The research team at Bumper recently carried out a survey of 2,250 UK drivers over the age of 18 to find out how much they had spent on vehicle repairs in the last 12 months.

The survey found that 78% of drivers needed at least one tyre replacement over the past 12 months. The regions with the most replacements necessaries were:

 of their replacements was £121. According to National Travel Survey there are approximately 35.9 million UK license holders, which means an estimated £3.4bn has been spent on 

When asked if the cost was more or less than expected, 38% found the cost was more than expected, 41% said it was as expected, and 21% found the repairs to be less than expected. 

Bumper, CEO and Co-Founder, James Jackson said, ‘When it comes to the cost of maintaining a vehicle, our minds often just go to well-known expenses like petrol, insurance and MOTs. This research highlights the real cost to drivers is tyre replacements, highlighting that drivers in the North West need their tyres replacing more than anywhere else in the UK. 

‘It’s really important to keep an eye on your tyres to increase their longevity, by 

 and wheel alignment of your tyres, as well as by rotating tyres often. If an unexpected tyre replacement bill surprises you, you should be aware of the many different payment offers to help you manage the added expense, such as Bumper.’ 

Bumper is an interest-free payment option for repairs at garages and dealerships. Customers can apply online before their booking and get approved for up to £5,000*. 

To find out your maximum credit limit and see dependable garages in your area, enter your registration and postcode on the 

*The number of repayments, the amount of credit and the need for a deposit changes depending on the partner you choose, but it will always be interest-free! 

UK motorists collectively spend £3bn on tyre replacements 

Bumper has appointed Nick Squire as International Sales and Partnerships Manager. 

Nick will be responsible for strengthening Bumper’s position in Germany and Spain, as well as managing our expansion into further European markets. 

In his previous role, Squire headed up European and Global autoVHC programmes. With 20 years' experience in the automotive sector, starting as general sales manager at Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group, Nick is the perfect choice to lead Bumper as it takes its next steps into Europe. 

CCO and co-founder, Jack Allman, said, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Nick Squire to our fast-expanding team to spearhead Bumper’s ambitious growth plans across key European automotive retailing markets. 

‘Nick brings a wealth of experience to this new position having worked in the UK and international dealer sectors, including many of the markets we are targeting.’ 

Nick Squire said, ‘I’m delighted to be joining Bumper at the beginning of its exciting international journey and introduce new dealer products into new markets. 

‘There is a huge opportunity to grow Bumper into Europe. Having worked extensively in Germany and Spain my initial focus will be to grow sales in these markets and build partnerships with key strategic partners, OEMs and dealer groups.’ 

 is an interest-free monthly payment option for aftersales purchases. Applications are processed online in just a few clicks and customers receive an instant decision. 

To find out how Bumper can transform your aftersales department contact our sales team using the 

Bumper appoints International Sales and Partnerships Manager 

Owning a car can be costly, but not all repairs hit your wallet equally. Routine jobs, such as oil changes and air filters, are simple. What really stings are the big-ticket repairs.

In the UK, the most costly car repairs typically include catalytic converter replacement, head gasket failure, and transmission repairs, each of which can potentially cost thousands of pounds, depending on the vehicle.

If you’re hearing strange noises under the bonnet, read on to see the most expensive car repairs in the UK and their typical price ranges.

The most expensive types of car repair explained 

Wondering what the most expensive types of car repair are in the UK? 

Here, we explain the biggest repair costs and what makes them so costly. Remember, you can use 

 to split the cost of repair into interest-free monthly instalments.

Replacing or repairing a faulty alternator typically costs between 

The alternator keeps your car’s electrical systems in balance and maintains the battery’s charge, ensuring it stays in good condition. If it fails, your battery may run out of juice prematurely, causing startup problems. 

Signs of a failing alternator include difficulty starting the car, a burning rubber smell, or whirring and squeaking noises from the engine. Quick replacement can prevent bigger, more costly issues down the line. Don’t put it off!

