Cheapest Cars to Maintain: 11 Reliable Models That Won’t Break the Budget

You want a car that doesn’t punish you every time something breaks. Not the cheapest sticker price—the cheapest to keep running. That means reliable mechanicals, commodity parts, and shops that don’t charge luxury-brand labor rates.

This ranking combines repair frequency data from J.D. Power and NHTSA with real parts costs from RepairPal and labor rates from independent shops. These are the most reliable, affordable-to-own cars you can buy used in 2024, organized by what you need: sedan, SUV, or hatchback.

1. Toyota Corolla (2015–2019)

The Corolla is the default answer because it earns it. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars overall, and J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study ranks it in the top tier for repair frequency over three years. Parts are everywhere—AutoZone, independent shops, your neighbor’s garage—and they’re cheap.

An oil change runs $60–$100. Brake pads and rotors cost $280–$400 installed. At 100,000 miles, you’re looking at spark plugs ($120–$200) and maybe a coolant flush ($80–$150). No timing belt to replace on 2014+ models. Fuel economy averages 30–34 MPG combined (EPA), so you’re spending about $420 a year on gas at 12,000 miles and $3.50/gallon.

Used examples from 2015–2019 sell for $7,000–$10,000 with 80,000–120,000 miles. This is a cheap-to-own car that doesn’t gamble with your budget.

2. Honda Civic (2016–2019)

The Civic matches the Corolla on reliability but edges ahead on driving feel if that matters to you. NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars; J.D. Power places it in the top quartile. Parts are commodity-level cheap and labor rates at independent shops run 10–20% lower than Subaru or Mazda because every shop in America works on Hondas.

Oil change: $75–$130. Brakes: $300–$450. At 100,000 miles, expect transmission fluid service ($150–$250) and valve adjustment check ($150–$200 if needed). Fuel economy is 30–36 MPG combined, so annual fuel cost mirrors the Corolla.

The 2016–2019 models are reliable used cars in the $7,500–$11,000 range with 70,000–110,000 miles. Avoid the 2016 model year if you’re budget-conscious—some owners reported CVT hesitation, though it’s not a widespread failure pattern.

3. Toyota Camry (2012–2017)

If you need a midsize sedan with space for adults in the back, the Camry is the low–repair–cost vehicle that won’t surprise you. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars overall. J.D. Power’s long-term reliability data shows the Camry has the lowest repair frequency in its segment over 10+ years.

Oil changes: $65–$110. Brake jobs: $280–$450. The major service cluster hits around 90,000–100,000 miles: water pump replacement (if needed, $400–$600), spark plugs ($150–$250), and transmission fluid service ($150–$280). The 2012–2017 models don’t have a timing belt—it’s a chain that typically lasts the life of the engine.

Used pricing: $8,500–$12,000 for 2015–2017 models with 80,000–120,000 miles. Fuel economy is 25–28 MPG combined (EPA), so you’re looking at about $480/year in gas.

4. Honda Accord (2013–2017)

The Accord is the Camry’s Honda twin—slightly sportier handling, slightly higher repair costs, but still one of the most reliable, affordable-to-maintain sedans. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars. The parts ecosystem is robust; labor rates are competitive.

Oil change: $75–$130. Brakes: $300–$500. At 100,000 miles, transmission service ($150–$300), spark plugs ($150–$250), and suspension bushings if you drive rough roads ($200–$400). No timing belt on 2013+ four-cylinder models.

Used pricing: $8,000–$11,500 for 2013–2017 models with 90,000–130,000 miles. Fuel economy is 27–30 MPG combined, so annual gas cost is about $460 at 12,000 miles.

5. Honda CR-V (2015–2019)

The CR-V is the compact SUV that doesn’t punish you for needing cargo space. J.D. Power ranks it at the top for compact SUVs in repair frequency. NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars. Parts are cheap, and dealer density means independent shops are comfortable working on them.

