Keeping a car running smoothly shouldn’t break the bank. Many car buyers prioritize fuel efficiency and purchase price, but often overlook a significant aspect of car ownership: repair costs. Unexpected repairs can lead to financial strain, making it crucial to consider long-term maintenance expenses when choosing a vehicle. If you’re looking to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses down the road, focusing on cars known for their affordable repair bills is a smart move.
This article dives into the top 20 cars that stand out for their low maintenance and repair costs, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing your next vehicle. We’ve compiled data from CarEdge, a reputable source for car ownership cost analysis, focusing on 10-year maintenance costs and the likelihood of major repairs. By examining this data, we’ve ranked the vehicles with the cheapest average total 10-year maintenance cost, revealing the champions of affordable car ownership. You might be surprised to find a diverse range of vehicles on this list, from economical compact cars to even a few luxury and sports models.
Top Cars with the Lowest Repair Costs: Ranked
Here’s a countdown of the top 20 cars that are not expensive to repair, starting with number 20 and working our way to the most affordable:
20. Nissan Altima
- 10-Year Cost: $5,561
- Annual Costs: $196 In Year One, $1,034 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Altima, a mid-size sedan, provides a comfortable ride with its signature Zero Gravity seats and offers available all-wheel drive and ProPilot Assist for highway driving. Its maintenance costs are notably low for its class, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.
19. Toyota RAV4
- 10-Year Cost: $5,531
- Annual Costs: $201 In Year One, $1,021 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small crossover SUV known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid option. Its reputation for longevity and affordable maintenance makes it a consistently smart choice for those seeking to avoid expensive car repairs.
18. Lexus ES 350
- 10-Year Cost: $5,488
- Annual Costs: $217 In Year One, $989 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
The Lexus ES 350 stands out as the luxury car with the lowest maintenance and repair costs on this list. Prioritizing comfort and reliability over sporty handling, the ES 350 offers a luxury experience without the premium repair bills often associated with high-end vehicles.
17. Nissan Sentra
- 10-Year Cost: $5,441
- Annual Costs: $184 In Year One, $1,022 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Sentra, a compact sedan, has become a strong contender in its segment, especially after its 2022 update. It combines practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfort with low ownership costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable and inexpensive car to repair.
16. Toyota C-HR
- 10-Year Cost: $5,425
- Annual Costs: $190 In Year One, $1,101 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota C-HR, a subcompact SUV, offers distinctive styling and fuel efficiency due to its front-wheel-drive configuration. Positioned below the RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup, the C-HR provides a more economical SUV option with lower operating costs, including repairs.
15. Honda Accord
- 10-Year Cost: $5,412
- Annual Costs: $200 In Year One, $994 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Accord, a newly redesigned mid-size sedan, mirrors the Civic in its refined driving experience and offers a range of models from well-equipped to luxurious. Honda’s reputation for reliability shines through in the Accord, translating to lower long-term repair expenses.
14. Mazda 3
- 10-Year Cost: $5,409
- Annual Costs: $186 In Year One, $1,013 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.2%
The Mazda 3 compact car, now standard with all-wheel drive, is known for its engaging driving dynamics and stylish design in both sedan and hatchback forms. Beyond its driving appeal, the Mazda 3 also boasts reasonable maintenance costs for its class.
13. Nissan Versa
- 10-Year Cost: $5,331
- Annual Costs: $173 In Year One, $1,011 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Versa, a subcompact sedan, is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget, offering affordability without sacrificing basic needs. Its low purchase price is complemented by inexpensive ownership costs, including repairs, making it a smart pick for first-time car buyers or those prioritizing frugality.
12. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 10-Year Cost: $5,254
- Annual Costs: $175 In Year One, $991 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.0%
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan provides a traditional trunk option compared to the Mirage hatchback, while maintaining the same focus on affordability. Its low purchase price and minimal repair costs make it a practical choice for those seeking basic, economical transportation.
11. Honda Civic
- 10-Year Cost: $5,245
- Annual Costs: $183 In Year One, $977 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Civic, a compact car available in sedan and hatchback versions, is renowned for its reliability and refined driving experience. Serving as the foundation for the Acura Integra, the Civic’s enduring reputation for dependability translates to lower long-term repair costs, making it a consistently recommended vehicle.
