Looking for a vehicle that won’t break the bank, not just at the dealership but also down the road? Many factors go into car ownership costs, and repair bills can be a significant and unpredictable expense. Fortunately, some cars are built to last and are inherently cheaper to maintain than others. Forget about unreliable vehicles that constantly demand expensive repairs; this guide dives into the top 20 cars that excel in low maintenance and repair costs, ensuring you keep more money in your pocket in the long run.
This list, compiled using data from CarEdge, focuses on vehicles with the lowest predicted maintenance and repair expenses over a 10-year ownership period. We’ve considered annual maintenance costs, projected 10-year totals, and the likelihood of needing major repairs. Ranked by the cheapest 10-year maintenance cost, here are the top contenders for the title of “cheapest car to repair”.
20. Nissan Altima
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,561
- Average Annual Cost: $196 in Year One, increasing to $1,034 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Altima, a popular mid-size sedan, balances comfort and practicality with reasonable running costs. Its spacious cabin, comfortable “Zero Gravity” seats, and available ProPilot Assist technology make it a solid choice for families and commuters alike. The Altima’s reliability contributes to its lower overall ownership expenses.
19. Toyota RAV4
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,531
- Average Annual Cost: $201 in Year One, rising to $1,021 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.1%
Toyota’s RAV4 is a best-selling compact SUV for good reason. Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, whether you choose the standard gasoline engine or the hybrid option, the RAV4 offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and peace of mind thanks to its low maintenance reputation. Its strong reliability track record contributes significantly to its position as one of the cheapest SUVs to repair.
18. Lexus ES 350
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,488
- Average Annual Cost: $217 in Year One, reaching $989 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 15.1%
The Lexus ES 350 stands out as the luxury vehicle with the lowest repair and maintenance costs on this list. While it may not be the sportiest option in its class, the ES 350 prioritizes comfort, refinement, and Lexus’ renowned reliability. If you’re seeking a luxury experience without the premium repair bills, the ES 350 is a compelling choice.
17. Nissan Sentra
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,441
- Average Annual Cost: $184 in Year One, increasing to $1,022 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Sentra has been revitalized in recent years, becoming a strong competitor in the compact car segment. Combining practicality, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride, the Sentra offers excellent value. Its low ownership costs, including affordable repairs and maintenance, make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
16. Toyota C-HR
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,425
- Average Annual Cost: $190 in Year One, climbing to $1,101 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota C-HR is a distinctive subcompact SUV that offers a stylish alternative in a crowded segment. Exclusively front-wheel drive, the C-HR prioritizes fuel economy and lower operating costs. Its Toyota engineering contributes to its reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance.
15. Honda Accord
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,412
- Average Annual Cost: $200 in Year One, reaching $994 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Accord, a perennial favorite in the mid-size sedan category, is known for its blend of refinement, practicality, and reliability. With a comfortable driving experience and a range of well-equipped trims, the Accord continues Honda’s tradition of building durable and affordable-to-maintain vehicles.
14. Mazda 3
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,409
- Average Annual Cost: $186 in Year One, increasing to $1,013 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.2%
The Mazda 3 stands out in the compact car class for its engaging driving dynamics and premium feel. Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, the Mazda 3 now offers optional all-wheel drive, enhancing its versatility. Despite its sporty nature, the Mazda 3 remains surprisingly affordable to maintain, making it a fun and sensible choice.
13. Nissan Versa
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,331
- Average Annual Cost: $173 in Year One, reaching $1,011 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan designed for affordability and practicality. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers and first-time car owners, the Versa offers essential features, decent styling, and, importantly, low ownership costs. Standard automatic emergency braking adds to its appeal as a safe and economical choice.
12. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,254
- Average Annual Cost: $175 in Year One, reaching $991 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 16.0%
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan provides a traditional trunk option for those who prefer it over the Mirage hatchback. As one of the most affordable new cars on the market, the Mirage G4 emphasizes low purchase price and minimal running costs, including cheap repairs and maintenance.
11. Honda Civic
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,245
- Average Annual Cost: $183 in Year One, reaching $977 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Civic, a benchmark in the compact car segment, is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and enjoyable driving experience. Available in sedan and hatchback forms, the Civic offers a wide range of trims to suit various needs. Its reputation for longevity and low maintenance contributes to its enduring popularity and makes it a smart choice for those seeking a cheap car to repair in the long run.
