When considering a new vehicle, the initial purchase price is often the primary focus. However, savvy car owners know that the long-term cost of ownership extends far beyond the sticker price. Maintenance and repairs can significantly impact your budget, turning a seemingly affordable car into a financial burden. If you’re looking to minimize these expenses, choosing a car with cheap parts is a smart move.
This list, compiled using data from CarEdge, highlights vehicles with the lowest predicted maintenance and repair costs over a 10-year period. We’ve ranked these models based on their average total 10-year maintenance cost, revealing the top 20 cars that excel in keeping your wallet happy when it comes to parts and servicing. These aren’t just basic, stripped-down models; they are reliable and practical cars that offer peace of mind and affordability.
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 dependable mid-size sedan, provides a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. Known for its comfortable “Zero Gravity” seats, the Altima is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. It even offers Nissan’s ProPilot Assist for highway driving, blending convenience with reasonable maintenance costs.
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%
Toyota’s RAV4 is a popular compact crossover SUV celebrated for its roominess, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Available with a standard gasoline engine or a hybrid option, the RAV4 boasts a strong reputation for reliability, making it a practical choice for those seeking affordable car parts and minimal maintenance. Alt text: Side view of a silver Toyota RAV4 SUV, highlighting its compact crossover design and reliable reputation for cheap parts.
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 expenses among non-electric vehicles. While it may not be the sportiest in its class, the ES 350 prioritizes comfort and luxury, offering a serene driving experience with the added benefit of affordable parts for a premium brand.
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, revamped for 2022, has become a strong contender in the compact car segment. This practical and efficient vehicle combines comfort, reliability, and low ownership costs, making it an appealing option for buyers looking for a car with cheap parts and overall affordability. Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a blue Nissan Sentra sedan, emphasizing its updated design and appeal as a compact car with cheap parts.
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 with a distinctive style, is positioned below the RAV4 in Toyota’s lineup. Uniquely, it’s a front-wheel-drive model, contributing to better fuel economy and reduced operating costs, aligning with the desire for a car with cheap parts and efficient performance.
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 newly redesigned Honda Accord shares many of the positive attributes of the Civic, including a refined driving experience and a range of models from well-equipped to luxurious. Honda’s reputation for reliability ensures that the Accord remains a smart choice for those prioritizing low maintenance and cheap parts. Alt text: Side profile of a white Honda Accord sedan, showcasing its redesign and reputation for reliability and affordable car parts.
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 compact Mazda 3, now featuring standard all-wheel drive, offers enjoyable driving in all conditions. Known for its nimble handling and responsive power, the Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback versions, combining driving pleasure with reasonable maintenance costs and access to Mazda parts.
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%
For budget-conscious buyers, the Nissan Versa sub-compact sedan is a solid option. With its appealing styling, adequate performance for everyday needs, and low ownership costs, the Versa is an economical choice. All models include automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety for new drivers and reinforcing its value as a car with cheap parts and essential features. Alt text: Angled shot of a red Nissan Versa sub-compact sedan, emphasizing its affordability and suitability as a car with cheap parts for budget-minded drivers.
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 is the alternative to the Mirage hatchback, offering a traditional trunk for those who prefer it. Its affordability in both purchase price and ownership makes it a practical choice if you prioritize a conventional sedan body style and seek a car with cheap parts and basic 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%
Redesigned for 2022, the compact Honda Civic is available in sedan and hatchback forms, ranging from basic to sporty trims. Highly refined and serving as the foundation for the Acura Integra, the Civic is renowned for its reliability and low maintenance costs, making it a consistently popular choice for those wanting a car with cheap parts and lasting value. Alt text: Front view of a silver Honda Civic sedan, highlighting its redesigned front and its strong reputation for reliability and affordable parts.
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%
The modern Toyota Supra, sharing components with the BMW Z4, boasts distinctive styling and surprisingly low maintenance costs, particularly for a performance vehicle. Its affordability in terms of parts and upkeep is an unexpected bonus for a sports car.
