Ford vs Volkswagen: Which Is Cheapest to Repair?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 1 month ago
3 min read
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Repair
- Cost
- Review
WhoCanFixMyCar reveals which popular car manufacturer is the cheapest to repair.
In 2023, Volkswagen was the most popular car manufacturer in the UK for the third consecutive year, pulling further away from Ford, which used to wear the crown. But is VW the best choice for long-term savings? At WhoCanFixMyCar, we decided to find out by comparing average repair prices.
Contents:
Methodology
We compared the repair prices of Ford and Volkswagen in five common categories using data from WhoCanFixMyCar collected in 2023. All prices in this guide are averages.
When researching the cheapest model in each category, we excluded any models that had received fewer than 50 quotes and/or had been discontinued.
Average repair prices
Based on the data below, Ford is cheaper than Volkswagen for repairs by just over £90, with a total average price of £1,397.50.
| Ford | Volkswagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch replacement | £588.36 | £629.33 |
| Cambelt and water pump | £466.15 | £485.89 |
| Brake pads and discs | £381.83 | £385.61 |
| Alternator repair | £386.55 | £414.84 |
| Exhaust repair | £114.61 | £113.14 |
| TOTAL | £1,937.5 | £2,028.81 |
Clutch replacement
The cheapest current models for each manufacturer are...
Ford Fiesta - £506.95
Volkswagen Polo - £504.12
Winner: Volkswagen
Cambelt and water pump
The cheapest current models for each manufacturer are...
Ford Puma (pictured below) - £433.30
Volkswagen Touareg - £445.94
Winner: Ford
Brake pads and discs
The cheapest current models for each manufacturer are...
Ford Fiesta - £291.77
Volkswagen Polo - £335.49
Winner: Ford
Alternator repair
The cheapest current models for each manufacturer are...
Ford Fiesta - £357.53
Volkswagen Polo (pictured below) - £311.31
Winner: Volkswagen
Exhaust repair
The cheapest current models for each manufacturer are...
Ford Fiesta - £112.51
Volkswagen Golf - £111.17
Winner: Volkswagen
Ford vs Volkswagen: which is cheapest to repair?
Ford models are cheaper to repair than Volkswagens and, according to WhatCar?'s 2023 reliability survey, are also more reliable. However, when comparing the cheapest model in each category, Volkswagen won three out of five, with the mighty Polo showing its value.
If repair costs are a big concern, buying a Ford is the best option - notably the Fiesta. But the Polo is a solid choice for die-hard VW fans who can't bear the thought of betraying their favourite car maker.
Whether you need repairs or maintenance, WhoCanFixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is WhoCanFixMyCar’s Content Writer. She has a BA in English literature from Durham University, a master’s degree in creative writing, and three years of experience writing in the automotive industry. She currently drives a Suzuki Swift.