When considering a new car, the purchase price is often the primary focus. However, smart car ownership extends far beyond the initial cost. The long-term expenses, particularly maintenance and repairs, can significantly impact your budget. Gone are the days when basic cars meant sacrificing essential features. Today, you can find vehicles that are not only affordable to buy but also remarkably cheap to keep running.
This article delves into the realm of good, cheap cars – vehicles that reliably meet your needs while demanding little in return, save for routine servicing. While some might immediately think of budget-friendly economy cars, our list is surprisingly diverse, featuring everything from compact cars to electric vehicles and even a sports car.
To bring you this data-driven ranking, we’ve consulted research from CarEdge, a reputable source for vehicle maintenance and repair cost data. Their comprehensive data encompasses estimated annual and 10-year ownership costs, alongside the probability of requiring major repairs. We’ve compiled the top 20 vehicles based on the lowest average total 10-year maintenance costs, providing you with a clear guide to the cars that will be kindest to your wallet in the long run.
20. Nissan Altima
- 10-Year Cost: $5,561
- Annual Costs: $196 (Year One), $1,034 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Altima, a mid-size sedan, provides a comfortable and spacious interior equipped with Nissan’s signature Zero Gravity seats. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Altima also offers the convenience of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, a highway driving assistance system. It balances comfort and features with reasonable running costs.
19. Toyota RAV4
- 10-Year Cost: $5,531
- Annual Costs: $201 (Year One), $1,021 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota RAV4 stands as Toyota’s widely popular compact crossover SUV. Known for its roomy and comfortable cabin, it also boasts impressive fuel economy, especially with the available hybrid powertrain. Offered in a variety of trims, the RAV4 maintains Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability, making it a dependable choice for those seeking lower repair bills.
Alt text: Side view of a silver Toyota RAV4 SUV parked on a paved road, showcasing its compact crossover design and roof rails.
18. Lexus ES 350
- 10-Year Cost: $5,488
- Annual Costs: $217 (Year One), $989 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
Within the luxury car segment, the mid-size Lexus ES 350 distinguishes itself with the lowest projected maintenance and repair expenses among non-electric models. While perhaps not the most dynamically engaging car in its class, the ES 350 excels in providing comfort and luxury, appealing to drivers who prioritize a smooth and serene driving experience without excessive repair costs.
17. Nissan Sentra
- 10-Year Cost: $5,441
- Annual Costs: $184 (Year One), $1,022 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Sentra, updated for the 2022 model year, has evolved into a strong competitor in the compact car market. It effectively blends practicality and efficiency with comfort, reliability, and importantly, low ownership costs. For those seeking an affordable and dependable compact car, the Sentra is a worthy contender.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a blue Nissan Sentra sedan driving on a city street, highlighting its updated design and modern headlights.
16. Toyota C-HR
- 10-Year Cost: $5,425
- Annual Costs: $190 (Year One), $1,101 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota C-HR, a subcompact SUV, offers a distinctive style and positions itself below the RAV4 in Toyota’s SUV lineup. Uniquely, it is exclusively front-wheel drive, unlike many crossover SUVs. This configuration contributes to enhanced fuel economy and reduced operating expenses, making it an economical choice in the subcompact SUV category.
15. Honda Accord
- 10-Year Cost: $5,412
- Annual Costs: $200 (Year One), $994 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
The newly redesigned Honda Accord shares many desirable traits with the smaller Civic, including a refined driving experience. The Accord model range spans from well-equipped to near-luxury, offering a spectrum of features and amenities while maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability and reasonable repair costs.
Alt text: A red Honda Accord sedan is shown from a side profile, emphasizing its sleek redesigned body and spacious cabin.
14. Mazda 3
- 10-Year Cost: $5,409
- Annual Costs: $186 (Year One), $1,013 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.2%
The compact Mazda 3, now featuring standard all-wheel drive, delivers enjoyable driving dynamics throughout the year. Known for its agile handling and responsive power, the Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, offering versatility and driving pleasure with manageable maintenance costs.
13. Nissan Versa
- 10-Year Cost: $5,331
- Annual Costs: $173 (Year One), $1,011 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
For budget-conscious buyers, the Nissan Versa sub-compact sedan presents a compelling option. It offers appealing styling, satisfies fundamental transportation needs effectively, and is notably inexpensive to own and operate. With standard automatic emergency braking across all trims, the Versa also stands out as a safe and economical choice, particularly for new drivers seeking cheap car repairs.
Alt text: Front view of a silver Nissan Versa subcompact sedan parked in a lot, showcasing its affordability and practical design.
12. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 10-Year Cost: $5,254
- Annual Costs: $175 (Year One), $991 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.0%
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan serves as the sedan variant of the Mirage hatchback. It remains a very affordable option both in terms of initial purchase price and long-term ownership costs. If a traditional trunk is preferred over a hatchback, the Mirage G4 offers a budget-friendly solution with low repair expenses.
11. Honda Civic
- 10-Year Cost: $5,245
- Annual Costs: $183 (Year One), $977 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
Redesigned for 2022, the compact Honda Civic is available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, ranging from basic models to sportier trims. It is exceptionally refined and serves as the foundation for the new Acura Integra. The Civic benefits from a well-established reputation for reliability, translating to lower chances of expensive repairs.
