Thanks in advance for any comments. Legitimate question regarding general maintenance and repair costs. I’ve owned Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, etc. I’ve also owned Jeep, Honda, and GMC. After getting a battery (and aux battery) replaced in a late model ML350 at just over $1000 after tax, I think I am officially done with German and euro vehicles. (I do have and use a local euro repair shop that is miles cheaper than dealer). Yes parts are expensive, but the labor per hour and book number of hours is really what seems to add to the service fees.

Question is this, when it comes to Honda vs Acura or Toyota vs Lexus is there an appreciable difference in service fees for the same problem? I haven’t paid serious enough attention to mechanic hourly rates over the years and I also feel like the pandemic increased prices for everything auto related. I’ve also only been in the German car suck since before the pandemic.

I love the cars, and do appreciate some more luxury touches, I’d enjoy an Acura or a Lexus, but if there’s a significant delta in repair and/or associated labor, I’m ready for a nice Toyota or Honda at this point.

On the other hand I see 90% of the parts are shared, which is good, but I don’t think that’s the whole story.

Insight from mechanics is greatly appreciated.