owning a car involves various ongoing costs, not just daily gasoline and insurance, but also inspections, consumable replacements, and unexpected repairs. Maintenance costs, in particular, can vary significantly based on vehicle type, model year, and mileage, often leading owners to feel they are more expensive than anticipated.
In collaboration with Fujiya Glass Co., Ltd., a specialist in automotive glass, NEXER conducted a survey on "Car Maintenance and Upkeep Costs" among 400 men and women nationwide who identified as car owners.
[Survey Overview]
- Method: Online questionnaire
- Period: March 10 to March 23, 2026
- Target: Men and women nationwide who own a car
- Valid Samples: 400
■ 26.8% Spend "10,000 to Less Than 30,000 JPY" Annually
First, the survey looked at annual maintenance costs (including inspections, consumables, and repairs). The most common response was "10,000 to less than 30,000 JPY" at 26.8%, followed by "less than 10,000 JPY" (21.8%) and "50,000 to less than 10,000 JPY" (19.8%). While nearly half (48.6%) keep costs under 30,000 JPY, a segment spends significantly more, with 2.8% exceeding 200,000 JPY per year.
■ 70.3% Have Felt Costs are "Higher Than Expected"
When asked if they ever felt maintenance costs were higher than expected, 25.8% said "often" and 44.5% said "sometimes," totaling 70.3%. This suggests a widespread shock among drivers regarding actual service fees.
■ 52.0% Have Experienced "Unexpected Expenses"
Over half of respondents (52.0%) reported experiencing unexpected costs during maintenance. The top "unexpected" items were:
1. Battery replacement (52.4%)
2. Tire replacement (48.6%)
3. Additional repairs during vehicle inspections (33.2%)
The difficulty in predicting when batteries or tires will deteriorate often leads to these surprise financial hits.
■ Only 20.5% Take Measures to Reduce Costs
Despite the high percentage of people feeling the pinch, 79.5% answered that they do "nothing" to lower maintenance costs. Among the 20.5% who do try to save, the most popular methods were "DIY tasks where possible" (42.7%), "preventing major failures through regular checks" (37.8%), and "using auto parts stores" (23.2%).
■ 45.0% Have Used Non-Dealer Specialty Shops
Finally, the survey asked about the usage of specialty shops other than authorized dealers. 45.0% have used them, citing "cheaper prices for the same work," "campaign discounts," and "flexibility/no appointment needed." Those who stick to dealers (55.0%) prioritize "peace of mind," "reliability," and "familiarity with their specific vehicle."
■ Summary
The survey highlights that while most drivers feel maintenance is a financial burden, few take proactive steps to mitigate costs. Regular inspections for early detection and exploring reliable specialty shops for specific repairs like glass replacement are recommended as effective ways to broaden options and save money.
FAQ
What is the average annual cost for car maintenance?
According to the survey, 'under 30,000 JPY' accounts for nearly half of respondents, with '10,000–30,000 JPY' being the most common tier at 26.8%. However, some owners spend over 200,000 JPY depending on the car's condition.
What are the most common 'unexpected' maintenance expenses?
Battery replacement (52.4%) is the top unexpected cost, followed by tire replacement (48.6%) and additional repairs found during mandatory vehicle inspections (33.2%). These items often fail unpredictably.
How can I reduce my car maintenance costs?
Regular inspections are key to preventing major, expensive breakdowns. Additionally, utilizing specialized shops or auto parts stores instead of authorized dealers can significantly reduce labor and parts costs.