10. Toyota Supra
- 10-year cost: $4,950
- Annual Costs: $220 In Year One, $872 By Year 10
- Chance of needing a major repair: 12.6%
Surprisingly, the Toyota Supra, a performance sports car, makes this list. Sharing components with the BMW Z4, the Supra offers distinctive styling and surprisingly affordable maintenance, especially for a vehicle in its category. This makes it a unique option for enthusiasts looking for performance without excessive repair bills.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage
- 10-Year Cost: $4,939
- Annual Costs: $163 In Year One, $933 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the epitome of basic, budget-friendly transportation. While its three-cylinder engine might be underpowered, it excels in fuel economy and keeps ownership costs, including repairs, remarkably low, ideal for city driving and budget-conscious individuals.
8. Tesla Model Y
- 10-Year Cost: $4,732
- Annual Costs: $217 In Year One, $813 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.7%
The Tesla Model Y, the crossover version of the Model 3, showcases the surprisingly low maintenance costs of electric vehicles. With a long range and Tesla’s performance DNA, the Model Y combines practicality with reduced repair needs, typical of EVs due to fewer moving parts.
7. Tesla Model S
- 10-Year Cost: $4,566
- Annual Costs: $267 In Year One, $708 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
The Tesla Model S, a pioneering electric sedan, revolutionized the EV market with its style, speed, and comfort. Its place on this list highlights the inherent advantage of EVs in terms of maintenance, with fewer mechanical components leading to lower repair probabilities and costs.
6. Toyota Avalon
- 10-Year Cost: $4,407
- Annual Costs: $180 In Year One, $787 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Avalon, though discontinued, remains a testament to Toyota’s engineering for low maintenance. Sharing components with the Camry, the Avalon offers a spacious cabin and Lexus-like comfort with remarkably low repair costs, making it an excellent used car option for budget-minded buyers.
5. Toyota Camry
- 10-Year Cost: $4,203
- Annual Costs: $160 In Year One, $766 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Camry, a mid-size sedan, is synonymous with reliability and low operating costs. Its long-term dependability and availability of a V6 engine option set it apart in its class, and its consistently low repair costs make it a perennial favorite for those prioritizing practicality and affordability.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
- 10-Year Cost: $4,098
- Annual Costs: $164 In Year One, $736 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid, bridges the gap between traditional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Its impressive fuel efficiency and electric range, combined with Toyota’s renowned reliability, result in exceptionally low repair costs, making it a leader in economical vehicle ownership.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Cost: $4,087
- Annual Costs: $148 In Year One, $755 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Corolla, a compact sedan, is a consistently popular choice for practical car buyers. While not flashy, the Corolla excels in efficiency and reliability, making it one of the most dependable and inexpensive cars to repair on the market.
2. Toyota Prius
- 10-Year Cost: $4,008
- Annual Costs: $155 In Year One, $727 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius hybrid stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles available, boasting exceptional MPG ratings. Beyond fuel savings, Prius owners also benefit from remarkably low maintenance and repair costs, cementing its place as a leader in affordable and economical car ownership.
1. Tesla Model 3
- 10-Year Cost: $3,587
- Annual Costs: $169 In Year One, $610 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
Topping the list as the car that is not expensive to repair is the Tesla Model 3. Smaller than the Model S, the Model 3 boasts the lowest overall expected maintenance and repair costs of any car currently available. Routine service visits are often limited to tire rotations, highlighting the minimal maintenance demands of electric vehicles and making the Model 3 a champion in affordable car ownership.
FAQs: Understanding Car Repair Costs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
Toyota and Honda are consistently recognized as the cheapest car brands to maintain, known for their reliability and durable engineering. However, brands like Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also offer models with impressively low repair costs. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Tesla lead the way with superior reliability and lower ownership costs compared to other premium brands.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser are renowned for their longevity, with many exceeding 300,000 miles. These models exemplify Toyota’s commitment to durability and long-term reliability.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With proper maintenance, most modern cars can last well over 200,000 miles, and some can even reach 300,000 miles or more. The average vehicle age in the US is around 12 years, with average mileage between 144,000 and 180,000 miles, indicating the increasing lifespan of vehicles today.
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
