For savvy car buyers, the initial purchase price is just the tip of the iceberg. Long-term ownership costs, especially maintenance and repairs, can significantly impact your wallet. While the allure of a bargain vehicle is strong, the true value lies in a car that’s not only affordable upfront but also economical to keep running. We’re not talking about stripped-down, bare-bones models, but reliable and well-equipped cars that won’t break the bank with constant trips to the mechanic.
This list, compiled using data from CarEdge, dives into the vehicles boasting the lowest maintenance and repair expenses over a 10-year period. We’ve analyzed estimated annual costs, projected 10-year totals, and the probability of needing major repairs to bring you the top 20 cars that excel in keeping your ownership costs down. From efficient compact cars to surprising luxury and even sports car contenders, discover which models offer peace of mind and savings in the long run.
20. Nissan Altima
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,561
- Annual Costs: $196 (Year One), $1,034 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.4%
The Nissan Altima sedan, a popular choice in the mid-size category, balances performance with practicality. Its spacious cabin features Nissan’s comfortable Zero Gravity seats, making it suitable for families and commuters alike. Available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and offering features like ProPilot Assist for highway driving, the Altima provides a well-rounded package with reasonable running costs.
19. Toyota RAV4
Alt text: Toyota RAV4 compact SUV in silver driving on a paved road.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,531
- Annual Costs: $201 (Year One), $1,021 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.1%
Toyota’s RAV4 is a best-selling compact crossover SUV renowned for its reliability. Offering ample passenger and cargo space, it’s available with a fuel-efficient gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain for even greater economy. With a strong reputation for longevity and a variety of trims to choose from, the RAV4 is a smart choice for those seeking low maintenance in an SUV format.
18. Lexus ES 350
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,488
- Annual Costs: $217 (Year One), $989 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 15.1%
The Lexus ES 350 stands out as the most affordable luxury car to maintain on this list. While not necessarily the sportiest option in its class, the mid-size ES prioritizes comfort and refinement, hallmarks of the Lexus brand. For drivers who value a smooth ride and luxurious features without exorbitant running costs, the ES 350 is a compelling choice.
17. Nissan Sentra
Alt text: Red Nissan Sentra compact sedan parked in a studio with a white background.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,441
- Annual Costs: $184 (Year One), $1,022 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.4%
The Nissan Sentra, refreshed in recent years, has become a stronger contender in the competitive compact car segment. Practical, fuel-efficient, and comfortable, the Sentra offers a combination of desirable traits, including Nissan’s focus on reliability and low long-term ownership expenses.
16. Toyota C-HR
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,425
- Annual Costs: $190 (Year One), $1,101 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.1%
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact SUV with distinctive styling, positioned below the RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup. Uniquely offered only with front-wheel drive, the C-HR maximizes fuel efficiency and contributes to lower overall operating costs, making it an economical choice in the small SUV category.
15. Honda Accord
Alt text: Silver Honda Accord sedan parked in a well lit studio environment.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,412
- Annual Costs: $200 (Year One), $994 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 15.6%
The Honda Accord, a newly redesigned mid-size sedan, shares many of the positive attributes of its smaller sibling, the Civic. Known for its refined driving experience, the Accord offers a range of models, from well-equipped to near-luxury, all while maintaining Honda’s reputation for dependability and reasonable maintenance costs.
14. Mazda 3
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,409
- Annual Costs: $186 (Year One), $1,013 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.2%
The Mazda 3 compact car, now featuring standard all-wheel drive, is known for its engaging driving dynamics and stylish design. Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, the Mazda 3 provides a fun-to-drive experience with the added benefit of predicted low repair costs.
13. Nissan Versa
Alt text: Blue Nissan Versa subcompact sedan with a clean and modern design.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,331
- Annual Costs: $173 (Year One), $1,011 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.4%
The Nissan Versa is an affordable subcompact sedan, appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower price point, the Versa is well-styled and adequately equipped for basic transportation needs. Its low cost of ownership, combined with standard automatic emergency braking, makes it a practical and safe choice for new drivers or those prioritizing economy.
12. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,254
- Annual Costs: $175 (Year One), $991 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 16.0%
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan offers a traditional trunk in contrast to the Mirage hatchback. It remains one of the most inexpensive cars to purchase and own, focusing on essential transportation with minimal running costs.
11. Honda Civic
Alt text: Modern and sporty white Honda Civic sedan driving on a city street.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $5,245
- Annual Costs: $183 (Year One), $977 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 15.6%
Redesigned recently, the Honda Civic compact car is available in both sedan and hatchback forms, ranging from basic to sporty trims. Highly refined and known for its reliability, the Civic is a benchmark in its class and also serves as the foundation for the Acura Integra, showcasing its solid engineering and dependable nature.