Alt text: A white Honda Civic hatchback parked on a street, displaying its sporty redesign and versatile hatchback configuration.
10. Toyota Supra
- 10-year cost: $4,950
- Annual Costs: $220 (Year One), $872 (Year 10)
- Chance of needing a major repair: 12.6%
The latest Toyota Supra shares many components with the BMW Z4. However, it distinguishes itself with unique styling and surprisingly affordable maintenance costs, especially for a performance-oriented sports car. The Supra proves that sporty driving doesn’t have to mean exorbitant repair bills.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage
- 10-Year Cost: $4,939
- Annual Costs: $163 (Year One), $933 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, a subcompact car, embodies basic, economical transportation. Its small three-cylinder engine may be underpowered, but it’s adequate for city driving. Key advantages include excellent fuel economy and low overall ownership costs, making it a very cheap car to repair and maintain.
Alt text: A yellow Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback driving on a highway, emphasizing its subcompact size and fuel efficiency.
8. Tesla Model Y
- 10-Year Cost: $4,732
- Annual Costs: $217 (Year One), $813 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.7%
The Tesla Model Y is the crossover SUV version of the Model 3, offering an impressive range of up to 330 miles on a single charge. Like all Tesla vehicles, it delivers strong performance but with the added practicality of increased cargo space. Electric vehicles often have lower maintenance needs, contributing to the Model Y’s lower repair costs.
7. Tesla Model S
- 10-Year Cost: $4,566
- Annual Costs: $267 (Year One), $708 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric car market by providing a stylish, fast, and comfortable vehicle with a long range. With a range approaching 400 miles and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, the Model S can travel anywhere gasoline-powered rivals can, often at a lower overall cost, including maintenance and repairs.
Alt text: A dark grey Tesla Model S sedan parked in front of a modern building, showcasing its sleek design and premium electric vehicle status.
6. Toyota Avalon
- 10-Year Cost: $4,407
- Annual Costs: $180 (Year One), $787 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Avalon, while no longer in production, is the larger sibling to the Camry, sharing many mechanical components, including the V6 engine. It offers a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and near-Lexus levels of refinement, combined with Toyota’s renowned reliability and low maintenance costs.
5. Toyota Camry
- 10-Year Cost: $4,203
- Annual Costs: $160 (Year One), $766 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
Low operating costs and long-term reliability are hallmarks of the mid-size Toyota Camry. It remains one of the few models in its segment to still offer a V6 engine option alongside the standard four-cylinder. The Camry’s reputation for dependability directly translates to reduced repair expenses for owners.
Alt text: A silver Toyota Camry sedan driving on a highway, highlighting its mid-size stature and reputation for reliability.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
- 10-Year Cost: $4,098
- Annual Costs: $164 (Year One), $736 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius Prime, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Prius, bridges the gap between traditional gasoline cars and fully electric vehicles. It can operate on electric power for the first 25 miles before seamlessly switching to hybrid mode, achieving an estimated 54 mpg in combined driving. This hybrid technology also contributes to lower long-term maintenance demands.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Cost: $4,087
- Annual Costs: $148 (Year One), $755 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Corolla, a consistent favorite among practical car buyers, may not be the most exciting car, but it excels at providing efficient and dependable transportation. Its long-standing reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency also extends to affordable maintenance and repair costs.
Alt text: A blue Toyota Corolla sedan parked in a suburban street, showcasing its practical and reliable compact car design.
2. Toyota Prius
- 10-Year Cost: $4,008
- Annual Costs: $155 (Year One), $727 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius hybrid is recognized as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, achieving EPA-estimated ratings of 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. Beyond fuel savings, Prius owners also benefit from remarkably affordable maintenance and repair costs, making it a champion of economical car ownership.
1. Tesla Model 3
- 10-Year Cost: $3,587
- Annual Costs: $169 (Year One), $610 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
The Tesla Model 3, smaller than the Model S, tops our list as the car with the lowest expected overall maintenance and repair costs available today. Routine service visits for the Model 3 often involve little more than tire rotations, highlighting the inherent lower maintenance demands of electric vehicles and Tesla’s efficient design.
Alt text: A white Tesla Model 3 sedan parked at a charging station, emphasizing its status as the electric vehicle with the lowest repair costs.
FAQs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
Historically, Toyota and Honda have consistently ranked among the brands with the lowest maintenance costs. However, numerous models from Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also demonstrate low repair expenses. Within the premium segment, Lexus and Tesla lead the way, exhibiting strong reliability scores and lower ownership costs compared to the average luxury brand.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
The Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser are recognized for their exceptional longevity, with many vehicles exceeding 300,000 miles with proper care. These models are built for durability and are expected to have a long lifespan, reducing the long-term cost of ownership.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With diligent maintenance, most modern cars can last well over 200,000 miles, and some can even reach 300,000 miles or more. The average age of passenger vehicles in the United States is approximately 12 years. Assuming an average annual mileage of 12,000 to 15,000 miles, these vehicles typically have accumulated between 144,000 and 180,000 miles.
Cheapest Cars To Maintain
- 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