Oil change: $75–$140. Brake job: $350–$500 (heavier vehicle, larger brakes). At 100,000 miles, expect transmission fluid service ($180–$300), coolant flush ($90–$150), and cabin/engine air filters ($60–$100). No timing belt.

Fuel economy: 26–29 MPG combined (EPA). Annual gas cost is about $520 at 12,000 miles. Used pricing: $9,500–$14,000 for 2015–2019 models with 70,000–110,000 miles. This is a cheap-to-own car if you need the utility of an SUV.

6. Toyota RAV4 (2015–2019)

The RAV4 is the slightly higher buy-in but slightly lower repair-cost alternative to the CR-V. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars; J.D. Power shows it has the lowest repair frequency in the segment. Parts are everywhere; labor rates are competitive.

Oil change: $65–$120. Brake job: $320–$480. At 100,000 miles, transmission fluid service ($150–$280), spark plugs ($150–$250), and coolant flush ($80–$140). No timing belt on 2013+ models.

Fuel economy is 25–28 MPG combined, so annual gas cost mirrors the CR-V. Used pricing: $10,000–$15,000 for 2015–2019 models with 70,000–110,000 miles. Reliability here is bulletproof.

7. Mazda CX-5 (2017–2019)

Close-up of hands checking engine oil level, illustrating basic maintenance tasks on reliable cars.
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels

The CX-5 is the compromise: slightly more engaging to drive than the RAV4 or CR-V, slightly higher repair costs, but still below the luxury-brand threshold. NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars; J.D. Power places it in the upper quartile for compact SUVs.

Oil change: $80–$130. Brakes: $350–$500. At 100,000 miles, expect transmission service ($180–$300), spark plugs ($150–$250), and suspension components ($200–$400 if needed). Parts run about 15–20% more than Honda/Toyota—nowhere near German-brand pricing, but a step up.

Fuel economy: 25–28 MPG combined. Annual gas cost is about $520. Used pricing: $11,000–$16,000 for 2017–2019 models with 60,000–100,000 miles. This is a reliable used car if you value driving dynamics without BMW repair bills.

8. Hyundai Elantra (2017–2019)

The Elantra is the cheapest entry point on this list if you’re buying used. NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars; parts are more affordable than Honda/Toyota, and the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty transfers to second owners if you buy certified pre-owned.

Oil change: $70–$120. Brakes: $280–$420. At 100,000 miles, transmission service ($150–$280), spark plugs ($120–$200), coolant flush ($80–$130). The 2017–2019 models don’t have a timing belt.

Fuel economy: 28–32 MPG combined (EPA). Annual gas cost is about $430 at 12,000 miles. Used pricing: $6,500–$9,500 for 2017–2019 models with 60,000–100,000 miles. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a low–repair–cost vehicle that doesn’t gamble.

9. Kia Forte (2017–2020)

The Forte is mechanically similar to the Elantra—same parent company, same parts ecosystem—but slightly less common on dealer lots. NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars. The same 10-year powertrain warranty applies if you buy CPO.

Oil change: $70–$120. Brakes: $280–$420. At 100,000 miles, the same service cluster as the Elantra. Fuel economy is 28–31 MPG combined. Annual gas cost is about $450.

Used pricing: $7,000–$10,000 for 2017–2020 models with 60,000–100,000 miles. The Forte is a cheap-to-own car that flies under the radar but delivers on reliability.

10. Subaru Impreza (2017–2019)

The Impreza is the all-wheel-drive option if you live where snow matters. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars; J.D. Power ranks it in the middle of the pack for compact cars. Parts run about 20–30% more than Honda/Toyota, and the CVT transmission requires specific fluid ($200–$350 for service).

Oil change: $80–$140. Brakes: $320–$500. At 100,000 miles, CVT fluid service ($200–$350), spark plugs ($150–$250), and coolant flush ($90–$150). No timing belt.

