The UK and Italy led the European new automotive market’s restoration in 2023 because the world emerged from the Covid pandemic and the next provide chain disruption, whereas the US and Japan additionally bounced again considerably, Tesla set a brand new gross sales report and China’s BYD emerged as a world pressure.
After three years of doom and gloom, a level of normality returned to the worldwide market, with each area lastly recording gross sales will increase once more and companies like Toyota, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and JLR rediscovering their mojos.
Perhaps essentially the most outstanding story is that of an EV turning into a world best-seller, the Tesla Model Y eradicating the Toyota Corolla from the throne after a few years.
So, 2023: the yr we forgot about Covid, electrical vehicles slipped inconspicuously into the mainstream and we may barely transfer for big piles of nugatory semiconductors – a world away from the turbulence and uncertainty of 2022.
Well, not fairly. While the previous 12 months felt comparatively secure and established a way of optimism inside the automobile business going into 2024, it was the direct reverse of uneventful, and it’ll absolutely be written into the historical past books as a transformative yr for motoring.
Since the daybreak of the automobile, there has absolutely by no means been much less of a divide between the business and the broader information agenda, nor has the automobile ever been so central to common discourse, to not point out politics at nationwide and international ranges.
A Hillingdon to die on
It started in a leafy suburb of West London on 20 July, as Conservative candidate Steve Tuckwell claimed a slender victory over Labour’s Danny Beales within the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, off the again of a “one-issue campaign” that revolved virtually completely round his opposition to London mayor Sadiq Khan’s enlargement of the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Many constituents, incensed on the prospect of paying £12.50 a day to drive their vehicles inside the M25, loudly engaged with Tuckwell’s chest-thumping ‘Stop ULEZ’ agenda, and so this minor by-election finally grew to become the kindling that will mild a roaring bonfire (or ought to that be bin hearth?) of debate across the very idea of non-public mobility.
In a bid to recapture some sorely wanted populist enchantment, Tory prime minister Rishi Sunak jumped on the bandwagon and rapidly launched 20mph velocity limits, and lowered the fantastic for stopping in a yellow field junction.
It would all culminate within the shock postponement of the UK’s world-leading ban on promoting new ICE vehicles. Sunak moved it again from 2030 to 2035, within the course of little doubt successful the hearts and minds of many an EV sceptic and making the common-or-garden combustion engine central to his get together’s prospects of success within the 2024 common election.
During the COVID pandemic, the RV industry experienced a surge in demand as people sought to embrace social distancing by purchasing motorhomes and camper trailers. However, the current situation tells a different story. According to data from the RV Industry Association (RVIA), sales in the first half of 2023 have plummeted across all categories, with one exception worth noting.
When we say “across the board,” we are referring to various types of recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and pickup truck toppers. Travel trailers have been hit the hardest, witnessing a staggering 53.9 percent drop compared to the previous year. This category includes both standard towable and large fifth-wheel campers. However, the RVIA provides a separate figure for fifth-wheelers, which reveals a 50.9 percent decline exclusively for this group. Trailers with folding segments are down by 31 percent, while truck campers (categorized as trailers) have experienced a 33.8 percent decrease.
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.
102023 Honda Civic
Honda
Front 3/4 of the 2023 Honda Civic Sedan in the desert
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
92023 Toyota Supra
Toyota
A 2023 Toyota GR Supra parked on a racetrack.
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
82023 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi
Side shot of the 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%
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
62022 Toyota Avalon
Toyota
3/4 action shot of the 2022 Toyota Avalon Touring
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
52023 Toyota Camry
Toyota
Front action shot of a silver 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE
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%
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%
