When purchasing a vehicle, one of the most important factors to consider is maintenance costs. Some cars are significantly cheaper to maintain than others, and choosing a vehicle with lower ongoing costs can save you thousands of dollars over the years. This article explores the cheapest cars to maintain in the United States, focusing on factors such as reliability, repair costs, fuel efficiency, and overall long-term ownership expenses.
1. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has consistently been rated as one of the most affordable cars to maintain in the U.S. This compact sedan is known for its reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for drivers looking for a low-maintenance vehicle.
Why it’s affordable:
- Low repair costs: The Corolla’s simple and reliable design means that repairs are usually straightforward and inexpensive. Common repairs, such as brake pads or battery replacements, are much cheaper compared to more complex vehicles.
- Durable engine: Toyota’s engines are well-known for their longevity, often running for over 200,000 miles without major issues.
- Fuel efficiency: With an average of 30–38 MPG, the Corolla keeps fuel costs low, which further reduces overall maintenance expenses.
- Affordable parts: Parts for the Corolla are readily available and affordable due to its popularity.
2. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another compact car that is renowned for its low maintenance costs and reliability. It’s a popular choice due to its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and affordability.
Why it’s affordable:
- High reliability: Honda Civics are famous for their longevity and the ability to endure high mileage without significant issues.
- Low-cost repairs: Civic parts are widely available and tend to be reasonably priced. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and brake replacements, is affordable.
- Fuel economy: The Civic averages around 30–38 MPG, keeping fuel expenses low.
- Resale value: Hondas tend to retain their value well, which can help offset the cost of ownership over time.
3. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular midsize sedans in the U.S., and it’s also one of the cheapest to maintain in its class. Known for its comfort, reliability, and value, the Camry offers low long-term maintenance costs.
Why it’s affordable:
- Longevity: Camrys can easily reach 200,000 miles or more with regular maintenance, making them a great investment for the long haul.
- Low repair costs: Most repairs on a Camry are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to luxury vehicles or European models.
- Good fuel economy: The Camry gets an average of 28–39 MPG, which helps lower operating costs.
- Widespread availability of parts: Due to its popularity, parts for the Camry are affordable and easy to find.
4. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is another midsize sedan that is known for being affordable to maintain. It has a reputation for reliability, low-cost repairs, and long-term durability, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly vehicle.
Why it’s affordable:
- Durable and reliable: The Honda Accord is known for being able to exceed 200,000 miles without major issues when properly maintained.
- Affordable parts: Honda Accord parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to find due to the car’s popularity.
- Fuel economy: The Accord averages 27–35 MPG, which is competitive in its class and helps save money on fuel.
- Low maintenance costs: Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake pads, is affordable and can be done by most mechanics.
5. Mazda3
The Mazda3 is a compact car that combines affordability with fun driving dynamics. It’s not only cheap to maintain, but it also offers excellent fuel efficiency and has a strong reputation for reliability.
Why it’s affordable:
- Long-lasting: The Mazda3 has a reputation for lasting well over 150,000 miles when properly maintained.
- Inexpensive parts: Common repair parts, such as brake pads, tires, and oil filters, are reasonably priced for the Mazda3.
- Fuel-efficient: It averages around 26–36 MPG, making it economical to drive.
- Simple design: The Mazda3 is designed with fewer complex components compared to other brands, leading to lower repair costs.
6. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is another midsize sedan that’s inexpensive to maintain. It offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy, which helps keep ownership costs low.
Why it’s affordable:
- Reliable engine: The Nissan Altima’s engine is known for being reliable and durable, with many drivers reporting that their cars last beyond 200,000 miles.
- Low-cost repairs: Repairs for the Altima are generally inexpensive, especially for routine services such as brake pads, tires, and oil changes.
- Fuel efficiency: The Altima gets an average of 27–39 MPG, depending on the model year, which helps to reduce fuel expenses.
- Affordable parts: Because the Altima is a popular vehicle, parts are readily available and affordable.
7. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that’s gaining popularity due to its low purchase price and cheap long-term maintenance costs. Hyundai has also improved its reputation for reliability over the years.
Why it’s affordable:
- Great warranty: Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the industry (5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain), which helps reduce repair costs during the warranty period.
- Affordable parts and service: Hyundai Elantra parts are affordable and easy to find, and service costs are generally low.
- Fuel-efficient: The Elantra averages 28–38 MPG, which helps reduce fuel costs.
- Reliability: Hyundai has been improving its reliability scores, and the Elantra is known to last for many years with minimal issues.
8. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover that is not only fun to drive but also inexpensive to maintain. It’s an attractive option for those who want a vehicle that offers more space and versatility without breaking the bank on maintenance.
Why it’s affordable:
- Low repair costs: Kia Soul repairs are typically inexpensive, particularly for routine services such as brake maintenance, oil changes, and tire rotations.
- Affordable parts: Kia parts are readily available and relatively affordable compared to other brands.
- Fuel economy: The Kia Soul averages 24–30 MPG, which helps keep fuel costs low.
- Strong warranty: Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, helping reduce repair costs for the first few years of ownership.
Conclusion
When it comes to owning a vehicle with low maintenance costs, the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda3, and Nissan Altima are among the cheapest cars to maintain in the U.S. These vehicles are not only reliable and durable, but they also offer good fuel economy, affordable parts, and low repair costs. By choosing one of these vehicles, you can minimize your long-term maintenance expenses and enjoy a hassle-free driving experience for many years.