Introduction
The cost of purchasing an automobile is a big outlay, yet the prices do not end when you pull out of the showroom. Sudden repair costs and normal maintenance will easily increase, and the cheap car will become an expensive liability. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars to get the right car in the first place.
When you are on a tight budget as a buyer, are a first-time buyer, or a DIY person, one of the highest priorities is to find a car at low maintenance costs. This guide will assist in determining some of the cheapest cars to service in the U.S. We will discuss why a car can be low in price to own, list certain cars that are recognized to be the most reliable and cheap to maintain, and also provide some practical advice on how to keep your car on track without straining the budget.
What Makes a Car Cheap to Maintain?
The costliness of owning a particular car during its lifetime depends on three factors. Learning about these can be used to make a wiser buy.
- Reliability: A vehicle that fails less frequently will automatically have fewer maintenance expenses. Companies that have had excellent ratings of reliability by organizations such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports are usually a sure thing. These cars are also designed to be durable and therefore, the incidences of sudden repairs are minimized.
- Price and Accessibility of Parts: No matter how well-built cars are, at some point in the life of the car, parts will have to be replaced. Repair costs can be considerably reduced by the use of models that have easy access to parts, which are cheaply produced in the aftermarket. Ordinary cars usually possess a greater selection of elements to purchase, which forces the prices to be lowered.
- DIY-Friendliness: To the individuals who enjoy working on, a design of a car is significant. Cars with less complicated engines such as non-turbo, and engine bays that are spacious are simpler to work on. A car is also more DIY-friendly as there are online tutorials and community forums, and you can save on labor costs.
Top 6 Cheapest Cars to Maintain
These are six 2020-2025 models known to be affordable in maintaining their cars, in terms of reliability and low costs of repair.
2020 Honda Fit
- Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $390
- What makes it affordable to service: Honda Fit was not being produced after the 2020 model year, but it is still one of the most utilized used cars by those with a tight budget. It is very reliable, has a good 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, and it comes with a six-speed manual transmission, making it easy to maintain. Aftermarket parts are readily available and cheap because of their popularity.
- Unique Selling Point: The Fit has an amazing feature of cargo versatility, with the Fit having the Magic Seat system, which enables you to rearrange the interior to carry everything from groceries to a bicycle.
2020-2025 Toyota Corolla
- Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $400
- Why it’s cheap to maintain: The Corolla is a mythical car in terms of being a reliable automobile. The low and lean engine design means that it will need few major services. Replacement parts are very readily available and cheap as there are a lot of Corollas in the road. DIYers do not need much when it comes to most of the routine maintenance, such as changing oil and filters.
- Unique Selling Point: The majority of the latest models are equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense package, including such advanced safety technologies as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which is an excellent price in this segment.
2020-2025 Nissan Versa
- Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $450
- Why it’s cheap to maintain: Being one of the least expensive new vehicles in America, Nissan Versa is made to be inexpensive. It has a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which is generally simple, and the engine is usually fitted with a manual-gearbox, which simplifies it. According to U.S. News, this vintage style makes it an excellent option in the ease of maintenance. Components are cheap, because of its basic mechanics.
- Unique Selling Point: The Versa has remarkably good cabin space as a subcompact car, and it has great fuel economy, which makes it a convenient and inexpensive day-to-day car.
2020-2025 Toyota Prius
- Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $430
- Why it’s cheap to maintain: Although hybrid technology may look complicated, the Prius has been proven to be very reliable. The hybrid system minimizes the wear of the gasoline engine and brakes (with the help of regenerative braking) and causes fewer replacements. A huge system of dealerships and specialised shops has parts, even though some may be more expensive than the non-hybrids.
- Unique Selling Point: The Prius gives you outstanding fuel mileage that will save you at the pump. It is also among the most cost-effective hybrid cars to drive owing to its long durability.
2020-2025 Kia Soul
Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $480
- Why it’s cheap to maintain: The Kia Soul is practical and has low ownership costs. Its non-turbo 2.0 liters with front wheel drive is easier to maintain as compared to All Wheel Drive or turbocharged. With the increased popularity, parts have become available and affordable.
- Unique Selling Point: The boxy shape of the Soul offers a spacious interior and lots of cargo space, and the long list of standard features makes it immensely valuable to the money.
2020-2025 Mazda Miata
- Average Annual Maintenance Cost: Approx. $500
- Why it cheap to maintain: A sports car among the top ten low-maintenance cars? Absolutely. The Miata has a simple rear-wheel-drive design and a naturally aspirated engine that has made it a dream for any DIY enthusiast. The U.S. News points out that it has a large engine bay that makes accessibility to the components easy. An enormous fan base offers the availability of parts that are cheap and plentiful.
- Unique Selling Point: Miata provides an unparalleled fun-to-drive feeling. It is a cheaper and less risky means of having an interesting sports car without having to spend a lot to maintain the car as it would be otherwise.
DIY Tips for Lowering Maintenance Costs
Although you may not have a garage full of tools, there are simple things you can do that can help you save some money.
- Test Fluids: Test your oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. It is simple to put a cap on them and avoid even greater issues.
- Check Your Tires: Maintain your tires at the right inflation to enhance fuel economy and cut the wear. Periodically examine the depth of treads.
- Switch Air Filters: Engine and cabin air filters are easy to replace and can help to increase engine performance and air quality.
- Online Videos: On sites such as YouTube, there are millions of videos that can give a step-by-step instruction on simple car repairs on virtually any car model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cheap is it to maintain a car?
A car can be cheap to maintain when it possesses three main characteristics, namely, high reliability (a low number of breakdowns), low cost, and easy availability of parts and has a simple design that allows the repair of both professionals and amateur lovers.
Are the Japanese cars actually cheap to maintain?
Such brands as Toyota and Honda have developed a good reputation of reliability and low cost of ownership. This is typically because they have been designed with a high level of efficiency, their components are generally of high quality and the aftermarket replacement is generally cheap. Although it does not apply to all models, it is usually safe to do so when it comes to cheap car repairs.
What do I need to do to reduce my car maintenance expenses?
Besides settling on a trustworthy model, you have the chance of reducing the expenses by undertaking simple DIY operations such as changing of oil and replacing filters. It will also help save money by following the maintenance schedule that is recommended by the manufacturer and taking care of minor problems before they develop into serious issues.
Are hybrid cars more affordable to keep?
It can be. Although certain specific components may be priced high, hybrids such as the Toyota Prius may be less expensive to maintain in general. Their gasoline engines use less fuel, and the use of regenerative braking causes the brake pads and rotors to wear less.
Drive Smarter, Spend Less
It is not only the sticker price that matters when choosing a car. You will save yourself the burden of unforeseen expenses and the cost of a car ride due to the low costs of repair and maintenance and at the same time will be in a position to spend years with low costs due to the models that have a proven track record of being reliable and low-cost repairs and maintenance.
A small research by you now might save you a lot of money in the future, whether you are acquiring new or used.
Are you ready to get your next vehicle? Today, browse our stock of certified pre-owned low-maintenance cars that are full of features and find your true match!
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