Repair Costs Rising For New Cars

Rising cost of car repair

As newer vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, replacement and repair costs have soared. According to a recent RATESDOTCA report the cost of repairing  the windshield and central mirror alone of a 2023 Honda Civic is approximately $1,361 more than the cost of replacing the same in a 2013 Honda Civic. The report compares repair costs for a 2013 and 2023 Honda Civic and a 2013 and 2023 BMW X3. 

According to a J.D. Power study, Canadians spent $9.1b on car repairs in 2023, with each trip to the dealership ringing in at $432, marking an increase from $394 in the previous year.  

Increasing repair costs are contributing in part to rising auto insurance premiums. In 2023 Canada saw a 9 per cent rise in ‘average severity’, i.e., the cost of an insurance claim, compared to 2022. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) has been approving substantial rate increases for insurers for the better part of two years.  

According to RATESDOTCA quoter data*, a 2013 Honda Civic costs approximately $154 to insure monthly or $1,852 annually, while a 2023 Honda Civic costs approximately $284 to insure monthly or $3,403 annually, a difference of $130 and $1,551, respectively. A 2013 BMW X3 costs approximately$153 to insure monthly or $1,835 annually, while a 2023 BMW X3 costs $272 to insure monthly or $3,265 annually, a difference of $119 and $1,430, respectively. 

* The average insurance premiums are based on the profile of a 35-year-old male driver living in downtown Toronto with about 19 years of driving experience with no prior claims or convictions. 

Key report findings: 

  • Replacing the windshield and central mirror of a 2023 Honda Civic costs approximately $1,361 more than replacing the windshield and central mirror of a 2013 Honda Civic.  
  • Replacing the headlights of a 2023 Honda Civic, which use LED technology, costs approximately $1,747 more than replacing the headlights of a 2013 Honda Civic, which don’t use LED technology. 
  • Replacing the headlights of a 2023 BMW X3, which use LED technology, costs approximately $6,606 more than replacing the headlights of a 2013 BMX X3, which don’t use LED technology. 
  • Replacing the radar sensors, which play a role in modern safety features such as adaptive cruise control, collision detection and automatic emergency braking of a 2023 BMW X3 costs approximately $6,613. These radar sensors are not present in the 2013 BMW X3. 
  • Replacing the ultrasonic sensors and rear camera on the rear bumper of a BMW X3 costs approximately $1,296.95. These sensors and rear camera are not present in the 2013 BMW X3.  
  • As cars become more technologically advanced, mechanics need to undergo more training to keep up with the new systems and technologies. Access to key repair information is also restricted. In the past, access to the on-board diagnostic port provided technicians with information needed for repairs on older vehicle models. However, the on-board diagnostic port of newer models selectively shares certain information only with technicians at authorized dealerships. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Unveiling the Mysteries of Hybrid Cars: A Comprehensive Overview for Novices

Hybrid cars have been a subject of fascination for many, combining innovative technology with eco-friendly solutions on our roads. As these vehicles become increasingly common, understanding the mechanics behind them is key to appreciating their benefits fully. This blog post aims to demystify hybrid cars, providing an insightful overview for those who may be unfamiliar with this green automotive marvel.

At the heart of hybrid cars is a blend of power sources, typically an internal combustion engine matched with electric motors. The primary objective? To diminish fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the same level of performance as traditional vehicles. But how do these vehicles achieve this delicate balance?

The secret lies in the hybrid powertrain, which cleverly switches between the electric motor and the gasoline engine to optimize fuel efficiency. A sophisticated onboard computer system orchestrates this process, selecting the most efficient mode of operation based on driving conditions. For instance, the electric motor can power the vehicle on its own at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, conserving gasoline. On highways, the gas engine takes charge, occasionally assisted by the electric motor for acceleration.

A standout feature of hybrid cars is regenerative braking, where kinetic energy during braking is captured and used to recharge the car’s battery, enhancing efficiency with every slowdown. These vehicles also rely on high-performance battery packs to power the electric motor, recharged through braking and the internal combustion engine. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly improved storage capacity, longevity, and dependability, contributing to the allure of hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicles come in various forms, each with a distinct approach to integrating electric power. Parallel hybrids enable both the engine and electric motor to work together or independently, while series hybrids often use the engine as a generator for the electric motor. Plug-in hybrids offer the flexibility of recharging from an external power source, allowing extended electric-only driving range before transitioning to hybrid mode.

Beyond their environmental benefits, hybrid cars can offer lower running costs due to fuel efficiency and various incentives such as tax breaks, reduced registration fees, and access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes. Automakers continue to expand their hybrid offerings, providing a wide array of sizes, styles, and features to cater to diverse preferences and needs.

While the technology behind hybrid vehicles may seem complex at first, it ultimately serves a simple goal: to deliver sustainable, efficient transportation without sacrificing performance or comfort. Embracing hybrid technology can be a step toward a greener lifestyle, reducing carbon footprint while enjoying the advancements that make driving both enjoyable and environmentally conscious. In the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, hybrids are not just an alternative but a pioneering force in this exciting transition towards sustainable mobility.

Read More »

Made possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

Skip to content