When it comes to car ownership, maintenance costs can often be a significant factor to consider. Finding a reliable and affordable vehicle that won’t break the bank when it comes to repairs and servicing is a top priority for many drivers. In this article, we will explore the top 20 least expensive cars to maintain, and you may notice a common trend among them – Toyota models.
Toyota has long been known for its reputation of producing reliable and durable vehicles, and it’s no surprise that their cars dominate this list.
Based on the ranking and the 10-Year maintenance cost for the 20 least expensive cars to maintain established by CarEdge.com, we have compiled our recommendations for the top 3 things to watch out for each car model on this list:
| Rank | Model | 10 Year Maintenance Cost (MC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Prius | $4,008 |
| 2 | Toyota Yaris | $4,027 |
| 3 | Toyota Corolla | $4,087 |
| 4 | Toyota Prius Prime | $4,098 |
| 5 | Toyota Camry | $4,203 |
| 6 | Toyota Avalon | $4,407 |
| 7 | Honda Fit | $4,915 |
| 8 | Mitsubishi Mirage | $4,939 |
| 9 | Toyota Supra | $4,950 |
| 10 | Honda Civic | $5,245 |
| 11 | Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | $5,254 |
| 12 | Honda Insight | $5,303 |
| 13 | Nissan Versa | $5,331 |
| 14 | Mazda 3 | $5,409 |
| 15 | Volkswagen Golf | $5,410 |
| 16 | Honda Accord | $5,412 |
| 17 | Toyota C-HR | $5,425 |
| 18 | Nissan Sentra | $5,441 |
| 19 | Honda Clarity | $5,489 |
| 20 | Mazda 6 | $5,507 |
Unfortunately, the Bugatti Centodieci, a 1580hp quad-turbocharged W16-powered commemoration of the Bugatti EB110 from the Volkswagen-Audi Group, did not make it onto our list of the top 20 least expensive cars to maintain. Despite its exclusivity and impressive performance, with only 10 planned to be built at a cost of $13 million each, the Centodieci comes with a maintenance price tag that is far from affordable. That being said, it did not prevent us from admiring the Centodieci for its exceptional engineering and rarity!
Here are the top three areas of maintenance problems for each of the car models listed in our group of 20, along with a tip to help you understand what to watch out for.
1. Toyota Prius (10-year MC: $4008)
- Hybrid battery replacement: The hybrid battery in the Prius may need to be replaced after several years of use. Regularly monitor the battery’s performance and be prepared for potential replacement costs.
- Brake system maintenance: Due to the regenerative braking system, the brake pads in the Prius tend to wear out more slowly. However, it’s still important to have the brake system inspected regularly to ensure optimal performance.
- Cooling system issues: Keep an eye on the cooling system, as some Prius models have experienced coolant leaks. Regularly check for any signs of leaks or overheating.
2. Toyota Yaris (10-year MC: $4027)
- Suspension components: The Yaris may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and shocks. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Electrical system: Some Yaris models have reported electrical issues, including problems with the power windows and door locks. Regularly check the electrical system and address any malfunctions promptly.
- Timing belt replacement: The Yaris may require a timing belt replacement at certain mileage intervals. Be aware of the recommended maintenance schedule and plan for this replacement accordingly.
3. Toyota Corolla (10-year MC: $4087)
- Engine oil consumption: Some Corolla models have been known to consume more engine oil than usual. Monitor the oil levels regularly and address any excessive oil consumption promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Corolla may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Transmission issues: While not common, some Corolla models have reported transmission problems. Regularly service the transmission and address any signs of shifting issues or abnormal noises.
4. Toyota Prius Prime (10-year maintenance cost: $4098)
- Charging system issues: Some Prius Prime models have experienced issues with the charging system. Regularly monitor the charging process and address any charging-related problems promptly.
Fuel system maintenance: The Prius Prime has a unique fuel system due to its hybrid nature. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel system maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Inverter coolant replacement: The inverter coolant in the Prius Prime may need to be replaced at certain intervals. Be aware of the recommended maintenance schedule and plan for this replacement accordingly.
5. Toyota Camry (10-year MC: $4203)
- Engine oil leaks: Some Camry models have reported engine oil leaks. Regularly check for any signs of oil leaks and address them promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Camry may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Camry’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
6. Toyota Avalon (10-year MC: $4407)
- Power steering system: Some Avalon models have experienced power steering system issues, including leaks and malfunctions. Regularly check the power steering fluid levels and address any problems promptly.
- Timing belt replacement: The Avalon may require a timing belt replacement at certain mileage intervals. Be aware of the recommended maintenance schedule and plan for this replacement accordingly.
- Cooling system maintenance: Regularly inspect the cooling system for any signs of leaks or overheating. Address any issues promptly to prevent engine damage.
7. Honda Fit (10-year MC: $4915)
- Transmission issues: Some Fit models have reported transmission problems, such as slipping or rough shifting. Regularly service the transmission and address any signs of issues promptly.