Fixing or replacing a faulty catalytic converter can cost 

for parts, with labour potentially bringing the total to 

The catalytic converter helps reduce pollutants in your car’s exhaust. Signs of a failing converter include increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, higher emissions, rough engine running, or even the engine cutting out. 

If your car fails its emissions test, the catalytic converter likely needs attention.

Clutch and related transmission problems 

Replacing a car clutch typically costs around 

The clutch allows your car to engage and disengage the engine from the gearbox smoothly. Signs of a failing clutch include a loose or spongy pedal, a higher-than-normal biting point, difficulty shifting gears, or a persistent burning smell while driving. 

Because clutch replacement is a labour-intensive job, addressing issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your car runs smoothly and safely on the road!

Repairing a faulty head gasket typically costs between

The head gasket seals the engine’s cylinders and keeps coolant and oil from mixing. Signs of a problem include high temperature gauge readings, sudden loss of power, thickened engine oil, or white smoke and liquid coming from the exhaust. 

Like other repairs on this list, head gasket issues are difficult and expensive to fix. Spotting them early can save your future self from a massive repair bill.

Replacing a timing belt, or ‘cambelt,’ typically costs between 

The timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring smooth power transfer from the engine to the wheels. 

If it snaps, tears, or cracks, it can cause serious engine and powertrain damage. Because of its location, replacement is time-intensive — as soon as you notice an issue, contact a mechanic.

Replacing a car radiator typically costs between

A vehicle’s radiator maintains the engine's optimal temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring proper oil viscosity. 

A common problem is a leak. Leaks are usually caused by rust, but poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or low-quality fluids can also be factors. 

When a leak occurs, replacement is usually better than a temporary patch, as ignoring it can lead to far more expensive engine problems.

What is the most difficult part to repair?

Opinions vary, but the engine’s head gasket is often considered the most challenging part to repair.

Accessing it requires extensive disassembly, and incorrect installation can lead to severe engine damage. Experience and time are essential for a perfect fix, making it one of the trickiest and most labour-intensive repairs on a car.

What is the most expensive damage to a car?

Engine and transmission failures rank among the most expensive types of damage a car can sustain.

For example, a blown head gasket or a failed transmission can cost thousands of pounds to repair or replace, depending on the vehicle, often surpassing routine maintenance or minor collision repairs.

What is considered a major repair on a car?

Generally, major repairs involve critical systems essential to a car’s operation, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, or braking system. 

These repairs are nearly always costly and require specialist mechanic knowledge. They also take longer than minor fixes.

Examples of major repairs include issues with:

Luxury and high-performance vehicles, such as Range Rovers, BMWs, and specialist sports cars, often have the highest repair costs.

This is simply because their parts are more specialised and the labour time and knowledge needed to fix them is intensive.

In addition, general diagnostics are complex, which can result in repair bills far exceeding those of standard cars, sometimes reaching several thousand pounds.

Taking good care of your car and maintaining it properly can help prevent or minimise the damage from failures like the ones listed above.

But there's no way to avoid every issue. Some car components simply break down over time, and there’s not much anyone can do about it. 

As a driver, the best thing you can do is understand what are the most expensive types of car repair in the UK and be aware of how your vehicle works, including how the major components fit together. That way, it’s easier to detect if your car isn’t running as it should.

Whether you’re facing an expensive repair or a small fee, Bumper is here to help.

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

What Are the Most Expensive Types of Car Repair in the UK?

Congratulations to our Dealership of the Month for May 2022, North Oxford BMW. 

The team at Oxford BMW have been recognised with this award for providing an outstanding customer experience and using Bumper’s PayLater as a key part of their aftersales process. 

Since joining the Bumper network in May 2021, the BMW team has received non-stop, 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Here are a few of our favourites: 

‘Clayton was excellent. Clear and helpful advice. More good experiences from the North Oxford BMW team. Will recommend.’ 

‘Very happy with your service works very well for me. thanks’ 

Well done to Sean, Clayton, Michael and the rest of the team on your win! 

