Whether you are looking for a brand-new car or a reliable used vehicle, the cost is usually the most important factor people consider when searching for their next car, truck, or SUV. While some brands such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Lexus can come with a higher-than-average sticker price, to truly understand the cost of vehicle ownership, you also need to consider two key factors:

1. The annual costs of maintenance
2. The potential cost of repairs

One car brand, in particular, is known for being both reliable and affordable, making it an excellent choice for daily commuters or weekend drivers alike—Chrysler. However, just as you should before purchasing any other car (like a Nissan Altima, Chevy Silverado, or Jeep Wrangler), it’s essential first to understand the actual cost of owning a Chrysler and if they are expensive to maintain.

How Expensive Is It to Maintain a Chrysler?

Founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler, today, Chrysler is known as a “family brand of sedans and minivans.” Part of this popularity with families is due to Chrysler’s 3.5-star overall reliability rating, ranking 11th out of 34 possible vehicle brands.

With their higher-than-average rating, Chrysler owners can expect relatively low annual maintenance and upkeep costs at just over $600. However, there are issues in past popular Chrysler models that may need additional repairs, including:

• Oil sludge resulting in engine failure in the Chrysler Sebring
• Rusted-out engine cradles in the Chrysler Pacifica
• Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure in the Chrysler Town and Country.

However, both the Sebring and Town and Country models are no longer in production as of 2010 and 2016. So if you own or are considering purchasing a used Sebring, or Town and Country, be sure to factor in these potential issues when planning your budget.

Currently, Chrysler only offers three models of vehicles:

The Chrysler 300

This roomy sedan costs between $33,875 and $38,825, can comfortably fit five adults and boasts a Uconnect infotainment system along with a smooth ride and handling, making this vehicle feel more luxurious than its moderate price may suggest. It comes in both the 5.7-liter V8 and the 3.6-liter V6 engines, and both versions boast eight-speed automatic transmission and around 22 miles per gallon. You can also choose between one of 4 trim styles: the Touring, Touring L, S V6, and the S V8.

Yearly, Chrysler 300 owners can expect to pay around $631 in general maintenance. This can include essential services like oil changes, filter changes, tire rotations, and other recommended tasks, which add up to approximately $6,310 over 10 years.

Avoid paying out-of-pocket for essential maintenance with the help of a vehicle protection plan like Advantage. Along with providing comprehensive vehicle protection to your Chrysler’s most vital components, each of the three levels of Advantage comes with up to $3,500 in regular maintenance coverage. That means services such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations, tire pressure (PSI) checks, and more are covered at no additional cost.

The Chrysler Pacifica

First introduced in 1999, this popular minivan retails between $36,245 and $54,520. Like the 300, the Chrysler Pacifica offers drivers a 3.6-liter V6 engine combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which packs a punch of power for a minivan. Drivers can also expect 21 mpg on average. However, unlike the 300, there is no V8 option available.

For those looking for even more options, the Pacific also comes with four different trim levels — the Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. The Pacifica also comes as a hybrid that boasts 82 mpg and a total driving range of 520 miles. Like its standard trim levels, the Pacifica hybrid’s trims all feature a Pentastar 3.6L Plug-In V6 engine and a 1-speed direct-drive automatic transmission.

While the available hybrid trims will cost more overall in upkeep, the average Pacifica will cost around $647 per year in general maintenance costs and approximately $6,474 over 10 years of ownership. However, with a free year of Endurance Elite Benefits, you can save with perks such as tire repair/replacement, 24/7 roadside assistance, key fob replacement, and more. Simply purchase any Endurance protection plan and get peace of mind knowing Endurance has you covered if your Chrysler experiences any unexpected breakdowns or repairs.

The Chrysler Voyager

As the more economical version of the Pacifica, the Chrysler Voyager is offered in the L and LX trim levels and will cost between $28,160 and $33,545 to purchase. Like the Pacifica, it also has a 3.6-live V6 engine, a nine-speed transmission, and 21 mpg.

With average maintenance costs of shy of $650 per year, the Chrysler Voyager is in a similar range as the Pacifica. However, given the lower purchase price, this adds up to a higher additional cost over a 10-year compared to a Pacifica.

Chrysler Recommended Maintenance Plan

When owning any vehicle, following a recommended maintenance schedule is essential. By following a schedule, you can extend the life of your Chrysler as it wears so that you can avoid any unplanned trips to your local repair shop. Maintaining a maintenance schedule can also ensure you don’t void your active extended auto warranty or vehicle service contract.

If you are unsure of your Chrysler’s maintenance schedule, check your owner’s manual for more details. Some recommended maintenance tasks and intervals include:

8,000 Miles or 6 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires

16,000 Miles or 12 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect the engine air filter
• Inspect brake linings
• Replace the air conditioning filter
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals

24,000 Miles or 18 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect constant-velocity (CV) joints
• Inspect exhaust system

32,000 Miles or 24 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brake linings
• Replace the air conditioning filter
• Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals
• Replace the engine air filter
• Replace the spark plugs

40,000 Miles or 30 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brake linings
• Replace the air conditioning filter
• Inspect constant-velocity (CV) joints
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals

56,000 Miles or 42 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Open left and right sliding doors and inspect for excessive dirt
• Replace the air conditioning filter
• Inspect brake linings
• Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter

72,000 Miles or 54 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Open left and right sliding doors and inspect for excessive dirt
• Inspect constant-velocity (CV) joints
• Inspect exhaust system

80,000 Miles or 60 Month Maintenance

• Change engine oil and filter
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brake linings
• Replace the air conditioning filter
• Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals
• Flush and replace the engine coolant

Common Chrysler Repairs and Costs

The Chrysler 300 is one of the company’s most recognizable vehicles on the road today, but it does come with some common issues, including engine failure due to oil sludge. As a vital piece of any vehicle, fixing the engine of a Chrysler 300 can cost you around $6,000.

Several Chrysler Pacifica drivers have reported “hard shifting,” which can result in an outlay of around $1,390 to fix and has its roots in a faulty transmission. Similarly, the Chrysler Voyager has been reported to have several issues with the transmission, setting owners back around $1,900 on average.

While the specific cost will vary by model, the average cost for some Chrysler repairs can include the following:

*Average costs based on data from RepairPal

Drive Your Chrysler with Confidence

Whether you drive a Chrysler or any other type of vehicle, you can avoid the cost of unexpected and costly repairs with the help of an Endurance protection plan. Along with providing marketing-leading coverage and affordable pricing, each protection plan comes with 1 year of free Elite Benefits with perks like tire repair/replacement, 24/7 roadside assistance, collision discounts, and more.

Endurance customers can also receive even more peace of mind with an auto protection plan like EnduranceAdvantage. Offering up to $3,500 in maintenance services, you can rest easy knowing essential services such as tire rotations, alignment checks, and more are covered with no out-of-pocket expenses. You can also receive special, one-time services for even more savings.

Request a free, no-obligation quote to learn more about each Endurance protection plan. You can also visit the Learning Center for more resources and informative articles on a variety of topics to help you feel confident for the road ahead.