Ownership costs for any vehicle go beyond the purchase price. But restomods are a little different.

Investors, collectors, and enthusiasts love restomods as the ultimate one-of-one bespoke vehicle. They receive a custom classic, from a Defender and Range Rover Classic to a Jaguar E-Type or Toyota FJ40, upgraded and restored to modern driving standards.

The team at ECD Auto Design can turn an automotive dream into reality. One main reason people invest in one of these vehicles is that they love what they drive. There’s the feel of the engine at their command, the freedom to drive anywhere they want, and the thrill of driving something with a renowned history.

With ownership comes additional costs beyond the price of a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind build. Keep reading to learn more.

Year-One Restomod Maintenance Cost

Upon delivery, owners receive a fully documented build along with a warranty and maintenance plan. The restoration quality sets the ceiling for reliability with an all-new engine featuring very low odometer miles. Disciplined maintenance preserves the restored condition while ensuring the engine and interior last as long as possible.

The restomod maintenance cost for the first year includes several items to take care of.

Oil Change for Internal Combustion Engines

ECD Auto Design recommends an oil change every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Turbocharged engines, like the V8 powerplants installed in custom Defenders and Range Rover Classics, require full synthetic oil for proper operation.

If a restored vehicle is built to original spec, it may require conventional oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Oil changes may range from $75 to $200, depending on the oil type, amount of oil needed, and where the owner lives.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotations prevent excessive wear on the treads. Consider having a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Electric vehicles (EVs) need a tire rotation every 5,000 to 6,000 miles due to the instant torque they generate, and because they’re heavier than comparable internal combustion models.

Tire rotations by themselves generally cost between $20 and $50. Mechanics often combine tire rotation with an oil change because those typically happen at similar intervals.

Cabin and Engine Air Filters

Change the cabin and engine air filters once a year or every 15,000 miles. The engine air filter keeps contaminants out of the combustion chamber. A cabin air filter does the same for the air people breathe in the cabin. Engine air filters usually cost between $10 and $30. Cabin air filters are between $50 and $120, including labor.

Wiper Blades

Buy and install new wiper blades every six months, especially before the spring and fall rainy seasons. New wiper blades cost between $30 and $75 depending on the size and brand someone purchases.

Multi-Point Inspection

Mechanics usually perform multi-point inspections at the same time they do tire rotations and oil changes. Basic inspections are a courtesy check of the brakes, transmission, tires, fuel, and HVAC systems. More intricate inspections, often covering more than 150 parts, can run about $50.

Exterior Washing

Washing a vehicle at least once per season removes dirt and grime from the new paint. Pay attention to the undercarriage, especially after driving on slush-covered roads, to make sure any road salt is removed. Washing a vehicle may cost $10 to $50.

These are just general guidelines based on the vehicles restored by ECD Auto Design. Maintenance intervals may be more or less frequent based on an owner’s driving habits and where the owner lives. For instance, someone who off-roads in dusty, dry weather may need an engine air filter and tire rotation more often than once per year. EVs may require less maintenance.

In general, expect to pay $200 to $600 for year-one restomod maintenance costs.

Ongoing Restomod Maintenance Costs and Running Costs Beyond the First Year

After the first year, look for these restomod maintenance costs based on various systems:

• Transmission fluid flush and fill, 30,000 to 60,000 miles, costing $100 and $400
• Suspension, shocks, and struts, between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, $500 to $2,500
• Coolant flush and fill, 50,000 to 100,000 miles, $100 to $250
• New 12-volt battery (even for EVs), 3 to 5 years, $120 to $450
• New brakes, 25,000 to 70,000 miles, $450 to $800 per axle
• New tires, 50,000 to 75,000 miles, $500 to $1,200
• Differential fluid change, 30,000 to 100,000 miles, $140 to $350

Again, these intervals and costs may change depending on driving habits and where owners live. The overall ongoing restored classic car ownership costs beyond the first year (not including the yearly maintenance and fuel costs) are between $2,000 and $6,000.

Do Restomods Hold Value?

Yes, restomods do hold value, often better than restored classics brought to their original specs because they appeal to owners who drive their vehicles regularly. Maintenance costs are often lower and easier to manage. The value is enhanced with full documentation of the build and extensive maintenance records.

It is nearly impossible to recoup the entire cost of the restomod, even though they hold value better than factory-produced vehicles. Owners and investors should see a restomod, especially one that’s driven, as an investment in the overall driving experience. If the vehicle isn’t driven very much or serves as a concours-ready showpiece, it may increase in value over time based on supply and demand in the marketplace.

Classic Car Ownership Cost vs. Investing in the Build

ECD Auto Design sees a restomod as an investment in automotive history and in an owner’s driving experience. This includes delivering a world-class, one-of-one vehicle backed by full documentation of the build, a warranty, and continued support through ongoing maintenance and a network of mechanics who have experience in working with restored classics.

CREATE IT. BUILD IT. LIVE IT. Let’s Talk About Your Perfect Dream Build.