Comments about increasing HOA dues are... kinda silly IMO. Either way you have to set aside money for repairs. Increasing HOA dues either mean repair costs are going up or they were too low to begin with.
The issue, though, is that the fees are not just limited to repairs in many cases. It sounds like you're operating under the assumption that the fees are just for repairs that you would pay if you were on your own; or, you'll get a discounted rate for mass HOA repairs.
Obviously it will all depend on the HOA in question, but the problem is those fees can also include payments for lawn and grounds maintenance, tree and shrub trimming, snow removal, recreation facilities, swimming pools, security, legal representation, concierges, delivery service, and on and on. They may decide to pay for things that you wouldn't on your own, that have nothing to do with repairs.
Regarding repairs, I've had many friends and colleague bitch about their "Nazi" HOA's, how HOA people walk around with clipboards just looking for alleged problems. They write you up, and you're on the hook to correct the situation whether or not you agree it actually needs correcting. And they'll mandate that you buy Expensive Brand Paint Desert Sage #4 to touch up that area on your trim that's not up to snuff.
Obviously I'm engaging in a bit of hyperbole, but just be aware you're putting your faith (and $) in the HOA management to decide how to spend your fees, and they will raise them over time, guaranteed. My mom pays about $400/month for her HOA on a detached house in a low cost of living town; that covers only lawn, grounds, and pool maintenance. It's highway robbery!