Cost of Maintaining a Motorcycle in Argentina: Key Factors Before Buying
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Motorcycles, especially those under 150cc, are increasingly popular in Argentina as an economical alternative to cars for daily commuting.
- Sales of these smaller motorcycles surged by 43.8% in the first half of the year compared to the previous year.
- Maintaining a 150cc motorcycle costs an estimated $190,000 Argentine pesos monthly, primarily driven by fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
Motorcycles under 150cc are gaining significant traction in Argentina, establishing themselves as a more budget-friendly option for daily transportation compared to cars. This segment has seen robust demand, contributing to a substantial increase in registrations.
In the first half of the year, the market recorded 440,190 units sold, marking a 43.8% rise from the 306,109 units registered during the same period last year, according to data from the Argentine Association of Automobile Concessionaires (Acara).
The Chamber of Motorcycle Manufacturers (CAFAM) analyzed the costs associated with maintaining a 150cc motorcycle, one of the most sought-after models due to its fuel efficiency and relatively low running expenses. The study assumes an average monthly usage of 1,440 kilometers, or about 48 kilometers per day.
Fuel is the primary expense, estimated at around $100,000 pesos per month, based on a fuel efficiency of 30-33 kilometers per liter and current fuel prices. Insurance adds another significant cost, averaging $60,000 pesos monthly, with prices varying based on location, model, and insurer.
Regular maintenance, including oil changes and inspections every 5,000 kilometers, contributes approximately $30,000 pesos per month. CAFAM emphasizes that timely maintenance is crucial for the motorcycle's longevity, reliability, and safety. In total, the estimated monthly operating cost for an average 150cc motorcycle is $190,000 pesos, a figure potential buyers should consider alongside the initial purchase price.
It is fundamental that each potential buyer understands these costs completely before making their investment and considers not only the purchase price of the vehicle but also the operational expenses involved in its maintenance and functioning.
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.