Maintenance costs of US cars – expensive myth or underestimated reality? Including a practical example.
- Dirk Hartmann
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
In Germany, American cars are often perceived as expensive, fuel-thirsty, and high-maintenance. Models like the Dodge Challenger or the Ford Mustang, in particular, are quickly pigeonholed as costly.
But what is the reality really like – especially with US imports ?
The honest answer:
Many maintenance costs are significantly fairer than their reputation suggests.
Insurance – often cheaper than expected
A big surprise for many buyers is the insurance .
Contrary to popular belief, US cars are common in Germany:
Cheaper insurance than comparable EU sports models
moderately classified in the type classes
not showing above-average damage
The reason is simple:
US cars like the Challenger or Mustang are statistically driven less often , are often used as leisure or enthusiast vehicles and appear significantly less frequently in everyday traffic than, for example, high-performance German premium vehicles.
In practice, many insurance offers are:
among comparable Mercedes, BMW or AMG models
In some cases, significantly cheaper than expected.
Vehicle tax – slightly higher, but honestly calculable.
Yes, one has to be honest here:
A large-displacement V8 engine pays more vehicle tax than a modern downsized turbo engine.
Example:
Dodge Challenger 6.4 V8
Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
The tax on the running costs of US cars is higher than for smaller engines, but it remains within a predictable and constant range – without surprises, without variable CO₂ penalty models.
Anyone who drives a V8 knows this – and consciously accepts it.
Fuel consumption – less dramatic than many think
Fuel consumption is often exaggerated in the US.
Realistic practical values:
Dodge Challenger 6.4 V8:
Approximately 11.5–12.5 liters with normal driving.
8.9–9.5 liters during steady highway driving with cruise control
Ford Mustang 5.0 V8:
similar values in everyday life
Surprisingly efficient when driven calmly
Why this is possible:
large-displacement naturally aspirated engines
low speeds
long translations
Unlike highly tuned turbo engines, these engines do not need to run under constant load .
Fuel – E10 can be used without problems
An important point for many buyers: fuel compatibility .
Modern US cars (Challenger, Mustang, Camaro etc.):
are easily compatible with E10 fuel
designed to run on ethanol-containing fuel
To be correctly classified:
In the USA , E10 is the standard fuel.
E15 exists, but is not mandatory everywhere and is not approved for every vehicle.
The crucial point:
Vehicles built for the US market are designed to run on ethanol-based fuel .
E10 does not pose a technical risk .
Maintenance & spare parts – often cheaper than you think
Another major misconception:
"US cars are expensive to maintain."
The reality:
simple, robust engine technology
a lot of mass production technology
high parts availability
Spare parts for Challenger or Mustang are often:
cheaper than at Mercedes, BMW or Audi
Available more quickly
less complex in structure
Especially when compared to modern European premium vehicles with:
sophisticated exhaust technology
complex electronics
highly tuned turbos
US cars often receive positive reviews.
Workshops & Service
US cars are no longer exotic:
Many independent workshops are familiar with the technology.
Specialized US car repair shops are widespread.
Diagnostic technology is available
Regular maintenance is:
uncomplicated
calculable
not excessively expensive
Maintenance in the overall picture – viewed honestly
When you add it all up:
Insurance
Tax
consumption
maintenance
spare parts
A clear picture emerges:
A US car is not a cheap car – but it's not a money pit either.
On the contrary:
Many buyers are pleasantly surprised by how practical and predictable the running costs of a Dodge Challenger or Ford Mustang are.
Practical example calculation: Dodge Charger 6.4 Widebody
Vehicle: Dodge Charger 6.4 V8 Widebody
Use: Everyday life / Leisure
Annual mileage: 10,000 km
Fuel: Super E10
Insurance: SF27
Calculation: real empirical values + average values
1. Vehicle tax
CO₂-based taxation (EU from 2021)
large-displacement V8
approximately €850 per year
Approximately €71 per month
2. Insurance (actual practice value)
Comprehensive insurance
No-claims bonus class SF27
€68 per month
€816 per year
Despite its 6.4-liter V8 engine, the insurance premium is significantly lower than for many German performance vehicles.
3. Fuel costs
Realistic consumption figures:
Mixed driving style: approx. 12 l/100 km
Even lower is possible during a calm motorway drive.
Annual consumption:
10,000 km × 12 l / 100 km = 1,200 liters
Cost (example price €1.85/l):
1,200 l × €1.85 = €2,220 per year
Approximately €185 per month
4. Maintenance & Service (realistically calculated)
Oil change
high-quality oil + filter
approx. €180
Once a year at 10,000 km
Further maintenance may only be required for "setting aside" (average calculation):
Braking (calculated over running time)
brake fluid
Coolant / other fluids
smaller wear parts
Realistic average calculation: approx. €420 per year
Total maintenance:
Approximately €600 per year
Approximately €50 per month
5. Total Cost Overview Dodge Charger 6.4 Widebody Scat Pack
Per year
Cost | Amount |
fuel | approx. €2,220 |
Insurance | €816 |
Vehicle tax | €850 |
Maintenance & Wear | 600 € |
In total | €4,486 / year |
Conclusion on the running costs of US cars
"The biggest expense is not insurance, but fuel. Taxes and servicing are predictable – there are no surprises."
People who buy a US car aren't buying it to save money - BUT:
US cars are often misjudged when it comes to maintenance costs.
Yes, they have large engines.
Yes, they are emotional.
But they are also:
robust
manageable in consumption
Fairly insured
easily maintainable
surprisingly economical in everyday life
Anyone who buys a US car is consciously choosing character –
and receives more reality and less myth than many expect.
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