Fuel economy: 25–28 MPG combined. Annual gas cost is about $520. Used pricing: $9,000–$13,000 for 2017–2019 models with 70,000–110,000 miles. This is a reliable used car if AWD is non-negotiable, but it’s not the absolute cheapest to maintain.

11. Toyota Prius (2016–2019)

The Prius is the wildcard—cheapest fuel costs on this list, slightly higher repair costs if the hybrid battery fails (rare, but it happens). NHTSA gives it 4/5 stars; J.D. Power reliability is top-tier. Parts are commodity-cheap except for the hybrid battery ($2,000–$4,000 if it fails outside warranty—uncommon).

Oil change: $70–$130. Brakes last longer than gas cars (regenerative braking), so you’re looking at $250–$400 every 60,000–80,000 miles. At 100,000 miles, coolant flush ($90–$150), hybrid system inspection ($150–$250), and spark plugs ($150–$250).

Fuel economy: 50–54 MPG combined (EPA). Annual gas cost is about $260 at 12,000 miles—half of any other car on this list. Used pricing: $9,500–$13,000 for 2016–2019 models with 80,000–120,000 miles. If you drive a lot, the Prius is a cheap-to-own car that pays for itself in gas savings.

How we ranked these

Technician installing new brake pads on vehicle wheel, showing common affordable maintenance procedure.
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels

We combined J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (repair frequency over three years), NHTSA safety and complaint data, RepairPal’s regional labor and parts cost averages, and EPA fuel economy estimates. Every model listed has:

  • Top-quartile reliability in its class
  • Parts widely available at independent shops and chains (AutoZone, RockAuto)
  • Labor rates 10–30% lower than luxury brands
  • Used market availability under $15,000 with 60,000–120,000 miles

Limitations: We excluded luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) and niche models with limited parts availability. Costs vary by region—California and Northeast shops charge 30–50% more than Midwest shops. Your driving style, climate, and maintenance history will shift these numbers.

What cheap-to-maintain actually means

“Cheapest” is a trap if you only look at sticker price. A $3,000 car with a failing transmission will cost you $4,000–$6,000 to fix. Cheap-to-maintain means:

  • Reliable mechanicals: Low repair frequency over 100,000+ miles (J.D. Power, NHTSA data)
  • Commodity parts: Available at independent shops, not dealer-only
  • Reasonable labor rates: Shops charge $80–$130/hour for these models vs. $150–$250 for luxury brands
  • Good fuel economy: Less money at the pump compounds over years of ownership

Total cost of ownership includes purchase price, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. A Honda Civic at $8,000 with $600/year maintenance beats a $5,000 car with $1,500/year surprise repairs.

Age and mileage reality check

Under 60,000 miles / under 5 years: Manufacturer warranty typically covers major repairs. Maintenance is oil changes ($60–$130), tire rotations ($20–$40), and air filters ($15–$60). Average annual maintenance: $400–$600.

60,000–120,000 miles / 5–10 years: Warranty expired. First major repairs appear—brakes, suspension, batteries. Repairs cluster around 80,000–100,000 miles (transmission fluid, coolant flushes, spark plugs). Average annual maintenance: $800–$1,200.

120,000+ miles / 10+ years: Risk of unexpected repairs rises. Well-maintained Toyotas and Hondas often run to 200,000+ miles with only routine maintenance and modest repairs. Neglected examples will break. Average annual maintenance: $1,000–$1,800 for unpredictable brands; $600–$1,000 for Toyota/Honda if mechanically sound.

Red flag: If a used car has no service records, assume it was neglected. A 150,000-mile Toyota with no maintenance history may need a $3,000 timing chain job. Always inspect service records before buying.

Parts cost hierarchy: what you’ll actually pay

Tier 1 (commodity-cheap): Honda, Toyota. Parts are 30–50% cheaper than luxury brands. Example: Brake pads on a 2017 Civic cost $20–$40 (parts) + $80–$120 (labor) vs. a 2017 Audi A4 at $80–$150 (parts) + $120–$180 (labor).