May's Dealership of the month: North Oxford BMW

The average cost of a full BMW service in the UK ranges from around £200 for smaller engines to £300 or more for larger engines.

However, these are basic averages. All BMWs follow a regular maintenance schedule based on mileage or time since the last service — so other factors might affect your car’s costs!

See the average BMW service costs and what’s usually included below.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a BMW service with costs varying by engine size and tips to save by combining with an MOT. 

We’ll explain them in more detail in the paragraphs below!

A major or full BMW service typically costs from £200 for smaller engines and around £300 or more for larger engines over 3 litres. 

Prices can vary depending on your location and chosen garage, so it’s worth shopping around — you might even save by combining your full service with an MOT. When under warranty, service intervals are mandatory, but once it’s expired, there’s more flexibility. 

How much does an interim BMW service cost?

An interim BMW service typically costs around £150 for smaller engines and from £300 for larger engine sizes.

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth comparing quotes, and you can often save money by combining your interim service with an MOT.

Whether it’s minor upkeep or major work, you can use 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

BMW service packages cover everything from routine maintenance checks in the Interim Service to more extensive wear-and-tear replacements in the Full Service.

BMWs follow a scheduled service plan based on mileage or time. 

Interim Services are every six months or 6,000 miles, and Full Services are typically annual to maintain reliability and value.

If you’re pressed for time or money, you might be tempted to skip a BMW service. 

This is not advised, as skipping a service can cause wear and tear, engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and lower resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your BMW running safely and smoothly. Don’t put Interim or Full Services off!

In general, yes, BMW maintenance costs are higher than standard cars due to premium parts and specialist servicing. 

However, as with any car brand, service costs vary by engine size, garage, and service type, but regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs in the long run.

DIY BMW servicing is possible for basic tasks like oil or filter changes, but BMWs require specialist knowledge for major work. 

Incorrect servicing can damage parts and affect warranties. If you have no experience, attempting repairs yourself can cause serious engine problems or safety issues. 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to leave complex work to qualified BMW technicians.

3 reasons to keep your BMW’s service schedule up to date 

Skipping a service might save you a few quid today, but your BMW won’t thank you tomorrow. Here are three reasons why you should book the service.

1. Regular service helps ward off part failures and breakdowns 

Driving any car causes wear and tear. There's no way to avoid it, even with a premium, finely tuned machine like a BMW. 

What you can avoid is the damage and long-term impacts that wear and tear can cause. 

Driving with a clogged oil filter and dirty engine oil reduces lubrication, causing friction, overheating, and potential damage to engine parts. An oil and filter change costs around £50, while replacing damaged pistons can run into hundreds, and a damaged engine could cost thousands. 

All in all, regular servicing keeps your BMW’s parts in check, addressing issues before they escalate.

2. Your BMW's resale value will be higher 

Every car depreciates in value over time. You can't stop it, but you can reduce its impact. 

A recent study by AutoTrader found, for example, that an incomplete or missing service history can lower a BMW’s value by as much as 20 per cent compared to the book value. 

Skipping a service might seem like a saving, but it can cost you when selling. Buyers of premium cars want a full service history, and without it, you could lose thousands in resale value.

Keep a complete record, and buyers are far more likely to pay full price!

A car that doesn’t run at peak efficiency needs more energy to move, and that energy comes from petrol or diesel.

BMWs are no exception. If they aren’t in tip-top shape they’re more costly to keep fueled and more likely to break down. You may believe you're saving money by delaying a service interval, but you're also losing out at the pump.

Unless you drive like a demon, a well-maintained BMW is simply less likely to burn unnecessary fuel. When every part is working as it should, the engine is under less strain and doesn't require more energy to perform at the same level.

Really, prices vary by garage, location, service type, and engine size. But staying on schedule keeps your engine healthy and fuel efficiency high, so it’s best not to put them off!

Services and repairs can put a dent in your budget. 

What Does a Full BMW Service Cost and Include?

¿Qué incluye un servicio de mantenimiento BMW completo?

