Service Plan vs Pay-As-You-Go

How Service Plan vs Pay-As-You-Go works

This tool multiplies the cost of one service by the annual service frequency and the plan term to calculate the pay-as-you-go total. It then subtracts the prepaid plan cost from that total. A positive result indicates the plan saves money; a negative result means paying per service is cheaper. The calculator also displays the total number of services covered and both payment-method totals side by side.

The formula

Pay-as-you-go total = Service cost × Services per year × Plan years
Difference = Pay-as-you-go total − Plan cost

All values are absolute; the label adjusts to reflect which method costs less.

Where this method is most accurate

The calculation assumes each service under pay-as-you-go costs exactly the amount entered, with no price inflation over the term. It also assumes the plan covers the exact number of services indicated and that no additional repairs or parts fall outside the plan scope. Real-world service pricing can vary by model year, service type (interim versus full), and workshop location.

What this tool does not do

It does not account for differences in labour rates across franchised dealers versus independent garages. It does not include consumables (brake fluid, coolant) that may be covered in some plans but not others. The calculator does not model inflation, changes in service interval recommendations, or the possibility of selling the vehicle before the plan expires. It produces a snapshot comparison based on the prices and schedule entered.

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or vehicle-maintenance advice. Actual service costs and plan terms vary by manufacturer, dealer, and contract. Users remain responsible for verifying plan inclusions, exclusions, and transferability before purchase.