10. Toyota Supra
- 10-year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,950
- Average Annual Cost: $220 in Year One, decreasing to $872 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 12.6%
Surprisingly, the Toyota Supra, a performance sports car, ranks among the cheapest cars to repair. Sharing components with the BMW Z4, the Supra boasts distinctive styling and, unexpectedly, affordable maintenance costs, especially for a vehicle in its class. This combination of performance and reasonable running costs makes the Supra an intriguing option.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,939
- Average Annual Cost: $163 in Year One, reaching $933 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 15.1%
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the epitome of basic, affordable transportation. While its three-cylinder engine may be modest in power, the Mirage prioritizes fuel efficiency and exceptionally low ownership costs. For those seeking the absolute cheapest new car to buy and maintain, the Mirage is a strong contender.
8. Tesla Model Y
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,732
- Average Annual Cost: $217 in Year One, decreasing to $813 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.7%
The Tesla Model Y, a popular electric crossover SUV, combines Tesla’s performance and technology with the practicality of an SUV. Electric vehicles inherently have fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, often leading to lower maintenance requirements. The Model Y’s position on this list underscores the potential for EVs to be cheap to repair and maintain over the long term.
7. Tesla Model S
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,566
- Average Annual Cost: $267 in Year One, decreasing to $708 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 8.6%
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric vehicle market, offering style, performance, and long range. As a premium EV, the Model S demonstrates that luxury and low maintenance costs can coexist. Its electric drivetrain contributes to reduced maintenance needs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
6. Toyota Avalon
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,407
- Average Annual Cost: $180 in Year One, decreasing to $787 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Avalon, while no longer in production, represents a comfortable and spacious large sedan known for its reliability. Sharing many mechanical components with the Camry, the Avalon offers Lexus-like comfort at a more accessible price point, including lower maintenance costs.
5. Toyota Camry
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,203
- Average Annual Cost: $160 in Year One, decreasing to $766 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Camry is synonymous with reliability and low running costs. This mid-size sedan consistently earns high marks for dependability, making it a smart choice for drivers seeking a car that minimizes unexpected repair expenses. Its reputation for longevity contributes to its position as one of the cheapest cars to maintain and repair.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,098
- Average Annual Cost: $164 in Year One, decreasing to $736 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), blends electric driving capability with the security of a gasoline engine for longer trips. Toyota’s hybrid technology is well-established for its reliability, and the Prius Prime benefits from this, resulting in lower predicted maintenance and repair costs.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,087
- Average Annual Cost: $148 in Year One, decreasing to $755 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Corolla is a consistently popular compact car praised for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and, crucially, its reliability. The Corolla’s enduring reputation for dependability translates directly into lower repair bills over its lifespan, making it a top pick for those prioritizing low ownership costs.
2. Toyota Prius
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,008
- Average Annual Cost: $155 in Year One, decreasing to $727 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius hybrid is renowned for its exceptional fuel economy, but it also excels in affordability when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Toyota’s hybrid technology has proven to be remarkably reliable, contributing to the Prius’s low long-term ownership costs and solidifying its place as one of the cheapest cars to repair.
1. Tesla Model 3
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $3,587
- Average Annual Cost: $169 in Year One, decreasing to $610 by Year 10
- Probability of Major Repair: 8.6%
Topping the list as the car with the cheapest repair costs is the Tesla Model 3. This electric sedan boasts the lowest predicted maintenance and repair expenses of any car currently on the market. Electric vehicles generally require less routine maintenance than gasoline cars, and the Model 3 exemplifies this advantage, primarily needing tire rotations and occasional servicing.
FAQs About Car Repair Costs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
While specific models vary, Toyota and Honda consistently rank as brands with the cheapest maintenance costs across their lineups. However, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also offer many models with impressively low repair expenses. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Tesla stand out for their reliability and lower ownership costs compared to other premium brands.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
For ultimate longevity, the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser are legendary. Many owners report these SUVs reaching 300,000 miles or more with proper care, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to durability.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With diligent maintenance, most modern cars can easily surpass 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained vehicles can even reach the 300,000-mile milestone. The average vehicle age in the US is around 12 years, with typical mileage between 144,000 and 180,000 miles, indicating the potential for long vehicle lifespans.
Cheapest Cars To Maintain: Top 20 List
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota RAV4
- Lexus ES 350
- Nissan Sentra
- Toyota C-HR
- Honda Accord
- Mazda 3
- Nissan Versa
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Supra
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model S
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Prius
- Tesla Model 3
Source: CarEdge.com
