Tata Nexon has become one of the most popular compact SUVs in India, known for its sturdy build, impressive features, and competitive pricing. However, before buying any vehicle, it’s crucial to understand the long-term expenses that come with it, particularly the maintenance costs. While purchasing a vehicle is a significant one-time investment, maintaining it over the years can be equally important when calculating the overall value of ownership.

In this post, we will take a deep dive into Tata Nexon’s maintenance cost, backed by factual data and real-world case studies to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Tata Nexon

Before diving into the maintenance details, it’s essential to understand what the Tata Nexon offers as a vehicle. Launched in 2017, the Tata Nexon has quickly carved a niche for itself in the compact SUV market, thanks to its robust design, 5-star safety rating, and a feature-packed cabin. Tata Motors introduced both petrol and diesel variants, providing more choices for consumers. With multiple models available, the Nexon appeals to budget-conscious buyers as well as those looking for higher-end variants with premium features.

But what does maintaining such a vehicle entail?

Understanding the Components of Maintenance Cost

When we talk about maintenance costs, several factors come into play:

• Scheduled Servicing: Periodic maintenance tasks like oil changes, air filter replacements, and inspections are a given. These costs vary depending on the interval (e.g., every 10,000 km or 1 year) and the type of service (minor or major).
• Unscheduled Repairs: These include fixing any wear-and-tear or damage that might arise unexpectedly, such as brake pad replacements, clutch overhauls, or suspension repairs.
• Spare Parts and Consumables: Consumables like engine oil, brake fluid, wiper blades, etc., must be replaced regularly. The cost of genuine spare parts can add to the expense if replacements are necessary.
• Labor Charges: Depending on where you get your car serviced, labor costs may differ significantly.

Let’s analyze how these components reflect on the Tata Nexon’s overall maintenance cost.

Service Schedule for Tata Nexon

For the Tata Nexon, the manufacturer provides a recommended service schedule that ensures optimal vehicle performance over time. Tata Motors generally recommends periodic servicing at 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Here’s an outline of what the regular service schedule looks like:

1. First Service (1,500 km or 2 months): This is typically a free service, where only basic inspections are carried out to check for any abnormalities after initial usage.
2. Second Service (10,000 km or 12 months): This service includes an oil change, oil filter replacement, and general inspection. While labor costs are covered under free service, consumables and parts are chargeable.
3. Third Service (20,000 km or 24 months): More extensive checks are carried out in this service, including brake fluid replacement, air filter change, and other diagnostics.
4. Subsequent Services (Every 10,000 km or 1 year): After the third service, Tata Motors recommends annual servicing, which includes routine inspections, part replacements, and any necessary repairs.

Tata Nexon Maintenance Cost Breakdown

Let’s look at the typical maintenance cost of a Tata Nexon over five years. We’ll explore both the petrol and diesel variants to provide a holistic view. The following figures are approximate and may vary based on factors like location and service center rates.

Year 1

• Petrol Variant:
  • First service (1,500 km): Free
  • Second service (10,000 km): ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 (engine oil, oil filter, labor)
• Diesel Variant:
  • First service: Free
  • Second service: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 (diesel engine oil, filters, labor)

Year 2

• Petrol Variant:
  • Third service (20,000 km): ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 (brake fluid, air filter, consumables)
• Diesel Variant:
  • Third service: ₹4,000 – ₹5,500 (diesel engine oil, brake fluid, labor charges)

Year 3-5 (For every 10,000 km)

• Petrol Variant:
  • Annual maintenance: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 (oil change, filter replacements, brake check, diagnostics)
• Diesel Variant:
  • Annual maintenance: ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 (diesel engine-specific servicing, oil, filters)

By the fifth year, the total maintenance cost for the petrol variant may range between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000, while for the diesel variant, it could be between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000. These costs are competitive compared to other compact SUVs in the same category, reflecting Tata’s focus on value-for-money ownership.

Real-World Case Study: Tata Nexon Diesel Variant

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at a real-world case study involving a Tata Nexon Diesel Variant owner, Mr. Rakesh Kumar from Bengaluru. He has been driving his Nexon for over three years and has clocked close to 45,000 km.

