For savvy car owners, the initial purchase price is just the beginning. The long-term cost of ownership, particularly maintenance and repair, can significantly impact your wallet. While the dream of owning a luxury car is appealing, the reality of expensive parts and complex repairs can quickly turn that dream into a financial burden. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of vehicles available that not only offer reliability but also boast cheap parts, making them incredibly affordable to maintain.
This list, compiled using data from CarEdge, highlights vehicles with the lowest maintenance and repair costs over a 10-year period. We’ve analyzed annual expenses, the likelihood of major repairs, and ranked these cars by their average total 10-year maintenance cost. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s easy on your budget, not just at the dealership but for years to come, these are the cars to consider.
20. Nissan Altima
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,561
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $196 (Year One), $1,034 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Altima, a popular mid-size sedan, strikes a balance between comfort, performance, and affordability. Known for its spacious cabin and comfortable “Zero Gravity” seats, the Altima also offers available all-wheel drive and driver-assistance features like ProPilot Assist. Crucially for budget-conscious buyers, the Nissan Altima parts are relatively inexpensive, contributing to its lower long-term maintenance costs compared to many competitors in its class. Finding cheap Nissan Altima parts is generally straightforward, whether you’re looking for routine maintenance items or replacement components.
19. Toyota RAV4
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,531
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $201 (Year One), $1,021 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota RAV4 is a best-selling small crossover SUV, celebrated for its reliability and practicality. Offering ample passenger and cargo space, along with fuel-efficient engine options including a hybrid, the RAV4 is a smart choice for families and individuals alike. Toyota’s reputation for reliability extends to affordable parts for the RAV4. Owners benefit from cheap Toyota RAV4 parts availability, ensuring that routine servicing and the occasional repair won’t break the bank. This makes the RAV4 a financially sound option in the competitive SUV market.
18. Lexus ES 350
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,488
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $217 (Year One), $989 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
Surprisingly, a luxury car makes our list! The Lexus ES 350, while offering premium comfort and features, stands out for its remarkably low maintenance costs within the luxury segment. While perhaps not the sportiest choice, the ES 350 prioritizes a smooth ride and opulent interior. Lexus, known for its connection to Toyota, benefits from shared engineering and parts networks. This translates to relatively cheap Lexus ES 350 parts compared to other luxury brands. For those seeking a touch of luxury without exorbitant running costs, the ES 350 is a compelling option.
17. Nissan Sentra
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,441
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $184 (Year One), $1,022 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Sentra has evolved into a strong contender in the compact car segment. Practical, fuel-efficient, and comfortable, the Sentra offers a well-rounded package at an accessible price point. Like its Altima sibling, the Sentra benefits from affordable Nissan parts. Finding cheap Nissan Sentra parts contributes significantly to its low ownership costs, making it an attractive choice for budget-minded drivers looking for a reliable and economical compact sedan.
16. Toyota C-HR
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,425
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $190 (Year One), $1,101 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.1%
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact SUV with distinctive styling, positioned below the RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup. Its front-wheel-drive configuration enhances fuel economy and helps keep operating costs down. Toyota’s commitment to affordability extends to the C-HR, ensuring cheap Toyota C-HR parts are readily available. This contributes to the C-HR’s appeal as a stylish and economical subcompact SUV, perfect for navigating city streets without excessive maintenance expenses.
15. Honda Accord
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,412
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $200 (Year One), $994 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Accord, a perennial favorite mid-size sedan, is synonymous with reliability and practicality. Known for its refined driving experience and a range of trim levels from well-equipped to luxurious, the Accord consistently earns high marks for owner satisfaction. Honda’s reputation for durable vehicles is matched by the availability of cheap Honda Accord parts. This combination of reliability and affordable components solidifies the Accord as a smart and economical choice in the mid-size sedan category.
14. Mazda 3
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,409
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $186 (Year One), $1,013 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.2%
The Mazda 3, available in both sedan and hatchback forms, brings a touch of sporty driving dynamics to the compact car class. With available all-wheel drive, it offers confident handling in various weather conditions. While Mazda is known for its engaging driving experience, it also delivers reasonable running costs. Cheap Mazda 3 parts contribute to its overall affordability, making it a compelling option for drivers who value both driving enjoyment and sensible ownership expenses.
13. Nissan Versa
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,331
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $173 (Year One), $1,011 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.4%
The Nissan Versa is an affordable subcompact sedan designed for budget-conscious buyers. Pleasantly styled and well-equipped for its class, including standard automatic emergency braking, the Versa is a practical and economical choice, especially for first-time car owners or those seeking basic, reliable transportation. The availability of cheap Nissan Versa parts is a key factor in its low ownership costs, making it one of the most accessible new cars on the market in terms of both purchase price and long-term expenses.
12. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,254
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $175 (Year One), $991 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 16.0%
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan offers a traditional trunk in a subcompact package, appealing to those who prefer a sedan over a hatchback. It remains one of the most inexpensive cars to buy and own, prioritizing affordability above all else. Cheap Mitsubishi Mirage G4 parts are a cornerstone of its value proposition, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are kept to a minimum. For buyers primarily concerned with minimizing their automotive expenses, the Mirage G4 is a strong contender.
11. Honda Civic
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $5,245
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $183 (Year One), $977 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.6%
The Honda Civic, a benchmark in the compact car segment, is renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and well-rounded performance. Available in sedan and hatchback forms, the Civic caters to a wide range of needs and preferences. Honda’s commitment to quality translates to durable vehicles and readily available, cheap Honda Civic parts. This combination of factors makes the Civic a consistently smart choice for car buyers seeking long-term value and low running costs in a compact car.
