What are the Cheapest Cars to Maintain?

The importance of regular car maintenance cannot be understated. It means a smoothly running engine that won’t fail on you at the moment you need it most. Many vehicles, though, require quite a bit of regular maintenance you may not expect when you initially purchase the car. That routine maintenance can add up over time, so evaluating just how much it might cost you to maintain your vehicle is an absolute must. Before you buy your next vehicle, knowing more about the cheapest cars to maintain should be high on your list of priorities.

The Top Five Low Maintenance Cars You’ll Truly Appreciate

On average, any vehicle will cost you just a little over a thousand dollars to maintain every single year, but fortunately, there are a few models out there with far lower maintenance costs. Here are the top five.

1. Toyota Corolla: This may look like a common family sedan, but it has a serious superpower inside – it costs just $710 a year to maintain, making it truly one of the most affordable vehicles on the road today. Available both as a sedan and a hatchback, it’s certainly one model you’ll want to put on your list if you’re looking for a vehicle that won’t cost you a lot down the road.
2. Honda Accord: If you’re shopping for models like the Corolla, you may come across a number of Accord models, too, and for good reason. It’s long been rated as the most reliable vehicle on the road today. In fact, you’ll spend only $822/year to maintain this vehicle. The car is so popular that when you do need service, spare parts are almost everywhere, which can help keep the overall cost of repairs fairly inexpensive.
3. Kia Soul: These boxy, tiny vehicles have become quite popular over the past few years thanks to a unique style and an economical price tag. That economy continues well into the life of the vehicle. Not only does it have high reliability ratings, but you can expect only $919 in annual maintenance costs. Most vehicle owners report they don’t need unscheduled maintenance for several years into the life of the vehicle, too, making this a great option.
4. Honda CR-V: If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, you may want to go with a Honda CR-V. The average maintenance cost on this one is just $965, which is quite a bit less than other SUV options in the same size range like the Ford Escape. The best part is that it’s been continually named as the best compact SUV on the market for several years running.
5. Toyota Prius – If you’re worried about choosing a car that’s a little greener, but you still want something that’s fairly inexpensive to maintain, you may want to consider a Prius. Many worry about the cost of a replacement battery, but the amount you’ll save on annual maintenance with this is more than enough to save for that expensive battery replacement. On average, you’ll spend just $763 in annual maintenance cost, and when you add that to the gas you’ll be saving on every drive, you won’t spend much more than the sticker price to own this car.

Maintaining your vehicle is key after you buy it, so make sure you select a model with low maintenance costs before you make a purchase.