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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 subcompact epitomizes basic, affordable transportation. While its three-cylinder engine may be underpowered, it’s adequate for city driving. Key advantages include excellent fuel economy and minimal ownership costs, making it a prime example of a car with cheap parts and economical operation. Alt text: Profile view of a green Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, showcasing its subcompact size and highlighting its fuel efficiency and cheap parts.
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, a crossover version of the Model 3, offers a range of up to 330 miles on a single charge. Like all Teslas, it delivers strong performance along with the added practicality of increased space. Interestingly, it also boasts surprisingly low maintenance costs, especially considering its electric powertrain which inherently requires fewer parts than a traditional combustion engine.
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 revolutionized the electric vehicle market, offering a stylish, quick, and comfortable car. With a range nearing 400 miles and access to Tesla’s extensive charging network, it rivals traditional gasoline cars in usability but with potentially lower running costs and fewer maintenance demands, contributing to its ranking as a car with cheap parts in the long run, especially when considering reduced servicing needs typical of EVs. Alt text: Sleek side view of a dark grey Tesla Model S, emphasizing its role in transforming the EV industry and its surprisingly low maintenance for a luxury electric car.
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, although discontinued, is the larger counterpart to the Camry, sharing many of its mechanical components, including the V6 engine. It provides a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and comfort comparable to Lexus models, combined with Toyota’s renowned low maintenance costs and readily available, cheap parts.
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%
Low operating costs and long-term reliability are hallmarks of the mid-size Toyota Camry. It remains one of the few vehicles in its class to still offer a V6 engine option in addition to the standard four-cylinder, providing a blend of performance and practicality with the assurance of affordable maintenance and cheap parts. Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a blue Toyota Camry sedan, highlighting its reputation for low operating costs, reliability, and availability of cheap parts.
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, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Prius, bridges the gap between gasoline and fully electric vehicles. It can run on electric power for the initial 25 miles before switching to hybrid mode, achieving an estimated 54 mpg combined. This hybrid technology also contributes to lower long-term maintenance needs and potentially cheaper parts compared to fully gasoline cars.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Cost: $4,087
- $148 In Year One, $755 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
A consistently popular choice for practical car buyers, the Toyota Corolla may not be the flashiest option, but it performs its function efficiently and reliably. Its enduring appeal lies in its dependability and affordability, including the availability of cheap parts and low maintenance costs, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing value. Alt text: Side shot of a grey Toyota Corolla sedan, emphasizing its practicality, reliability, and status as a car with cheap parts for sensible buyers.
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 is among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, achieving an EPA-estimated 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. Owners also benefit from its affordable maintenance and repair costs, further solidifying its position as a top choice for those seeking a car with cheap parts and exceptional fuel economy.
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%
The Tesla Model 3, smaller than the Model S, boasts the lowest predicted overall maintenance and repair costs of any car currently available. Routine service visits are often limited to tire rotations, highlighting the inherent lower maintenance nature of electric vehicles and positioning the Model 3 as the ultimate car for cheap parts and minimal servicing over its lifespan. Alt text: Front angled view of a white Tesla Model 3, highlighting its status as the car with the lowest predicted maintenance costs and cheap parts availability.
FAQs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
Toyota and Honda are consistently recognized as brands with the lowest maintenance costs. However, numerous models from Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also exhibit low repair expenses. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Tesla lead the way, demonstrating strong reliability and lower ownership costs compared to the average premium brand, making them good options when considering the availability of cheap parts within the luxury market.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
The Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser are known for their exceptional longevity, with many vehicles exceeding 300,000 miles with proper care. This durability often translates to long-term value and potentially lower overall costs of ownership.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With proper maintenance, most cars can last beyond 200,000 miles, and some can even reach 300,000 miles or more. The average age of passenger vehicles in the US is approximately 12 years, with an average annual mileage between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, indicating that modern cars are built to last, especially when considering models known for cheap and readily available parts.
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
