Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in 2025

 Buying a car is only the first expense. Over a typical ownership period, maintenance, repairs, and unplanned fixes can add thousands to the total cost. That’s why the Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Maintain matters: these models are proven to ask for less of your wallet while still delivering reliable transport. In this article I pull together industry rankings, maintenance-cost studies, and real-world considerations so you can pick a vehicle that’s cheap to live with, not just cheap to buy. 

Key takeaways

• Choosing one of the Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Maintain can cut long-term ownership costs dramatically.

• Toyotas, Hondas, and a few compact Nissans regularly rank among the lowest in 10-year maintenance and repair costs. 

• Electric and hybrid options are closing the gap on maintenance, but total cost depends on battery health and service network. 

• Look for simplicity (fewer moving parts), widely available parts, and strong reliability scores when evaluating low-cost ownership.

How we define “cheapest to maintain”

Short, clear, actionable criteria every buyer should know:

• 10-year expected maintenance & repair cost many studies rank cars by a decade of projected costs.

• Probability of a major repair lowers long-term surprises. 

• Parts availability & labor familiarity cars with common parts and many independent shops nearby are cheaper to fix.

• Simplicity of mechanical systems, fewer exotic systems (complex turbochargers, rare sensors) usually means lower costs.

• Reliability track record brand/model reliability lowers routine repair rates. 

The list Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Maintain

Below are ten models that frequently appear in maintenance-cost rankings, along with the why behind each pick. Notes draw from aggregated data (CarEdge/CarEdge-sourced lists compiled by Motor1), independent Canadian comparisons, and mechanic experience shared in industry writeups. 

1. Toyota Corolla dependable, inexpensive, and everywhere (H3)

• Why it’s cheap: proven reliability, abundant spare parts, simple engines across many trims.

• Owner benefit: predictable service schedule; great resale value.

• Data point: Toyota Corolla consistently shows low 10-year maintenance costs in aggregated rankings.

2. Honda Civic low-cost upkeep and broad mechanic familiarity 

• Why: durable engines, wide parts network, and many mechanics know Civics inside out.

• Tip: avoid very high-performance trims if low maintenance is your goal.

3. Toyota Prius / Prius Prime hybrids that cut fuel and maintenance bills 

• Why: hybrid systems reduce engine wear; Toyota’s reliability engineering keeps long-term costs down.

• Caveat: battery replacement is rare but expensive; check warranty history on used models. 

4. Toyota Camry comfortable, efficient, and cheap to service 

• Why: large owner base and straightforward powertrains. The Camry repeatedly ranks low on 10-year cost lists. 

5. Nissan Versa ultra-affordable parts and easy servicing 

• Why: simple mechanical layout and low parts costs keep routine service cheap. 

6. Mitsubishi Mirage minimal complexity, minimal service needs 

• Why: small engines and simple systems; low parts cost. Best for short-trip city driving. 

7. Toyota RAV4 SUV practicality with low upkeep 

• Why: RAV4 shares proven Toyota components; hybrids further improve operating economics. 

8. Honda Accord midsize reliability without premium costs 

• Why: like the Civic but roomier reliable engines and predictable maintenance windows. 

9. Lexus ES (used) luxury comfort, lower maintenance than expected (H3)

• Why: Lexus benefits from Toyota engineering; used ES models often deliver luxury with Toyota-level reliability. 

10. Tesla Model 3 / Certain EVs lower routine maintenance, different cost profile (H3)

• Why: EVs have fewer moving parts (no oil, fewer filters), resulting in lower routine maintenance. However, battery and electrical repairs can be costly and network coverage varies. Recent industry surveys show EV reliability is improving but still differs from gas vehicles.

Note: lists and rankings vary slightly by data source and region CarEdge/Motor1, U.S. News, and CarCostCanada show overlap but not identical orders. Always cross-check the model year you plan to buy. 

What affects real-world maintenance costs 

A model’s rankings are just a starting point. Real costs depend on:

• How the car was driven and maintained a neglected 2018 Corolla can cost more than a well-kept 2015 Camry.

• Geography & shop rates, labor rates and parts availability vary widely by city and country.

• Trim level & options turbocharged engines, AWD, or advanced electronics increase repair costs.

• Warranty coverage & dealer support factory warranties, extended plans, and recall history change total cost of ownership.

Practical maintenance tips to keep costs down 

Follow these steps to ensure your cheap-to-maintain car stays cheap:

• Stick to the manufacturer’s service schedule. Short trips and city driving need more frequent attention to fluids and brakes.

• Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts cheap parts can backfire with repeat repairs.

• Shop local independent mechanics for routine service they often charge less than dealers and know common problems for certain models. (Anchor suggestion: local digital agency style placeholder for local services) replace with your city’s directory link.

• Keeping good service records helps resale and identifies recurring issues early.

• Learning basic DIY changing air filters, bulbs, and wiper blades saves money and time.

Real-world example / mini case study (Experience & Expertise)

Case: Sara in Phoenix kept a 2014 Toyota Corolla for 9 years and logged $3,800 in routine maintenance and wear-items (brakes, tires, two belts, regular fluids). She avoided engine or transmission work by fixing small issues quickly and using a local trusted independent mechanic. This mirrors the low long-term cost trend reported in aggregated datasets. 

FAQs

How often should I service a car to keep maintenance costs low? 

Follow the manufacturer’s schedule, typically oil every 5,000–10,000 miles (depending on oil type and conditions), brakes inspected annually, and larger services at 30k/60k/90k intervals. Regular checks prevent minor issues from turning into expensive repairs. 

Are hybrids and EVs cheaper to maintain than gas cars? 

Routine maintenance is often cheaper for EVs (no oil changes, fewer fluids), but battery replacement or high-voltage component repairs can be costly. Hybrids like the Prius frequently show lower long-term costs thanks to reduced engine wear, though results vary by model. Recent surveys show EV reliability improving but brand-by-brand differences remain.

Is buying used always cheaper to maintain? 

Not necessarily. A well-documented used car with service records can be cheaper to own than a cheap-looking car that was neglected. Prioritize maintenance history, accident records, and known model-year issues. 

Which parts or systems drive the biggest surprise costs? 

Transmission, hybrid battery packs, and complex turbocharged engine repairs are among the priciest. Preventive care and choosing simple, reliable powertrains reduces the chance of encountering these costs. 

Conclusion 

Selecting from the Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Maintain gives you a head start toward low-cost ownership, but the car you choose and how you care for it determine the real outcome. Favor models with proven reliability, simple mechanical layouts, and easily accessible parts. Pair that with regular scheduled maintenance and a trusted local mechanic and you’ll keep ownership costs down for years.