Maintenance and repair costs are inevitable and the biggest costs of owning a vehicle. Major issues can arise anytime, and you must be prepared to pay for them all, including any new parts needed and labor costs. On top of that, every car needs routine maintenance.
High-performance and luxury cars are some of the most expensive cars to maintain; vehicles from brands like Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz have 10-year maintenance costs ranging between $22,075 and $15,986 on average (CarEdge). No driver wants a lemon that will cost them tons in repairs and make ownership a nightmare. This is why highly reliable cars with the cheapest maintenance costs sell very well.
But which carmakers make the cheapest cars to maintain and repair? Mostly, it's the mainstream brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan that put affordable car care, repair, and dependability first. To help you avoid costly issues down the line after a new purchase, we've put together this list of the cheapest cars, trucks, and SUVs to maintain and repair in 2023.
For all the annual and 10-year maintenance and repair costs for these cheap cars, we sourced the data from reputable sources like CarEdge and Repair Pal. We've also included predicted reliability for all models included from J.D. Power plus recall information from the NHTSA.
10 2023 Toyota RAV4
Predicted Reliability Score: 81/100
Cheap, low-maintenance SUVs provide great long-term ownership value thanks to their practicality and good comfort levels. Backed by Toyota's stellar brand reliability and strong reputation over the years, the RAV4 is a classic low-maintenance favorite. It is the only SUV to make this list, being the cheapest to maintain in its class.
Reliability
You shouldn't have significant breaking-down worries with the 2023 RAV4 model. It has a reliability rating of 80/100. Apart from standing the test of time, the RAV4 is cheap to fix if something goes wrong. According to CarEdge, it costs a total of $5,531 to care for over ten years. Annual maintenance costs range from $201 for year one parts and maintenance, which rise to $1,021 by year 10.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $429 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,531 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2002 Toyota RAV4 has the most reported transmission problems (CarComplaints)
9 2023 Lexus ES 350
Predicted Reliability Score: 87/100
Because of their cutting-edge features and performance, luxury cars are more prone to breakdowns. But it's rarely those from Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand. The Lexus ES 350 has built a reputation as one of the most reliable cars in its class. Though not the cheapest car in sticker price on this list, the ES 350 demonstrates that a Lexus car can have affordable car care and maintenance costs.
Reliability
RepairPal says you only need a low auto repair budget of around $468/year to keep the Lexus ES 350 running smoothly. CarEdge indicates that this comes to around $5,488 on average over a decade. The chance your ES 350 will need a major repair is a low 12.6% which can't be said of many luxury cars.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,488 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2007 Lexus ES 350 has the most problems reported. The top two are interior accessories and the engine. (CarComplaints)
8 2023 Nissan Sentra
Predicted Reliability Score: 84/100
The Sentra has been Nissan's primary compact car in North America since its introduction in 1982. It is best known for its high safety ratings. After years of refinement, the Sentra has become more attractive, spacious, and reliable than ever. The 2023 Sentra model receives a commendable reliability rating of 84 out of 100 and has had no recalls in 2023.
Reliability
Because of its robustness, the Nissan Sentra will take a beating without costing a pretty penny in upkeep. According to RepairPal and CarEdge, this is the second cheapest car from Nissan to maintain and repair. Annual costs for the Sentra are $491. It also makes a case for itself in affordable auto repair over 10 years, only requiring $5,441.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $491 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,441 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2014 Nissan Sentra has many transmission failure complaints, costing up to $4200 to fix (CarComplaints)
7 2022 Toyota C-HR
Predicted Reliability Score: 80/100
The second generation of the C-HR crossover is here. But Toyota hasn't announced it for the US yet; it will only be available in Europe and Australia. American buyers will have to do with the 2022 model, starting at an MSRP of $24,130. Known for its cool design, durability, and reliability, the Toyota C-HR continues to impress. It received 83 out of 100 in reliability from J.D. Power.
Reliability
If you hate to spend money on maintenance, get the Toyota C-HR. CarEdge calculated it will cost $5,425 over 10 years in maintenance and repair costs. You will only part with $200 in year one parts and service, reaching $994 by year 10. So far, Toyota hasn't recalled the 2022 C-HR for any issues which should fill buyers with confidence.
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,425 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2018 Toyota C-HR has a handful of reliability reports regarding windows/windshield and the suspension (CarComplaints)
6 2023 Honda Accord
Predicted Reliability Score: 83/100
If it's a midsize sedan you're looking for, the 2023 Honda Accord combines an affordable cost of ownership with a low starting price of $27,295. Its 83/100 predicted reliability and fuel economy make it a very appealing option for car buyers in 2023.
Reliability
Built with the highest quality and longevity in mind, the Accord guarantees reliable transport. The Honda Accord is also one of the cheapest Honda to run, which is the reason why it is hugely popular and holds value well even as a used car. Annual maintenance and repair costs are cheap, around $400, according to RepairPal. CarEdge estimates year-one parts and maintenance to be $200, with the total being $5,412 in 10 years.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs : $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,412 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2003 Honda Accord which has many transmission failure complaints, costing $2700 to fix (CarComplaints)
5 2023 Nissan Versa
Predicted Reliability Score: 82/100
If you're on the hunt for a cheap first car, you must have come across the Versa. Starting at only $15,980, you can't do better than the Versa, with Nissan having facelifted it for 2023. This small hatchback is very economical as it's powered by a 122-hp four-cylinder.
