Are Teslas expensive to maintain?

 Are Teslas expensive to maintain?

The short answer is: Generally no — Tesla maintenance tends to be lower than many gasoline cars and many other EVs over time, but there are some important caveats. (Recharged)

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🔧 Routine Maintenance Costs — Usually Lower Than Gas Cars

Why everyday maintenance is cheaper on a Tesla:

• No oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or fuel filters.

• Regenerative braking dramatically reduces brake wear.

• Fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles. (Recharged)

Typical maintenance estimates:

• Many owners pay roughly $300–$700 per year on average for routine maintenance. (Tesla)

• Over a 10-year period, surveys show Tesla has among the lowest maintenance costs of all car brands — about $4,000 total vs much higher totals for others. (Green Car Reports)

• For example, Consumer Reports data suggests Tesla’s maintenance out-of-pocket costs over 10 years rank below Toyota, Buick, and many others. (electriquity.com)

👉 This is mainly because routine service is simpler and less frequent than for gasoline cars.

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⚠️ When Costs Can Be High

Even though normal upkeep is often inexpensive, there are scenarios where costs can add up:

1. Collision & Body Repairs

• Tesla bodywork, glass, sensors, cameras, and aluminum panels can be expensive to fix after an accident. (Recharged)

2. Out-of-Warranty Repairs

• If something breaks outside of warranty (especially electronics, sensors, or high-voltage components), repairs can run into the thousands of dollars. (Recharged)

3. Tires

• Tesla vehicles are heavy and performance-oriented, so tires can wear faster than on some other cars — another real but sometimes overlooked cost. (GOBankingRates)

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🆚 Tesla vs Gas Cars & Other EVs

Category	Tesla	Typical Gas Car	Other EVs
Routine yearly maintenance	Often lower	Often higher (oil, filters, etc.)	Similar
Major repair risk	Can be expensive	Can be expensive	Varies
10-year projected maintenance	Among lowest	Often higher	Similar or slightly higher

• Teslas generally cost less to maintain than many gas cars, especially over the first 10 years. (Green Car Reports)

• Compared with other EVs, Tesla maintenance is competitive — often slightly lower — but differences aren’t always huge. (雅虎财经)

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📌 Important Notes

✔ Warranty matters: Tesla’s battery and drivetrain warranties are long (~8 years), which reduces repair costs early in ownership. (Tesla)
✔ Insurance isn’t included: Tesla insurance can be more expensive than average — but that’s insurance, not maintenance. (Separate from routine upkeep.) (Business Insider)
✔ Service access: Tesla service centers aren’t everywhere, and wait times can vary. Some owners use mobile service to save time.

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✅ Bottom Line

Routine upkeep on a Tesla is often cheaper than on most gasoline cars and many other EVs, thanks to fewer moving parts and less scheduled maintenance.
However, major repairs and bodywork can be costly if they happen out of warranty.

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If you want, I can break it down further for a specific Tesla model (e.g., Model 3 vs Model Y) or compare Canada-specific maintenance costs with Ontario figures. Just ask!