Was beinhaltet eine vollständige Wartung bei BMW?

The average used car driver spends around £1,300 a year on repairs and maintenance.

Most spend £30–£35 monthly at the garage and about £65–£68 on fuel, which has risen 20% since the cost of living crisis. Costs can be much higher for unlucky drivers or for more premium used cars. 

In this blog, we break down average repair costs and share tips to keep your used car in top condition.

Average repair costs for used cars by brand

When something goes wrong with your car, it can be good to check what the typical prices are for fixing problems on your specific make and model. This helps both with budgeting, and ensuring you’re not getting overcharged when visiting a garage. 

Below are some average car repair costs, listed by brand and most common repair types. Bookmark this page so you don’t lose them.

Luckily, you can make surprise bills less likely. There are 

 options that you can turn to if you want to split the cost into interest-free repayments. However, regular upkeep of your used car is the best way forward. 

Yes, in many cases, older cars are cheaper to repair. 

New vehicles need costly dealer tools and access to proprietary data, while parts for older models are generally easier and cheaper to source.

If your car is very old or no longer in production, parts can be hard to find, which pushes up repair costs. On the other hand, older cars with readily available parts and workshop guides are cheaper to fix. Keep this in mind when considering average repair costs. 

Another reason older cars are often cheaper to maintain is that main dealer garages typically charge £100+ per hour, meaning even a simple oil change can cost over £100 before parts.

Yes, some used cars are covered by warranties. 

If your used car still has some time left on the original manufacturer's warranty, you'll still be on their standard maintenance packages and cover schedule. 

However, the warranty has already expired for most used car owners, so you have to pay for each service and part individually. 

Do I have the right to return a used car? 

Yes, you have the right to return a used car. 

, you can return something faulty and secure a full refund within 30 days of purchase. 

The Act states the car must be “as described,” “fit for purpose,” and “satisfactory quality.”But don’t assume that you can return it for a new model. The Act takes into account the used car’s age and mileage.

Where is the best place to buy a used car? 

The safest way to buy a used car is through a dealer, especially via approved used schemes that often include 30-day return guarantees. 

Check the fine print, though, as some schemes offer an exchange rather than a refund. Options and conditions vary between retailers, so always take your time to research before you buy.

When is it not worth it to repair a used car? 

Buying a new car usually makes sense when repair costs start to exceed your current car’s value, often after years of use or if parts are hard to find. You might also consider a new car if yours is written off or needs a major, expensive repair. 

There’s no hard rule for trading in a used car — it also depends on your personal attachment and your budget.

What costs the most to fix on a used car?

Major engine repairs, transmission replacements, and turbo or hybrid system fixes usually cost the most to repair on a used car — or any car in general.

The exceptions are with luxury and premium car repairs. These drive higher costs due to expensive parts and specialist labour required for complex repairs.

Which used car parts have the highest value?

Engine components, transmissions, turbochargers, and hybrid or electric system parts are the priciest to replace in used cars.

Outside of those, brake systems, suspension components, and body panels also add up, especially on premium or imported cars with higher labour and parts costs. 

Regular maintenance is the main way to prevent these expensive repairs from piling up.

Typically, keeping a vehicle for 8–12 years is reasonable, but selling or upgrading sooner may make sense if repair costs exceed the car’s value or reliability declines.

As with any time or cost-related questions, the ideal car lifespan depends on mileage, maintenance history, and your total repair costs. Compare these costs to the price of a new car to know for sure.

6 ways to save money on car maintenance costs 

1. Keep up with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule 

Even if your used car is out of warranty, it’s worth following the manufacturer’s service schedule. 

Delaying maintenance may save money short-term, but minor issues can quickly become costly repairs.

On average, UK drivers spend around £60 a year on car washes.

Regularly cleaning your used car, including the underside, prevents grime from affecting moving parts and helps protect paint, glass, and mirrors. 

: The average car’s lifespan is seven to eight years. If you wash your car at home, you could save £800 from your maintenance costs. 

