What Is the Cheapest Car to Fix? Top Models for Budget-Conscious Owners
When considering a new car, the purchase price is often the primary focus. However, savvy car buyers know that the long-term cost of ownership extends far beyond the initial sticker price. Maintenance and repair expenses can significantly impact your budget over the years. If you’re looking to minimize these costs and keep your vehicle running smoothly without breaking the bank, understanding which cars are the cheapest to fix is crucial.
Gone are the days when “cheap cars” meant sacrificing essential features and reliability. Today, many affordable vehicles offer a blend of value, comfort, and dependability. We’re talking about cars that meet your daily needs and desires while demanding little more than routine maintenance in return. This list isn’t just about basic economy cars; it includes a diverse range of vehicles, from fuel-efficient compacts to surprisingly affordable luxury and even sporty models.
To bring you the most data-driven insights, we’ve consulted data from CarEdge, a leading source for vehicle maintenance and repair cost information. Their comprehensive data encompasses estimated annual and 10-year ownership costs, as well as the probability of encountering a major repair. By ranking vehicles according to their average total 10-year maintenance costs, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 cars that stand out as the cheapest to fix.
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 mid-size sedan, is a practical choice offering a comfortable cabin with Nissan’s signature Zero Gravity seats and respectable performance. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Altima also offers features like ProPilot Assist for highway driving, blending convenience with reasonable running 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 stands as a popular compact crossover SUV, known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. Offered with standard gasoline and hybrid powertrain options, the RAV4’s strong reputation for reliability contributes to its lower long-term maintenance expenses. Its variety of trim levels ensures there’s a RAV4 to meet different needs and budgets, all while keeping repair bills in check.
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 distinguishes itself as the luxury car with the lowest projected maintenance and repair costs among non-electric vehicles. While it may not be the sportiest option in its class, the ES 350 prioritizes comfort and luxury, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a premium experience without premium repair bills. Its reputation for reliability, shared with its Toyota parentage, helps keep ownership costs down.
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, redesigned for the 2022 model year, has evolved into a strong competitor in the compact car segment. Combining practicality, efficiency, and comfort, the Sentra also boasts a reputation for reliability and low ownership costs. This makes it a smart choice for drivers seeking a dependable and economical vehicle that won’t lead to frequent trips to the repair shop.
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, presents a distinctive styling and positions itself below the RAV4 in Toyota’s SUV lineup. Uniquely offered as a front-wheel-drive model, the C-HR maximizes fuel economy and minimizes operating costs. This focus on efficiency extends to its maintenance needs, making it a cost-effective option in the subcompact SUV category.
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 mirrors many of the strengths of its smaller sibling, the Civic. Offering a refined driving experience and a range of models from well-equipped to luxurious, the Accord maintains Honda’s tradition of reliability. This reputation translates to lower maintenance demands and contributes to its standing as a cheap car to fix in the mid-size sedan class.
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 Mazda 3 compact car adds all-wheel drive as standard this year, enhancing its appeal for drivers in various climates. Known for its nimble handling and responsive engine, the Mazda 3 is available in both sedan and hatchback versions. Beyond its driving dynamics, the Mazda 3 also offers reasonable maintenance costs, making it a well-rounded and budget-friendly choice.
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 compelling option. Stylishly designed and meeting basic transportation needs effectively, the Versa is also inexpensive to own. With standard automatic emergency braking across all models, the Versa is a safe and economical choice, particularly for first-time car owners or those prioritizing affordability and low repair costs.
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 serves as the sedan version of the Mirage hatchback. Its primary appeal lies in its affordability, both in terms of purchase price and ownership costs. If a traditional trunk is preferred over a hatchback, the Mirage G4 offers a budget-friendly solution with low maintenance demands.
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 Honda Civic compact car is available in sedan and hatchback forms, ranging from basic to sporty trims. Known for its refinement and serving as the foundation for the Acura Integra, the Civic benefits from Honda’s well-established reputation for reliability. This reliability directly translates to lower repair frequencies and costs, solidifying its place among the cheapest cars to fix.
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 current Toyota Supra, sharing components with the BMW Z4, boasts a distinctive design and surprisingly low maintenance costs, especially for a performance vehicle. Challenging the stereotype that sports cars are expensive to maintain, the Supra proves that driving excitement can also be budget-friendly.
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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 epitomizes basic, affordable transportation. While its three-cylinder engine might be modest in power, it’s adequate for city driving. Key advantages of the Mirage include excellent fuel economy and low ownership costs, making it one of the most economical cars available and cheap to repair.
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, the crossover version of the Model 3, offers a substantial 330-mile range on a single charge. Like other Teslas, it delivers strong performance but with added space and versatility. Interestingly, the Model Y also presents lower maintenance costs than many gasoline-powered counterparts, contributing to the affordability of electric vehicle ownership.
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 car market with its blend of style, speed, and comfort. Boasting a near 400-mile range and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, the Model S offers long-distance capability with lower running costs than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, including reduced maintenance expenses.
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%
Although now discontinued, the Toyota Avalon, the larger sibling to the Camry, shares many mechanical components, including the V6 engine. It provides a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and a level of comfort comparable to Lexus models, all while maintaining Toyota’s reputation for low maintenance costs. Used Avalons can be excellent value for those seeking affordable luxury and reliability.
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 Toyota Camry mid-size sedan. As one of the few remaining models in its class to offer a V6 engine option alongside the standard four-cylinder, the Camry provides a range of choices while consistently delivering on dependability and affordable maintenance.
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, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), bridges the gap between gasoline-only and fully electric cars. It can operate on battery power for the initial 25 miles before switching to hybrid mode, achieving an estimated 54 mpg combined. Beyond its fuel efficiency, the Prius Prime also rewards owners with low maintenance and repair expenses, typical of the Prius family.
3. Toyota Corolla
- 10-Year Cost: $4,087
- $148 In Year One, $755 By Year 10
- Chance Of Needing Major Repair: 11.9%
A long-standing favorite among practical car buyers, the Toyota Corolla may not be the flashiest option, but it excels in efficiency and reliability. Its reputation for dependability translates to minimal maintenance needs, making it a consistently cheap car to fix and own over the long term.
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 renowned for its exceptional fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. Beyond fuel savings, Prius owners also benefit from affordable maintenance and repair costs, making it a financially smart choice for eco-conscious and budget-minded drivers.
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, tops the list as the car with the lowest projected overall maintenance and repair costs in today’s market. Routine service visits for the Model 3 often involve little more than tire rotations, highlighting the reduced maintenance demands of electric vehicles and making it the cheapest car to fix in the long run according to CarEdge’s data.
FAQs
What Car Brand Is The Cheapest To Maintain?
Toyota and Honda are consistently recognized as among the cheapest car brands to maintain, celebrated for their reliability and lower repair needs. However, brands like Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi also offer numerous models with impressively low repair costs. In the luxury segment, Lexus and Tesla stand out, demonstrating strong reliability and lower ownership costs compared to the average premium brand.
What Car Lasts The Longest?
Toyota SUVs, specifically the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Land Cruiser, are known for their exceptional longevity. Many of these vehicles are reported to last for 300,000 miles or even more, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to durability and long-term reliability.
How Long Will Most Cars Last?
With proper and consistent maintenance, most modern cars are engineered to last well beyond 200,000 miles. Some vehicles can even reach the 300,000-mile mark or higher with diligent care. The average age of passenger vehicles in the United States is approximately 12 years, with average annual mileage between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. This suggests that the average car on the road today has already accumulated between 144,000 and 180,000 miles, highlighting the increased lifespan of contemporary vehicles.
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
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