Good, cheap, and reliable cars are no longer the bare-bones vehicles of the past with manual crank windows and no air conditioning. Instead, modern, affordable cars provide comfort, reliability, and low maintenance costs while still catering to various needs.
These vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Versa, and Mitsubishi Mirage, require minimal upkeep beyond regular oil changes. Surprisingly, the list of budget-friendly yet dependable cars also includes a few Teslas, a Lexus, and even the sporty Toyota Supra, proving that affordability and quality can go hand in hand.
To determine the best options, data from CarEdge was analyzed, focusing on vehicles with the lowest maintenance and repair costs. This included estimated annual and 10-year costs, along with the probability of major repairs.
The rankings were then compiled based on the cheapest average total 10-year maintenance costs, ultimately revealing the top 15 most cost-effective and reliable cars available today.
1. Honda Accord: Reliable and Refined
The Honda Accord delivers a refined driving experience and comes in various models, from well-equipped to luxurious. It has a 10-year maintenance cost of $5,412, with annual expenses starting at $200 in the first year and reaching $994 by year ten.
The Accord has a 15.6% chance of requiring major repairs, making it a cost-effective and dependable choice for long-term ownership. Its combination of affordability and reliability makes it a smart buy.
2. Mazda 3: Fun in All Seasons
The Mazda 3 now features standard all-wheel drive, making it enjoyable to drive year-round. Available in sedan and hatchback versions, it has a 10-year maintenance cost of $5,409. Annual costs begin at $186 in year one and increase to $1,013 by year ten.
With a 16.2% chance of needing major repairs, the Mazda 3 remains a stylish, efficient, and affordable vehicle for those seeking sporty handling and reliability.
3. Nissan Versa: Affordable and Practical
For budget-conscious buyers, the Nissan Versa offers practicality with a 10-year maintenance cost of $5,331. Costs start at $173 in the first year and rise to $1,011 by year ten.
The Versa has a 16.4% chance of needing major repairs, making it a low-cost choice. It includes automatic emergency braking as a standard feature, adding extra safety. The Versa’s affordability and efficiency make it a great option for first-time buyers and daily commuters.
4. Mitsubishi Mirage G4: Basic but Efficient
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a budget-friendly sedan with a 10-year maintenance cost of $5,254. Its annual costs begin at $175 in year one and increase to $991 by year ten. It has a 16.0% chance of requiring major repairs.
While not the most powerful vehicle, it is cost-effective and fuel-efficient, making it a great choice for those who prioritize low ownership costs. Its simple design ensures easy maintenance and longevity.
5. Honda Civic: A Versatile Favorite
The Honda Civic, redesigned in 2022, offers sedan and hatchback models with various trim levels. It has a 10-year maintenance cost of $5,245, with annual costs starting at $183 in year one and increasing to $977 by year ten.
With a 15.6% chance of needing major repairs, the Civic remains a solid investment. Known for its reliability, efficiency, and performance, the Civic is a preferred choice for drivers seeking affordability and modern features.
6. Toyota Supra: Performance Without the Cost
The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car with an affordable maintenance cost of $4,950 over ten years. Annual costs start at $220 in the first year and decrease to $872 by year ten.
The Supra has a 12.6% chance of needing major repairs. Sharing parts with the BMW Z4, it offers a thrilling driving experience without excessive upkeep. This makes it a great option for enthusiasts seeking an exciting yet cost-effective vehicle.
7. Mitsubishi Mirage: Affordable Urban Transport
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is an economical choice for city driving, with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,939. Annual costs begin at $163 in year one and increase to $933 by year ten. It has a 15.1% chance of requiring major repairs.
Despite its small three-cylinder engine, it offers good fuel efficiency and low ownership costs. For those seeking an affordable, no-frills urban vehicle, the Mirage remains a practical and reliable choice.
Also Read: 10 Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs for Maximum Efficiency and Long-Distance Driving in 2025
8. Tesla Model Y: Practical Electric Performance
The Tesla Model Y, an electric crossover, offers versatility and performance with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,732. Annual expenses start at $217 in year one and rise to $813 by year ten.
The chance of requiring major repairs is 11.7%. With an impressive range of 330 miles per charge, it provides both efficiency and practicality. As a Tesla, it benefits from over-the-air software updates and minimal maintenance, reducing long-term ownership costs.
9. Tesla Model S: The Electric Game-Changer
The Tesla Model S revolutionized the electric vehicle market with its luxury and high performance. It has a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,566, with annual costs starting at $267 in year one and decreasing to $708 by year ten.
The likelihood of requiring major repairs is only 8.6%. With a nearly 400-mile range and access to an extensive charging network, it remains one of the most practical long-range EV options available.
10. Toyota Avalon: Luxury at a Lower Cost
The Toyota Avalon, though discontinued, remains a luxurious and cost-effective sedan with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,407. Annual expenses begin at $180 in year one and rise to $787 by year ten. It has an 11.9% chance of needing major repairs.
Offering a spacious and comfortable ride, it shares many mechanical components with the Camry. Its reliability and affordability make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium sedan experience.
11. Toyota Camry: Dependable and Affordable
A best-selling midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry boasts a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,203. Annual costs start at $160 in the first year and increase to $766 by year ten. The Camry has an 11.9% chance of needing major repairs.
Available with both four-cylinder and V6 engines, it offers a balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. Its low ownership costs and long-term dependability make it an attractive option for families and commuters alike.
12. Toyota Prius Prime: Efficient Hybrid Choice
The plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius Prime bridges the gap between traditional hybrids and electric vehicles, with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,098. Annual expenses begin at $164 in year one and increase to $736 by year ten.
It has an 11.2% chance of requiring major repairs. The Prius Prime can travel 25 miles on electric power before switching to hybrid mode, offering a combined fuel efficiency of 54 mpg. This makes it an excellent eco-friendly option.
13. Toyota Corolla: A Practical Pick
The Toyota Corolla is a practical and reliable compact car with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,087. Annual costs start at $148 in year one and rise to $755 by year ten.
With an 11.9% chance of needing major repairs, the Corolla remains a favorite among budget-conscious drivers. Known for its durability and fuel efficiency, it provides an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it a dependable daily driver for many car owners.
14. Toyota Prius: The Ultimate Fuel Saver
The Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids, with a 10-year maintenance cost of $4,008. Annual costs begin at $155 in the first year and increase to $727 by year ten. It has an 11.2% chance of needing major repairs.
With an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway, it offers exceptional fuel savings. Its affordability, efficiency, and low maintenance requirements make it a standout choice for eco-conscious buyers.
15. Tesla Model 3: The Most Affordable to Maintain
The Tesla Model 3 has the lowest 10-year maintenance cost at $3,587. Annual expenses start at $169 in year one and decrease to $610 by year ten. It has an 8.6% chance of requiring major repairs.
Most service visits involve simple tasks like tire rotations, reducing overall maintenance costs. Combining affordability, cutting-edge technology, and strong performance, the Model 3 remains one of the best-value electric vehicles on the market today.
These vehicles highlight that affordable maintenance and reliability can go hand in hand. Whether opting for an electric, hybrid, or gasoline-powered car, buyers can find models that offer low ownership costs without compromising performance, safety, or comfort.
The diversity in choices ensures that every driver, from budget-conscious shoppers to performance enthusiasts, can find a vehicle that meets their needs while keeping maintenance costs manageable over the long term.
Also Read: 10 Cars That Were Marketed as Reliable but Turned Out to Be Lemons