Getting more life from your used car is often as simple as driving with care. 

Avoid resting your foot on the clutch after gear changes, steer clear of potholes, and brake gently. These habits reduce stress on the clutch, transmission, suspension, tyres, and brakes. 

Over time, careful driving prevents premature wear, keeps components running smoothly, and helps you avoid expensive repairs, ensuring your used car remains reliable and safe for longer.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, so there’s also a growing market for used EVs, and lower repair costs are part of the attraction. 

Alongside being more sustainable, EVs are rightly hailed for being cheaper to maintain. Their motors contain fewer moving parts, and perhaps most importantly, charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling a tank with diesel or petrol.

The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25% cheaper to maintain than cars with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually. Nice. 

Following on from point four, electric cars have far fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, making them simpler in principle. However, repairs like bodywork or suspension often cost the same.

Servicing is easier, with only 2–3 systems needing attention compared to 10+ on combustion engine cars.

If you’re willing to sit through a few YouTube videos and learn how to handle essential car maintenance, you can save a lot of money every year by keeping your used car away from the mechanic. This goes for minor repairs like simple replacements like filters and fluid top-ups.

You're paying for parts and labour when you take your used car into a garage. In many cases, some shopping around will locate the same parts for less than the mechanic will charge you.

But don’t tamper with anything you don't understand! It’s best to contract a professional for the tough repairs.

Predicting repair costs is a necessary evil. However, we hope this guide has helped you plan for the future and navigate upcoming used car repairs. 

Understanding what is the average cost to repair a used car can help you stay prepared. So, you can use the tips in this blog to reduce future repair costs and keep your car safe on the road. Safe driving!

Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to used car maintenance. 

What Is the Average Cost To Repair a Used Car? UK Prices

The cost-of-living crisis is having an enormous impact on the way many of us live our lives. A recent survey by 

 found that the way we drive is no exception. Of the 2,000 surveyed, 69% said they had significantly changed the way they drive since the beginning of the year. 

To make a saving on fuel costs, drivers are significantly reducing the number of journeys they make in their vehicles. 35% of drivers said they had cut down on the number of journeys they make. 

40% of petrol drivers had cut down since the start of 2022, with only 22% of electric and hybrid drivers cutting down. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles are well-known to be cheaper to run. This survey found that of the electric and hybrid owners 17% had switched from a vehicle using an internal combustion engine to keep costs down, whilst 4% had sold their vehicle without replacing it. Hybrid vehicles are built to last longer as well, so you don't have as many expensive repairs to keep up with, like 

hybrid batteries which can last up to 11 years

21% of drivers said they now drive more smoothly and try to avoid harsh braking and 14% were now driving slower than they were at the start of the year to conserve fuel. 

It was discovered 1 in 10 motorists were now regularly checking their tire pressure and 11% had taken unnecessary items from their vehicle in a bid to make it lighter on the road. 

The cost-of-living hike has had a big impact on motorists. Luckily, Bumper has a solution. Our digital PayLater solution allows customers to split the cost of repairs, at no extra cost. 

Applications are completed online in just a few clicks. Plus, our proprietary AI-enabled lending software allows us to make real-time, responsible lending decisions in less than 5 seconds. 

For more information about how Bumper can transform your customer experience, 

Motorists change driving habits due to cost of living

The dealership of the month for April 2022 goes to Lexus Edgware Road.

The win follows an outstanding month for the Jemca site using Bumper’s PayLater to allow customers to split the cost of their repair bills into monthly payments, completely interest-free. 

Team Jemca met with Bumper account manager Alex on site to deliver the award, which has had a brand-new redesign.

Starting in November last year, the team has helped hundreds of customers drive away with their repairs and finances in check. A special shoutout is necessary for Ash, who is a bit of a Bumper expert! 

Well done to Ash, Wing, Joseph, Ankit, Renaldo, and Phil. 

Join the Bumper network and get access to our digital PayLater solution, allowing customers to split the cost of their repairs into monthly instalments, completely interest-free. 

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer