Used Cars With Low Maintenance Costs
Key Points
- Used cars like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra are renowned for low annual maintenance costs, often below $500.
- Choosing reliable models such as Toyota Prius or Mazda3 ensures durability, efficiency, and affordable long-term ownership costs.
- Considering long-term maintenance costs is crucial when buying a car, as some vehicles are significantly cheaper to maintain than others.
People consider several factors when they’re looking for vehicles.
Though their priorities may differ a bit, some of the most common considerations are interior space, cargo space, hauling capacity, fuel efficiency, and technological features.
Cost also comes into play for most car buyers. While some people veer toward new vehicles, many are drawn to the many potential advantages of used models.
After all, buying the right used car means saving a great deal of money and avoiding significant depreciation without having to sacrifice all the latest features and technology.
Having said all that, quite a few people fail to think about the long-term costs of ownership when they’re buying a vehicle.
Over time, the costs of repairs and maintenance can certainly add up. Some used vehicles stand out for their low maintenance costs, though.
While you’re browsing the cars, trucks, vans, CUVs, and SUVS available at a honda dealership, keep the following 10 used models with minimal maintenance costs in mind.
Honda Civic
Hondas are known for their performance, dependability, and durability.
They also cost less to keep running over time than many other vehicles.
Honda Civics, particularly the 2015 through 2020 models, are among the most cost-effective vehicles on the market from a long-term perspective.
Many experts say that the 2016 models are even more exceptional in this regard.
Annual maintenance costs for these cars average about $370.
That’s about a third of the amount the average person spends on coffee each year.
Honda Accord
Honda Accords are also highly sought-after cars. They feature Honda’s well-known reliability, and they’re definitely built to last.
When it comes to low maintenance costs, the 2013 through 2018 models stand out the most.
Critics note that the six-cylinder models are extremely hardy, and the four-cylinder versions maintain their fuel efficiency while also requiring minimal maintenance.
On average, yearly maintenance costs for an Accord hover around $400.
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jettas, specifically those built from 2015 through 2018, also top the list.
The 1.4T engine produced in 2016 is one of the best in terms of efficiency and reliability, but all of Volkswagen’s Jetta models in this timeframe generally require minimal maintenance and cost less to keep up.
Maintenance for these cars averages about $600 per year.
That’s a little higher than some of Volkswagen’s Asian competitors, but it’s considered quite low for a European vehicle.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru has numerous strong suits in the automotive world. Its vehicles are known for being among the safest on the roads.
Standard all-wheel drive also makes most Subaru models highly versatile and capable regardless of where their owners live or what conditions they’re up against.
Those are only a few of the main pull factors of these vehicles. Imprezas made from 2012 through 2018 have extremely affordable maintenance costs, typically averaging $550 a year.
Kia Soul
Another vehicle with low maintenance costs is the Kia Soul.
It definitely stands out on the road, and it has an exceptional interior room considering its size.
It’s a fun, practical CUV, and its relatively simple design makes maintenance much simpler compared to many other vehicles.
Annual maintenance costs for the Kia Soul are about $500 to $600.
Mazda 3
The Mazda3 is known for affordable long-term maintenance costs. People love this car because it’s comfortable, fun to drive, and fuel efficient.
Those manufactured from 2014 to 2018 are among the most efficient, and models equipped with Mazda’s Skyactiv engines are some of the most reliable and affordable over the long term.
Yearly maintenance for these compact vehicles costs between $400 and $500.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has come a long way since it first reached the American auto market back in the 1980s.
In the beginning, Hyundais were considered cheap, and they weren’t the most popular vehicles out there. Today, they’ve risen to the top of the market.
They’re highly popular, and they’re known for their style and reliability. Like many of the vehicles listed here, their parts are readily available.
The cost of labor for these vehicles is also reasonable. Elantras manufactured from 2015 through 2020 have notably low maintenance costs of about $500 per year.
Toyota Corolla
Toyotas are also among the most popular cars on the market these days, and the Corolla alone has a sizable following.
These cars are reliable, comfortable, and packed with features. They also last a long time.
It’s not uncommon for Toyota’s 1.8-liter engine that some Corollas are equipped with to last beyond 200,000 miles.
Those built between 2014 and 2020 are extremely affordable to maintain with yearly costs averaging an astounding $350.
Toyota Camry
Also one of Toyota’s shining stars, the Camry has a major fanbase all its own. In true Toyota fashion, it’s know for its tech features, safety, performance, and dependability.
Besides that, it’s a beautiful, comfortable car. Its powertrain is made to last, especially those with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines.
Models built from 2012 to 2019 are particularly affordable to maintain. Generally, maintenance for these cars costs about $400 per year.
Toyota Prius
Toyota made headlines with the Prius. It was one of the first mass-produced hybrids to hit the market, and people flocked to dealerships in droves to get their hands on it.
Hybrid vehicles are notorious for having high maintenance costs.
That’s one of the areas in which the Prius stands out, though. Its battery tends to last for 150,000 miles or more, and its regenerative braking keeps brake maintenance at a minimum.
Annual maintenance costs for a Prius average out at $500.
Finding a Used Vehicle With Long-Term Affordability
It’s no secret that vehicles come in a variety of price ranges. When you buy a vehicle, though, looking beyond the initial price is essential.
Be sure to consider long-term costs, like ongoing maintenance. Some vehicles are infamously expensive to keep running.
Others fall on the opposite end of the spectrum. The vehicles listed here have some of the lowest maintenance costs you’ll find.
