Purchasing a vehicle is a big decision; when browsing the different options that are available to you, you'll have to consider your budget, needs, and desires. One of the quickest and easiest methods to narrow your search is to consider which aspect of your vehicle is the most important to you.
For many, the answer is likely a mixture of affordability and reliability. If you're making a significant purchase, you want it to last. Keep reading for a deep dive into the typical maintenance costs for a car, why this maintenance is necessary, and some of the most reliable vehicles on the market.
Typical Maintenance Costs for a Car
RepairPal is a site dedicated to bringing transparency to auto repairs and purchases. One of RepairPal's top features is its Reliability Ratings. This proprietary score measures a specific vehicle's dependability based on the cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled maintenance and repairs.
These ratings only cover vehicles between the 2010-2019 model years, but are an excellent way to examine a potential car's overall trustworthiness. According to RepairPal, the average repair cost for all cars is $652 per year, including scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs. The car brands that average the lowest annual repair costs are:
- Honda: $428.
- Toyota: $441.
- Mazda: $462.
- Hyundai: $468.
- Kia: $474.
- Nissan: $500.
- Acura: $501.
- Lexus: $550.
Why Your Vehicle Needs Proper Maintenance
Proper car maintenance is vital to ensure your vehicle stays in peak condition for as long as possible. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe and running at optimal performance. While you might want to wait before taking your car in for scheduled maintenance or a repair due to costs, this will likely cost you even more money in the long run.
Neglecting your vehicle can worsen any existing damage and lead to an even costlier repair. A detailed record of these services will also improve your car's value if you ever want to sell or trade it. Finally, you could void your vehicle's warranty if you don't follow your manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.
Least Expensive Car Brands To Maintain
Like RepairPal, CarEdge is a website dedicated to helping consumers throughout the life of their automobile. CarEdge has analyzed millions of data points to create its rankings of the least expensive car brands to maintain. According to CarEdge, the least expensive car brands to maintain over a 10-year period are:
- Toyota: $5,996.
- Mitsubishi: $7,787.
- Honda: $7,827.
- Mazda: $8,035.
- Nissan: $8,088.
- MINI: $8,155.
- Volkswagen: $8,166.
- GMC: $8,429.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas have a long history as reliable and fuel-efficient cars. The Corolla's benefits include its low average cost of maintenance and affordable parts. According to CarEdge, maintenance and repairs during the first 10 years of service for a Corolla will cost approximately $4,008, which rates third among all car models. RepairPal gives the Corolla an "Excellent" rating of 4.5/5, which ranks first among 36 compact cars.
Toyota Prius
One of the most popular hybrid models, the Toyota Prius is also one of the most reliable and cheapest cars to own. According to CarEdge, the Prius is the least expensive car model in terms of average maintenance and repair costs, with a 10-year maintenance total of $4,008. Also, driving this dependable hybrid will save you money on gas — it's the textbook definition of a win-win.
Honda Fit
Honda's subcompact hatchback, the Fit, is the ideal combination of affordability and reliability. Thanks to its condensed frame, the Fit achieves superb fuel efficiency. The Fit also ranks seventh on CarEdge's rankings, with an average 10-year maintenance cost of $4,915, and fourth out of 21 subcompact cars on RepairPal's Reliability Ratings.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Coming in right behind the Honda Fit on CarEdge's rankings is the Mitsubishi Mirage. Like the Fit, the Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable cars on this list. Due to its simple design and fuel-efficient engine, the Mitsubishi Mirage is perfect if you're looking for a car that won't break the bank to maintain.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris marks another of the brand's extraordinarily reliable yet inexpensive vehicles. According to CarEdge, the Yaris is the second least expensive car to maintain, with an average 10-year maintenance cost of $4,027. Likewise, RepairPal ranks the Yaris as the most reliable car out of 21 subcompacts.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is the 10th least expensive vehicle to maintain, according to CarEdge. This staple of American streets has stuck around for a reason — it's one of the most trustworthy yet inexpensive cars available. That's why the Civic ranks as the third most reliable subcompact car in RepairPal's Reliability Ratings.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is another budget-friendly sedan that's both dependable and relatively cheap to maintain. CarEdge ranks the Sentra as the 18th least expensive car to maintain, with average 10-year maintenance costs of $5,441. Similarly, RepairPal gives the Sentra a 4/5 reliability rating, placing it 14th out of 36 compact cars.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the company's first entry on this list. CarEdge rates it as the 14th most cost-efficient car to maintain, and RepairPal ranks it ninth out of 36 compact cars, averaging $433 in annual repair costs. This car is an exceptional option if you want an affordable car that delivers an exciting drive. Just as important, the Mazda 3 has an extended track record of longevity.
white sedan on gray asphalt road during daytime by Bestami Sarıkaya is licensed with Unsplash License
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