Repair Costs: Foreign Import v. Domestic Vehicles

What to Expect in Maintenance for Your Foreign Import

When selecting your vehicle, there may have been any number of reasons why you chose an Import. Foreign vehicles are known for their performance, like the German vehicles that get their spirit from the Nuremberg race track. Maybe you were drawn to Italian luxury, with supple leather and details that catch the eye. The technology and advancements in Japanese cars are making them more prevalent on the roads in Chantilly, Virginia. Whatever the reason why you chose a foreign make, you know that you will need specialist maintenance for your unique vehicle.

While it’s not a hard and fast rule that foreign vehicles are more expensive to maintain, if you think about why people choose foreign, it may make sense why it costs more. A car that was chosen for its speed and performance will be driven like a performance car. The wear on the engine will be greater, and it will require more frequent oil changes to keep the engine from overheating and damaging itself. The technological developments in vehicles are also prone to unavoidable issues because it’s all so new. The more advanced the technology, the more quickly it will feel out of date and require updates or maintenance.

Not all foreign brands mean you will be spending more on maintenance than a domestic vehicle. In fact, Honda and Toyota both buck the trend of expensive foreign vehicles to maintain. Both of these brands have begun generating a reputation for long-lasting engines and sturdy builds. This is also due to regular preventative maintenance that keeps the engine from wearing out in the first place.

Whether foreign or domestic, preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle has a long life. Diagnostic checks use your vehicle’s technology to best effect. Often your vehicle has a system check that will let the technician know any areas of concern. Oil changes keep your engine cooled and lubricated so it can perform to your needs. Suspension and tire checks ensure you have the smoothest contact with the road to reduce the overall wear on your vehicle. After all, preventing a problem is easier than fixing it.