Tier 2 (moderate): Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru. Parts are 15–25% more than Honda/Toyota. Good availability at chains like AutoZone and RockAuto. Subaru specialty parts (CVT fluid, head gasket labor) run higher.

Tier 3 (premium): BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus. Parts are 100–200% more expensive. Dealer-only or specialty shops. Oil change on a 2017 BMW 3-Series runs $150–$250 vs. $75–$130 on a 2017 Civic.

Labor rates also vary by region. Midwest independent shops charge $80–$100/hour. California and Northeast shops charge $120–$180/hour. The same brake job costs 50% more on the coasts.

What drives your actual maintenance cost

  1. Driving style: Aggressive driving, towing, and stop-and-go city traffic increase wear. Highway miles are easier on brakes and transmissions.

  2. Climate: Dusty, salty, or humid climates accelerate rust and corrosion. Cars in the Midwest salt belt need more undercarriage work. Desert heat kills batteries faster.

  3. Maintenance history: A neglected car at 100,000 miles will cost more to catch up than a well-serviced car. Inspect service records before buying used.

  4. Regional labor rates: Same repair costs $300 in Ohio, $450 in California. Use RepairPal’s regional cost estimator before committing to repairs.

  5. Extended warranty: Certified pre-owned (CPO) warranties cost $800–$2,000 but can save $1,500–$3,000 if a major repair hits in the first 2–3 years. Worth considering if you’re buying a car near 100,000 miles.

  6. Transmission type: Automatics are typically cheaper to repair than CVTs (Subaru, Nissan). Manual transmissions are cheapest but increasingly rare.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest car to own long-term?

The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are the cheapest cars to own long-term when you factor in purchase price, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. Both have the lowest repair frequency in their class, commodity-cheap parts, and 30+ MPG fuel economy. Used examples from 2015–2019 sell for $7,000–$10,000 with 80,000–120,000 miles.

Which cars have the cheapest parts?

Toyota and Honda have the cheapest parts because they’re available at independent shops, AutoZone, and RockAuto. Hyundai and Kia parts are 15–20% more expensive but still under luxury-brand pricing. Avoid BMW, Mercedes, and Audi if you want cheap parts—they’re 100–200% more expensive and often dealer-only.

Are old cars cheaper to maintain?

Not always. Cars under 60,000 miles and 5 years old are often covered by manufacturer warranty, so major repairs are free. Cars over 120,000 miles have unpredictable repair clusters—suspension, transmission, alternator—that can cost $2,000–$4,000 to fix. Well-maintained Toyotas and Hondas are exceptions; they often run to 200,000+ miles with modest maintenance.

What’s the most reliable cheap used car?

The 2015–2019 Toyota Corolla is the most reliable cheap used car. NHTSA gives it 5/5 stars, J.D. Power ranks it at the top for repair frequency, and parts are commodity-cheap. Used examples sell for $7,000–$10,000 with 80,000–120,000 miles. The 2016–2019 Honda Civic is the close second.

How much does it cost to maintain a Honda?

A Honda Civic or Accord costs $400–$600/year in maintenance under 60,000 miles (oil changes, filters, tire rotations). From 60,000–120,000 miles, expect $800–$1,200/year including brakes, transmission service, and spark plugs. After 120,000 miles, well-maintained examples cost $600–$1,000/year; neglected examples can hit $1,500+/year with unpredictable repairs.

The bottom line

The cars on this list won’t surprise you with $3,000 repair bills if you buy smart—inspect service records, verify the VIN history, and budget for routine maintenance. Toyota and Honda dominate because they’re reliable, their parts are everywhere, and every shop in America knows how to work on them. If you need all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza is your pick. If you drive a lot, the Prius pays for itself in gas savings.

General information, not professional mechanical or financial advice. Always inspect a used car in person or with a pre-purchase inspection before buying. Costs, reliability, and pricing vary by region, model year, and maintenance history. Consult your owner’s manual and a trusted mechanic for your specific vehicle.