In recent years, the cost of buying a car has significantly increased, especially since the start of COVID. This has made it more challenging for new buyers to consider the financial implications of purchasing a vehicle. One significant expense to consider when buying a car is the cost of maintenance over the first ten years.
While many people focus on the initial cost and value of a car, it is crucial to consider the maintenance fees as well. Choosing a car known for its quality and reliability can save you a lot of money and give you peace of mind knowing that the car won’t break down constantly.
This list of the top 10 cheapest cars to maintain was compiled using data from CarEdge, Edmunds, NHTSA, and Car and Driver. All information is based on the newest model year for each car.
10 2023 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has a storied history, and the 2023 model continues to live up to its name. It is an excellent compact car that offers great gas mileage and is fun to drive.
Reliability
Honda is synonymous with reliability, and the Honda Civic upholds this reputation. It has low maintenance costs, affordable price tag, and is known for its fun driving experience. In the 90s, the Civic was popular among teens as their first car due to its reliability and low cost of ownership.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $525
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $4,846
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $5,245
- Total Recalls: 0
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 15.57%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2016 Honda Civic
9 2023 Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is an incredible sports car, representing the best of old-school sports cars. It is quick, looks good, and features a six-speed manual transmission.
Reliability
While sports cars aren’t usually associated with cheap maintenance costs, the Toyota Supra breaks that stereotype. Despite being a sports car, it offers low maintenance costs and affordable ownership:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $495
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $9,687
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,950
- Total Recalls: 0
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 12.57%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: Any MK4 Supra
8 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is an affordable and practical car. It offers low costs for buying and repairing, as well as excellent fuel efficiency. However, it doesn’t come with any luxury features or high performance.
Reliability
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the cheapest cars available, even among entry-level hatchbacks. It is perfect for those who want a reliable vehicle that gets them from point A to point B without any frills:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $493.90
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $4,488.40
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,939
- Total Recalls: 0
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 15.09%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
7 2020 Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is an excellent entry-level car, offering practicality, fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior. While it lacks fancy features, it is perfect for those looking for an affordable, reliable vehicle.
Reliability
The Honda Fit is an entry-level car with basic features. It is known for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $491.50
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $5,522
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,915
- Total Recalls: 1
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 14.86%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2008 Honda Fit
6 2022 Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a flagship sedan known for its spaciousness, practicality, and V-6 engine. Although it may not be the newest model, it still offers excellent reliability and can be purchased at a fair price.
Reliability
The Avalon is Toyota’s near-luxury sedan, offering a spacious interior and well-equipped entry-level trims:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $440.70
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $6,732
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,407
- Total Recalls: 0
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.89%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2006 Toyota Avalon
5 2023 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a standout in the midsize sedan class. It continues to top sales charts due to its reliability, fuel economy, and range of trim levels to suit different preferences.
Reliability
The Camry is renowned for its reliability, fuel economy, and availability in multiple trim levels:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $420.30
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $5,362
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,203
- Total Recalls: 1
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.89%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007 Toyota Camry
4 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is a hybrid version of the popular Prius model. It offers a blend of performance, practicality, and fuel efficiency. Despite being more exciting than ever, it remains affordable and environmentally friendly.
Reliability
The Prius Prime is reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain. It is environmentally friendly and offers low maintenance costs:
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $409.80
- Total Est. Yearly Costs: $7,022
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,098
- Total Recalls: 0
- Chance of Major Repair Costing $500 Or More: 11.22%
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2017 Toyota Prius Prime