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 Toyota Supra, a performance icon reborn, shares components with the BMW Z4. Despite its sporty nature, the Supra is surprisingly affordable to maintain, especially compared to other performance cars. While it’s a sports car, the cost of Toyota Supra parts is lower than expected for its class, contributing to its relatively low 10-year maintenance cost. This makes the Supra a unique proposition: a thrilling sports car that doesn’t demand exorbitant maintenance fees.
Buy And Maintain:
20 Most Expensive Cars to Maintain
20 Cheapest Cars, Trucks, And SUVs In The US For 2023
9. Mitsubishi Mirage
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,939
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $163 (Year One), $933 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 15.1%
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the epitome of basic, affordable transportation. While its three-cylinder engine is modest, it’s perfectly adequate for city driving. The Mirage excels in fuel economy and, crucially, low ownership costs. Cheap Mitsubishi Mirage parts are readily available, making routine maintenance and repairs incredibly budget-friendly. For those prioritizing absolute economy and minimal running costs, the Mirage is a top contender.
8. Tesla Model Y
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,732
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $217 (Year One), $813 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.7%
The Tesla Model Y, the crossover version of the Model 3, offers electric vehicle efficiency and performance with added versatility. While electric cars generally have fewer moving parts than gasoline vehicles, Tesla has also managed to keep parts costs relatively low. Cheap Tesla Model Y parts, combined with reduced service needs typical of EVs, contribute to its impressive 10-year maintenance cost ranking. The Model Y demonstrates that electric vehicles can be not only environmentally friendly but also financially sensible in the long run.
7. Tesla Model S
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,566
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $267 (Year One), $708 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric car market with its blend of style, performance, and long range. Despite being a premium EV, the Model S also boasts surprisingly low maintenance costs. Like the Model Y, cheap Tesla Model S parts and the inherently lower maintenance demands of electric vehicles contribute to its affordability over the long term. The Model S proves that luxury and low running costs can coexist in the electric vehicle space.
6. Toyota Avalon
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,407
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $180 (Year One), $787 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Avalon, though discontinued, remains a noteworthy large sedan known for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and Lexus-like refinement at a more accessible price point. Sharing many mechanical components with the Camry, the Avalon benefits from Toyota’s reputation for reliability and affordable parts. Cheap Toyota Avalon parts ensure that even as a discontinued model, maintaining an Avalon remains a budget-friendly proposition.
5. Toyota Camry
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,203
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $160 (Year One), $766 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Camry, a best-selling mid-size sedan, is synonymous with reliability and low operating costs. Its reputation for longevity and minimal maintenance is well-earned. Cheap Toyota Camry parts are widely available and affordable, contributing significantly to its low 10-year maintenance cost ranking. The Camry remains a top choice for buyers seeking a dependable and economical sedan that will stand the test of time without breaking the bank on repairs.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,098
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $164 (Year One), $736 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of the iconic Prius, combines electric driving capability with the flexibility of a gasoline engine. Toyota’s hybrid technology is renowned for its reliability and efficiency. Cheap Toyota Prius Prime parts, in line with the Prius family’s reputation, contribute to its exceptionally low maintenance costs. The Prius Prime offers a fuel-efficient and financially smart option for environmentally conscious drivers seeking to minimize both fuel and maintenance expenses.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,087
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $148 (Year One), $755 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
The Toyota Corolla, a consistently popular compact car, prioritizes practicality, reliability, and efficiency. While not flashy, the Corolla excels at providing dependable transportation with minimal fuss. Cheap Toyota Corolla parts are a key element of its appeal, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are affordable and predictable. The Corolla’s enduring popularity is a testament to its blend of reliability, economy, and low running costs, including inexpensive parts.
2. Toyota Prius
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $4,008
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $155 (Year One), $727 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.2%
The Toyota Prius hybrid is a fuel efficiency leader, known for its exceptional MPG ratings. Beyond fuel savings, the Prius also rewards owners with remarkably low maintenance and repair costs. Cheap Toyota Prius parts, combined with the inherent reliability of Toyota’s hybrid system, make it one of the most affordable cars to maintain over the long term. The Prius is a compelling choice for those seeking maximum fuel economy and minimal running expenses, including inexpensive parts.
1. Tesla Model 3
- 10-Year Maintenance Cost: $3,587
- Annual Maintenance Costs: $169 (Year One), $610 (Year 10)
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 8.6%
Topping our list is the Tesla Model 3, demonstrating that electric vehicles can lead the way in affordable maintenance. Smaller than the Model S, the Model 3 offers the lowest overall expected maintenance and repair costs of any car on the market today. Cheap Tesla Model 3 parts, coupled with the reduced maintenance needs of EVs (fewer fluids, brakes lasting longer due to regenerative braking), result in incredibly low running costs. The Model 3 is not only an innovative and desirable electric car but also the champion in terms of long-term affordability thanks to its cheap parts and minimal servicing requirements.
FAQs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
While Toyota and Honda are consistently recognized as brands with low maintenance costs, several models from Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also demonstrate excellent affordability in terms of repairs. Among luxury brands, Lexus and Tesla stand out for their reliability and lower cost of ownership compared to the average premium vehicle. These brands generally offer more affordable parts and engineering designs that minimize maintenance needs.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
For longevity, the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser are legendary. Many of these robust SUVs regularly exceed 300,000 miles and beyond, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to durability and long-lasting components. Choosing vehicles known for their longevity can also contribute to lower long-term costs, as they are engineered for extended lifespans.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With proper maintenance, most modern cars are capable of reaching over 200,000 miles. Many can even achieve 300,000 miles or more with diligent care. The average age of vehicles on US roads is around 12 years, with average annual mileage between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, indicating that vehicles are routinely lasting for many years and miles, highlighting the increasing reliability and durability of modern automobiles and the availability of affordable car parts to keep them running.
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
