The 2012 Scion IQ is a moderately difficult car to maintain, but not too difficult a car to repair for the average car owner. Checking the brake fluid level is a problem, as you will need to remove a cover and trim in order to check the fluid level with reliability. This vehicle does not come equipped with a spare tire or jack kit. Instead it comes with a compressor kit, which can leave you stranded in case the tire is damaged and cannot be pumped back up. Changing the front wiper blade is more complicated, as you will need to use a tool in order to remove the blade. Other models do not require the use of tools to remove this blade.
Some things are easier to maintain on the 2012 Scion IQ. Access for the tail light bulbs is easy, as there is a designated panel in the rear of the vehicle for access to the bulbs. This panel is easy to remove. The headlight is easy to access, as you only have to reach behind the housing for access to the bulb. Both the fuse boxes are easy to check on this vehicle. You only have to remove one cover to access either set of fuses, allowing you to troubleshoot electrical problems easily.
Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.