You cannot predict every failure, but you can identify the expensive wear items and maintenance jobs that are likely to arrive during your ownership.
Start with what wears out
Price the tyre dimensions fitted, brake components and a routine service. Check whether the car is approaching scheduled age- or mileage-related work.
Then look at model complexity
Large LED lamps, complex suspension, powered equipment and advanced driver-assistance systems can increase repair cost if damaged. That does not make them bad; it makes them part of the budget.
Use history to reduce uncertainty
Invoices showing recent tyres, brakes, battery or major servicing have real value. “Full service history” is more useful when you can see what was actually done.
A few minutes pricing tyres, servicing and insurance can reveal whether an apparently affordable car is likely to stay affordable.
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