In today’s automotive market, where new car prices are continually climbing, any added perk can significantly ease the financial strain of ownership. While many automakers provide warranties, the specifics of included maintenance programs vary greatly, and not all are complimentary. Free car maintenance programs, typically spanning from 1 to 5 years, offer considerable savings and peace of mind. These programs usually cover the initial years or a certain mileage, whichever comes first, making brands that offer them particularly attractive to budget-conscious shoppers.
Brands Offering Complimentary Car Maintenance in 2024
Several automakers stand out by including free maintenance with new vehicle purchases. Here are some brands offering notable programs in 2024:
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Hyundai: Hyundai provides new owners with a generous complimentary maintenance plan covering the first three years or 36,000 miles. This program encompasses regularly scheduled maintenance, helping to keep your vehicle running smoothly without extra costs in the initial years.
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Lexus: Luxury brand Lexus ensures its customers experience premium service right from the start. Every new Lexus vehicle includes two free maintenance visits. The first visit is recommended at 6 months or 5,000 miles, and the second at 12 months or 10,000 miles, covering essential check-ups and services.
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MINI: For those who enjoy a bit of fun with their ride, MINI offers complimentary maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles on every new model. This includes essential services such as oil changes and brake fluid service, part of the regularly scheduled maintenance to keep your MINI in top condition.
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Nissan: Nissan steps in with the Nissan Maintenance Care program, offering up to three oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This program helps owners manage basic maintenance needs early in their ownership.
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Infiniti: Infiniti elevates the maintenance offering with its Premium Care program. This program includes up to three years of essential services like oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, brake fluid changes, and air filter replacements. Unlike Nissan, the mileage allowance can vary depending on the specific Infiniti model.
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Toyota: Known for reliability, Toyota further enhances its appeal with ToyotaCare. Every new Toyota comes with free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. ToyotaCare covers essential maintenance and also provides 24-hour roadside assistance during the coverage period.
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Volkswagen: Volkswagen provides new owners with peace of mind through free maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles on every new VW model. This coverage helps manage the initial maintenance needs of your new Volkswagen.
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Jaguar: For luxury and extensive coverage, Jaguar leads the pack with Jaguar Elitecare. This program offers an impressive five years or 60,000 miles of free maintenance to new Jaguar owners. This comprehensive coverage underscores Jaguar’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
The Real Value of Free Car Maintenance Programs
Is opting for a car with free maintenance truly beneficial? In essence, securing value for your money is always a smart move. While free maintenance alone might not justify choosing a significantly more expensive vehicle, it certainly adds value, especially when routine car service costs can accumulate. In some instances, the value of free maintenance could be equivalent to several hundred dollars in savings over the program period.
If your vehicle typically requires costly scheduled maintenance, a few years of complimentary oil changes and services can indeed be a persuasive factor. For brands that don’t include free maintenance, prepaid maintenance plans are often available, offering a way to manage and potentially reduce future service expenses. These plans can sometimes be customized to suit individual driving habits and needs.
While complimentary routine maintenance is becoming less common among some automakers and more adopted by others, it remains a valuable advantage in today’s market. In an era of elevated new car prices, any perk that reduces the overall cost of ownership, such as comprehensive maintenance programs, adds tangible value for new car buyers. Exploring the maintenance programs offered is a recommended step when considering your next vehicle purchase.