Reliability
When it comes to simple subcompact car cars like the Versa, mechanics find them the easiest cars to work on. As such, subcompacts like the Versa are cheap to fix, and maintenance becomes easy. Expect to only spend an average of $456 in maintenance costs (RepairPal) or $5,331 over 10 years of ownership (CarEdge). Such low operating costs make the Versa a solid purchase for first-time buyers.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $456 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,331 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2012 Nissan Versa has many transmission failure complaints, costing $3500 to fix (CarComplaints)
4 2023 Honda Civic
Predicted Reliability Score: 80/100
Speaking of the cheapest cars to maintain, the Honda Civic is another no-brainer. Almost every buyer who prioritizes efficiency, reliable long-term operation, and affordable auto repair knows that these are its strong points.
Reliability
The Honda Civic will stand the test of time and be cheap to fix if something goes wrong. It only requires $368 per year in average annual maintenance costs, making it the cheapest Honda to maintain. Expect to pay an estimated $5,245 over the first 10 years of your Honda Civic's life.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $368 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $5,245 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2001 Honda Civic which has many transmission failure complaints, costing $3500 to fix (CarComplaints)
3 2022 Toyota Avalon
Predicted Reliability Score: 85/100
The 2023 Toyota Crown now replaces the Avalon in the US market. But the Avalon bows down proudly because J.D. Power gave it an amazing 85 out of 100 for dependability in 2022.
Reliability
In production since 1994, parts for the Avalon have been widely available. Maintenance is also cheap thanks to performing consistently well in reliability rankings. Owing to its large size, it's also one of the easiest to work on, leading to low labor costs. Pick up the Avalon, and you should expect to pay about $4,407 for maintenance and repairs over the first decade.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $463 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $4,407 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2006 Toyota Avalon heavily affected engine power loss and knocking (CarComplaints)
2 2023 Toyota Camry
Predicted Reliability Score: 84/100
The Toyota Camry is hard to beat if you want supreme reliability and affordable car care from a midsize sedan. There is a very slim list of model years to avoid. This Toyota sedan will drive you anywhere you wish in comfort and safety without spending much.
Reliability
But what exactly makes the Toyota Camry the cheapest car to maintain in its class? Well, it rarely breaks down. The chance your Camry will need a major repair is only 11.9%, per CarEdge. First-year parts and maintenance have a low cost of around $160. By the 10th year, you will only be spending $766. To get a good picture of why the Camry is among the cheapest Toyotas to maintain, you only need $456 per year (RepairPal).
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $4,203 (CarEdge)
- Recalls : 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used :2007 Toyota Camry with widely reported engine and excessive oil consumption problems costing $2,500 to fix (CarComplaints)
1 2023 Toyota Corolla
Predicted Reliability Score: 85/100
Despite stiff competition, the Toyota Corolla has been one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. This shows buyers want cheap cars that are true and tried. The latest Corolla exactly meets that need with a 'great' 85/100 reliability score from J.D. Power.
Reliability
The Corolla has always been high on lists of cheapest Toyota cars to maintain. The widespread availability of parts and simplicity in layout makes it one of the easiest cars to work on, leading to affordable auto repair. CarEdge says you will only spend $148 on year-one parts and maintenance. And while this increases with time, you'll only pay $4,087 over a decade. This is why the Toyota Corolla is the cheapest Toyota car to own in 2023.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years : $4,087 (CarEdge)
- Recalls :1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Model Year To Buy Used : 2002 Toyota Corolla with an excessive oil consumption problem costing $4,500 to fix (CarComplaints)
Cheapest Cars To Maintain
| Model | Starting MSRP |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | $29,456 |
| 2023 Lexus ES 350 | $41,940 |
| 2023 Nissan Sentra | $20,200 |
| 2022 Toyota C-HR | $24,130 |
| 2023 Honda Accord | $27,295 |
| 2023 Nissan Versa | $15,980 |
| 2023 Honda Civic | $23,750 |
| 2022 Toyota Avalon | $36,825 |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | $26,320 |
| 2023 Toyota Corolla | $21,700 |
FAQ
Q: Which Car Has The Lowest Maintenance?
The car with the lowest maintenance cost in 2023 is the Toyota Corolla. It costs only $4,087 in maintenance and repairs over a decade (CarEdge).
Q: Which Car Brand Is The Most Reliable?
The most reliable car brands are Toyota,Honda, and Nissan, seeing they all have multiple cars on this list of the cheapest cars to maintain in 2023.
Q: Which Car Runs The Longest?
The car that runs the longest on this list is the Toyota Avalon. According to iSeeCars, it has a 33.1% chance of reaching $250,000, 2.8 timers more than the average car.
Q: Which SUV Is The Cheapest To Fix?
The cheapest SUV to fix in 2023 is the Toyota RAV4. It costs an average of $5,531 in maintenance and repair costs over the first 10 years of its life.