- Suspension components: The Fit may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Electrical system: Keep an eye on the electrical system, as some Fit models have experienced issues with power windows and door locks. Regularly check for any malfunctions and address them promptly.
8. Mitsubishi Mirage (10-year MC: $4939)
- Engine performance: Some Mirage models have reported issues with engine performance, including misfires or lack of power. Regularly monitor the engine’s performance and address any issues promptly.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Mirage’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
- Suspension components: The Mirage may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and shocks. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
9. Toyota Supra (10-year MC: $4950)
- Turbocharger maintenance: The Supra’s turbocharged engine requires proper maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for turbocharger maintenance and address any issues promptly.
- Cooling system maintenance: Regularly inspect the cooling system for any signs of leaks or overheating. Address any issues promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Brake system maintenance: The Supra’s high-performance nature requires regular brake system maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
10. Honda Civic (10-year MC: $5245)
- Engine oil consumption: Some Civic models have been known to consume more engine oil than usual. Monitor the oil levels regularly and address any excessive oil consumption promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Civic may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Transmission issues: While not common, some Civic models have reported transmission problems. Regularly service the transmission and address any signs of shifting issues or abnormal noises.
11. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (10-year MC: $5254)
- Engine performance: Some Mirage G4 models have reported issues with engine performance, including misfires or lack of power. Regularly monitor the engine’s performance and address any issues promptly.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Mirage G4’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
- Suspension components: The Mirage G4 may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and shocks. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
12. Honda Insight (10-year MC: $5303)
- Hybrid battery replacement: The hybrid battery in the Insight may need to be replaced after several years of use. Regularly monitor the battery’s performance and be prepared for potential replacement costs.
- Brake system maintenance: Due to the regenerative braking system, the brake pads in the Insight tend to wear out more slowly. However, it’s still important to have the brake system inspected regularly to ensure optimal performance.
- Cooling system issues: Keep an eye on the cooling system, as some Insight models have experienced coolant leaks. Regularly check for any signs of leaks or overheating.
13. Nissan Versa (10-year MC: $5331)
- Transmission issues: Some Versa models have reported transmission problems, such as slipping or rough shifting. Regularly service the transmission and address any signs of issues promptly.
- Suspension components: The Versa may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Versa’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
14. Mazda 3 (10-year MC: $5409)
- Engine oil consumption: Some Mazda 3 models have been known to consume more engine oil than usual. Monitor the oil levels regularly and address any excessive oil consumption promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Mazda 3 may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Mazda 3’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
15. Volkswagen Golf (10-year MC: $5410)
- Electrical system: Keep an eye on the electrical system, as some Golf models have experienced issues with power windows and door locks. Regularly check for any malfunctions and address them promptly.
- Suspension components: The Golf may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Cooling system maintenance: Regularly inspect the cooling system for any signs of leaks or overheating. Address any issues promptly to prevent engine damage.
16. Honda Accord (10-year MC: $5412)
- Engine oil consumption: Some Accord models have been known to consume more engine oil than usual. Monitor the oil levels regularly and address any excessive oil consumption promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Accord may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Accord’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
17. Toyota C-HR (10-year MC: $5425)
- Engine oil leaks: Some C-HR models have reported engine oil leaks. Regularly check for any signs of oil leaks and address them promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The C-HR may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the C-HR’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
18. Nissan Sentra (10-year MC: $5441)
- Transmission issues: Some Sentra models have reported transmission problems, such as slipping or rough shifting. Regularly service the transmission and address any signs of issues promptly.
- Suspension components: The Sentra may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Sentra’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
19. Honda Clarity (10-year MC: $5489)
- Hybrid battery replacement: The hybrid battery in the Clarity may need to be replaced after several years of use. Regularly monitor the battery’s performance and be prepared for potential replacement costs.
- Brake system maintenance: Due to the regenerative braking system, the brake pads in the Clarity tend to wear out more slowly. However, it’s still important to have the brake system inspected regularly to ensure optimal performance.
- Cooling system issues: Keep an eye on the cooling system, as some Clarity models have experienced coolant leaks. Regularly check for any signs of leaks or overheating.
20. Mazda 6 (10-year MC: $5507)
- Engine oil consumption: Some Mazda 6 models have been known to consume more engine oil than usual. Monitor the oil levels regularly and address any excessive oil consumption promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension components: The Mazda 6 may experience issues with suspension components such as struts and control arms. Regularly inspect and maintain these components to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Brake system maintenance: Like any vehicle, the Mazda 6’s brake system requires regular maintenance. Monitor the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure optimal braking performance.
Remember, these are general areas of maintenance problems reported for these models, and individual experiences may vary. Regular maintenance, following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
Ready to give your car the best care it deserves? Contact our CAA Quebec certified auto garage today to schedule an appointment for the matienance of your car. Experience the advantages firsthand and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.