Buying a new car is a significant investment, whether you’re opting for a reliable mainstream model or indulging in a luxury brand. Beyond the sticker price, savvy car buyers consider the total cost of ownership, and a key factor in this is maintenance. Many car manufacturers offer new car buyers an attractive perk: a free maintenance program. These programs can significantly reduce your expenses in the first few years of ownership, covering essential services and giving you peace of mind. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and want to minimize those early maintenance costs, understanding which brands include a complimentary maintenance package is crucial. This guide dives into the car brands that offer free maintenance programs in 2024, helping you make an informed decision.
Understanding Free Car Maintenance Packages
So, what exactly does a “free maintenance package” entail when you buy a new car? Think of it as an incentive from the automaker, designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly during its initial years. This scheduled maintenance coverage means you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for certain routine services. The specifics of these packages vary depending on the car brand, the specific model, and even the dealership. However, most free maintenance programs typically cover essential services such as:
- Regular Oil Changes: Keeping your engine lubricated with fresh oil is vital for longevity.
- Fluid Replacements: This may include coolant, brake fluid, and other essential vehicle fluids.
- Tire Rotations: Rotating tires at recommended intervals ensures even wear and extends tire life.
- Air Filter Replacements: Clean air filters are important for engine performance and cabin air quality.
It’s important to note that free maintenance programs are not a blanket coverage for everything that might go wrong with your car. They generally do not cover repairs needed due to accidents, wear and tear on cosmetic parts like paint (think stone chips or scratches), or replacements of items like windshields or windows. These types of repairs might be covered by your car insurance, a separate factory warranty, or would be your responsibility to pay for. Especially with luxury cars, understanding the distinction between free maintenance and warranty coverage is key.
The Financial Benefits of Included Car Maintenance
The value of a free maintenance package can be substantial, especially when you consider the typical costs of car ownership. Depending on how long you plan to keep your new car, opting for a brand with included maintenance can lead to significant savings right from the start. The main advantage is the peace of mind knowing that fundamental services are covered by the manufacturer. For example, choosing a brand like Toyota, known for offering a complimentary maintenance plan, could save you an estimated $300 to $400 in routine maintenance costs compared to paying for these services yourself at a dealership or independent service center. For some brands, particularly in the luxury segment, these savings can even reach $1,000 or more over the program’s duration.
However, it’s worth noting that the generosity of free maintenance programs can differ even among luxury brands. While brands like Porsche do offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, it might only extend to the first service appointment. This contrasts with some mainstream brands that provide coverage for multiple years or a more extended mileage period. Therefore, carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of any car maintenance package is essential to understand its true value.
Car Brands Offering Free Maintenance in 2024: Brand by Brand Breakdown
To help you navigate the landscape of Cars With Free Maintenance Programs, we’ve compiled a brand-by-brand guide to the current offerings. Keep in mind that these programs can change, and it’s always recommended to confirm the specifics with your local dealer.
It is crucial to distinguish between manufacturer-provided free maintenance packages and prepaid service plans that dealerships might offer as optional add-ons. We strongly advise you to perform thorough research and confirm directly with the manufacturer or dealer the exact details of what services are covered under the complimentary program.
Brands with Free Maintenance Programs
This section lists car brands offering complimentary maintenance, categorized alphabetically for easy navigation.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo provides a limited free maintenance program for new car buyers. This program covers the first year of ownership or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Audi
Unlike its parent company Volkswagen, Audi currently does not offer a complimentary maintenance program on its new vehicles. This applies across their range, including gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric e-tron models.
BMW
BMW stands out by offering complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles on all new BMW vehicles. This is a significant benefit for new BMW owners, covering essential services during the initial ownership period.
Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Corvette, GMC (General Motors)
General Motors (GM) brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Corvette, and GMC, offer a limited free maintenance service. They provide one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit within the first year of ownership. For the high-performance Corvette C8 specifically, this free service can be redeemed within the first two years.
Ford and Lincoln
Ford and its luxury division, Lincoln, do not generally include complimentary maintenance on new vehicle purchases. However, there’s an exception for Lincoln’s top-tier Black Label models, such as the Aviator and Navigator. These exclusive Lincoln Black Label vehicles come with free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles. This enhanced program includes coverage for items like engine belts, spark plugs, and shock absorbers.
Honda and Acura
Honda and its luxury brand, Acura, both offer complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles. This coverage applies to all new Honda and Acura vehicles, providing a valuable benefit for buyers.
Hyundai and Genesis
Hyundai and its luxury counterpart, Genesis, offer a competitive free scheduled maintenance program for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Combined with their industry-leading warranties, including powertrain and hybrid/EV battery coverage, Hyundai and Genesis provide excellent ownership value.
Infiniti
Infiniti includes three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance across its entire model lineup. This comprehensive program adds significant value to the ownership experience for Infiniti buyers.
Jaguar
Jaguar stands out with one of the most generous free maintenance programs in the luxury segment. Both their internal combustion engine models and the all-electric I-Pace come with complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles.
Jeep
Jeep offers three years of complimentary routine maintenance on all new models as part of their ‘Jeep Wave’ loyalty program. This program also includes benefits like a rental car during service and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Kia
Kia does not offer complimentary maintenance on its new vehicles. Buyers interested in a Korean brand with free maintenance should consider Hyundai or Genesis instead.
Mazda
Mazda does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance on any of its models.
Mercedes-Benz
Despite its luxury status, Mercedes-Benz does not offer free maintenance packages for its internal combustion engine vehicles nationwide. However, in select regions and US states, owners of Mercedes-Benz EQ electric vehicles may be eligible for complimentary maintenance for the first two years of ownership. It’s crucial to check regional availability.
Mini
Similar to its parent company BMW, Mini offers free scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles on new 2024 models, including the Cooper Hardtop and Countryman crossover.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi provides three complimentary maintenance visits within the first two years or 30,000 miles on new models. This coverage extends across their crossover-focused lineup, from the Eclipse Cross to the Outlander.
Porsche
Porsche provides complimentary first scheduled maintenance for new car buyers, which is to be performed within the first year or 10,000 miles of ownership.
Polestar
The electric vehicle brand Polestar offers free maintenance packages for its Polestar 2 and 3 models in the US. This includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles.
Subaru
Subaru does not offer a nationwide free maintenance plan. However, some regions and US states may offer complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. Check with your local Subaru dealer for regional offers.
Toyota and Lexus
Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus, are known for reliability and long-term durability. Toyota models include free scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles. Lexus provides free maintenance for the first two scheduled services: the first within 6 months/5,000 miles and the second at one year/10,000 miles.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles on new models.
Conclusion
Choosing a new car is a complex decision with many factors to weigh. For budget-conscious buyers, or those who simply appreciate added value, a free maintenance program can be a significant advantage. As this guide shows, several brands across both mainstream and luxury segments offer these programs, each with varying terms and coverage. When researching your next car, consider cars with free maintenance programs to potentially save money and enjoy a more worry-free ownership experience in the initial years. Always confirm the specifics of the maintenance package with the dealer to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