10. Toyota Supra
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,950
- Annual Costs: $220 (Year One), $872 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 12.6%
The Toyota Supra, a performance car icon, shares components with the BMW Z4, but maintains its own distinctive styling. Surprisingly, the Supra is remarkably affordable to maintain, especially for a sports car, proving that performance doesn’t always equate to high running costs.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage
Alt text: Small and economical Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback in bright red color.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,939
- Annual Costs: $163 (Year One), $933 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 15.1%
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the epitome of basic, affordable transportation. Its small three-cylinder engine prioritizes fuel economy over power, making it suitable for city driving and budget-conscious owners. Low ownership costs are a key highlight of the Mirage.
8. Tesla Model Y
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,732
- Annual Costs: $217 (Year One), $813 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.7%
The Tesla Model Y is the SUV version of the popular Model 3, offering a long electric range and Tesla’s signature performance. Combining practicality with the benefits of electric vehicle ownership, the Model Y boasts lower maintenance needs compared to traditional gasoline cars.
7. Tesla Model S
Alt text: Sleek and luxurious Tesla Model S electric sedan in motion on a highway.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,566
- Annual Costs: $267 (Year One), $708 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 8.6%
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric car market, offering a stylish, high-performance, and comfortable electric vehicle with a long range. Thanks to its electric powertrain and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the Model S can travel long distances with lower running costs than many gasoline-powered rivals.
6. Toyota Avalon
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,407
- Annual Costs: $180 (Year One), $787 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.9%
The Toyota Avalon, while discontinued, is a larger sedan based on the Camry, sharing many of its reliable mechanical components, including the V6 engine. The Avalon offers a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride, and a touch of Lexus-like luxury at a Toyota price point, all with low maintenance costs.
5. Toyota Camry
Alt text: Reliable and popular silver Toyota Camry sedan driving on a sunny day.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,203
- Annual Costs: $160 (Year One), $766 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.9%
The Toyota Camry is synonymous with reliability and low operating costs in the mid-size sedan segment. One of the few remaining models in its class to offer a V6 engine option alongside a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, the Camry continues to be a practical and dependable choice.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,098
- Annual Costs: $164 (Year One), $736 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.2%
The Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), bridges the gap between traditional hybrids and full EVs. Offering electric-only driving for shorter distances before switching to hybrid mode, the Prius Prime achieves excellent fuel economy and maintains the Prius family’s reputation for low maintenance.
3. Toyota Corolla
Alt text: Practical and efficient Toyota Corolla compact sedan in blue.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,087
- Annual Costs: $148 (Year One), $755 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.9%
A long-standing favorite for practical car buyers, the Toyota Corolla prioritizes efficiency and reliability above all else. While not flashy, the Corolla is a dependable compact sedan that consistently gets the job done with minimal fuss and low running costs.
2. Toyota Prius
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $4,008
- Annual Costs: $155 (Year One), $727 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 11.2%
The Toyota Prius hybrid is a leader in fuel efficiency, achieving exceptional MPG figures in city and highway driving. Beyond its fuel savings, the Prius also rewards owners with remarkably affordable maintenance and repair costs, solidifying its position as a financially smart car choice.
1. Tesla Model 3
Alt text: Tesla Model 3 electric car in white, the cheapest car to repair according to the article.
- 10-Year Repair & Maintenance Cost: $3,587
- Annual Costs: $169 (Year One), $610 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Major Repair (over 10 years): 8.6%
The Tesla Model 3, smaller than the Model S, tops this list as the car with the lowest predicted maintenance and repair costs available today. Routine service for the Model 3 often involves simple procedures like tire rotations, highlighting the inherent simplicity and reduced maintenance needs of electric vehicles.
FAQs About Car Repair Costs
Which Car Brand Is Generally the Cheapest to Maintain?
Historically, Toyota and Honda have consistently ranked as some of the cheapest car brands to maintain, known for their reliability and durable engineering. However, brands like Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also offer many models with impressively low repair costs. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Tesla stand out, demonstrating better reliability and lower ownership costs compared to many other premium brands.
What Type of Car Is Expected to Last the Longest?
Toyota SUVs, specifically the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser, are renowned for their exceptional longevity. Many of these models are reported to reach 300,000 miles or even more with proper care and maintenance, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to long-term durability.
How Many Years or Miles Will the Average Car Last?
With consistent and proper maintenance, most modern cars can reliably exceed 200,000 miles. Some vehicles are even capable of reaching or surpassing 300,000 miles. Currently, the average age of passenger vehicles on US roads is around 12 years. Considering an average annual mileage of 12,000 to 15,000 miles, this translates to most cars having accumulated between 144,000 and 180,000 miles.
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