• First-Year Maintenance: As expected, Mr. Kumar’s first service was free, and his second service cost him around ₹3,500, which included oil changes, filter replacements, and labor charges.
• Second-Year Maintenance: By the second year, the servicing became more intensive. He had to replace the brake fluid and air filter, which pushed his total servicing cost to ₹5,000.
• Third-Year Maintenance: In the third year, Mr. Kumar had to change his brake pads due to regular wear-and-tear, which added an extra ₹2,500 to the regular servicing bill of ₹5,000. So, his total maintenance cost for the third year stood at ₹7,500.

When asked about his overall experience, Mr. Kumar mentioned that the maintenance costs for his Nexon have been quite reasonable, considering he opted for a diesel variant. He also shared that the authorized Tata service centers offer transparent pricing, and the availability of genuine spare parts has never been an issue. Mr. Kumar pointed out that preventive maintenance, like timely oil changes and keeping an eye on the brakes, helped him avoid any expensive unscheduled repairs.

Factors Influencing Maintenance Costs

While the costs outlined above give a general idea of what to expect, several factors can influence the maintenance expenses for your Tata Nexon:

• Driving Conditions: City driving, with frequent stops and starts, might lead to quicker wear-and-tear of components like the clutch and brakes compared to highway driving. This could result in additional costs for replacements sooner than expected.
• Service Center: The cost of maintenance can vary depending on whether you visit an authorized service center or an independent garage. While independent garages might offer cheaper labor costs, opting for authorized service centers ensures that only genuine parts are used, which can improve the longevity of the vehicle.
• Model Variant: Higher-end models with more advanced features may require additional maintenance. For instance, models with a sunroof or automatic transmission could potentially have higher repair or maintenance costs compared to manual, basic variants.
• Spare Parts Availability: Tata Motors has a strong supply chain network across India, ensuring that spare parts for the Nexon are readily available. This helps keep prices competitive and minimizes wait times for repairs.

Additional Maintenance Tips to Reduce Costs

While regular servicing is essential, there are ways to ensure that your Tata Nexon runs smoothly and avoids any unnecessary repair costs:

1. Drive Smoothly: Aggressive driving can lead to higher fuel consumption and premature wear on the brakes, clutch, and tires. Driving smoothly and avoiding sudden accelerations or decelerations can prolong the life of these components.
2. Regular Oil Changes: Ensuring timely oil changes as per the manufacturer’s recommendations helps maintain engine health, reducing the chances of costly repairs in the future.
3. Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires can not only reduce fuel efficiency but also cause uneven tire wear, requiring replacements sooner than expected. Keeping the tires inflated to the right pressure is an easy way to maintain tire health.
4. Monitor Warning Lights: Always pay attention to any warning lights on your dashboard. Ignoring issues like low oil pressure or battery warnings can lead to more severe damage and higher repair costs down the line.

Extended Warranty and AMC Plans

For those who want peace of mind, Tata Motors offers extended warranty plans and Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) for the Nexon. These plans can be particularly useful for covering unexpected repairs or breakdowns, beyond the standard warranty period. An extended warranty can cover major components like the engine and transmission, while AMCs can help reduce the regular servicing costs by covering consumables, labor, and select spare parts.

The cost of extended warranties and AMCs varies based on coverage and duration but typically ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000. Many Tata Nexon owners have found this option cost-effective, as it shields them from significant repair bills later in the vehicle’s life cycle.

Final Verdict

Owning a Tata Nexon comes with a sense of reliability and peace of mind. The maintenance costs of the Nexon, whether you opt for the petrol or diesel variant, are quite competitive when compared to other compact SUVs in the market. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between ₹4,000 and ₹7,000 annually on regular servicing, depending on your driving conditions and how well the vehicle is maintained.

If you’re someone who prefers keeping their car in good condition through regular checkups and preventive maintenance, the Nexon won’t surprise you with any exorbitant repair bills. In fact, for a car that offers so many features and safety, the upkeep is quite reasonable, making it an ideal choice for both city and highway driving.

In conclusion, when considering the Tata Nexon, you’re not just getting a feature-rich, safe, and well-engineered car; you’re also investing in a vehicle that won’t break the bank when it comes to long-term maintenance costs.