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499 Riverdale St
West Springfield, MA 01089
A BETTER WAY TO BUY A SUBARU!
At Bertera Subaru in West Springfield, we understand that long-term ownership cost is a major factor when choosing your next vehicle. A common question we hear in our showroom near the scenic Connecticut River is how Subaru vs. Toyota maintenance costs stack up. Let's break down the details to help you make an informed decision for your drives around the Pioneer Valley.
While both brands are known for reliability, there are slight differences in their maintenance profiles. For routine service, costs are quite comparable, but Subaru's standard All-Wheel Drive can be a factor.
| Service | Subaru Cost Range | Toyota Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | $75 - $125 (Synthetic) | $75 - $125 (Synthetic) | Costs are nearly identical. Some Subaru models may require slightly more oil. |
| Brake Service | $250 - $500 per axle | $250 - $500 per axle | Prices are very similar, depending on whether you need pads, rotors, or both. |
As you can see, for the most common maintenance tasks, the costs are neck and neck. The real difference in long-term ownership costs comes into play over several years.
When you look at the bigger picture, the numbers show a modest advantage for Toyota, largely due to drivetrain simplicity in its non-AWD models.
| Cost Metric | Subaru | Toyota | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Cost | $657 | $517 | Toyota is slightly lower due to simpler base models offered without AWD. |
| 10-Year Ownership Cost | $8,800 | $6,750 | The gap can widen over a decade, but this doesn't account for value-added features. |
It's important to remember that these are averages. Furthermore, many of these potential costs, such as major transmission or engine repairs, are often covered under warranty, especially when you purchase from our New Inventory or select one of our warrantied Featured Vehicles.

Despite a slightly higher average maintenance cost, Subaru provides an incredible amount of value and standard features that often outweigh the modest price difference, especially for drivers in New England.
At Bertera Subaru, we are committed to helping our customers manage their vehicle maintenance costs. Our Guaranteed Trade-In Program ensures you receive fair and competitive value for your current vehicle when you're ready to upgrade.
Proactive care is the best way to keep costs low. By scheduling a regular Subaru Service Appointment, our expert technicians can spot potential issues before they become expensive problems, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.
While Toyota may have a slight edge in lower average maintenance costs, the difference is often a small price to pay for the immense benefits that come with a Subaru. The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, unmatched safety innovations, and confident winter driving performance deliver a value proposition that is hard to beat.
We invite you to visit Bertera Subaru on Riverdale Street, just a stone's throw from the Eastern States Exposition grounds, to experience the Subaru difference for yourself. Learn more About Us online or get Directions to our dealership today.