It can be expensive to own a car. There are always repairs and maintenance to think about, along with insurance and gas. However, not all cars are created equal, and some models are just easier to take care of. If you’re looking for a reliable and cheap car, then here are 20 options.
Honda Civic
No doubt about it, the Honda Civic is a no-brainer for budget-friendly maintenance. This compact car has been around forever, and mechanics know every inch of it. What makes it so easy to keep running is how straightforward everything is. There’s nothing overly fancy or complicated under the hood, which means parts are cheap and repairs don’t take long.
Toyota Corolla
Right off the bat, the Toyota Corolla is another solid bet. People call it boring, but that’s exactly why mechanics love it. It just works. The engines are reliable, and nothing breaks easily. Older models still run strong, and newer ones have stayed consistent in design, so repair shops don’t need special tools or skills to fix them.
Mazda3
Even though it doesn’t get as much attention, it really should. The Mazda3 has a reputation for being more fun to drive than other small cars, and it also happens to be dependable.
On top of that, parts are widely available and don’t require specialty shops. For someone who wants a mix of affordability and a little bit of fun, the Mazda3 punches above its weight.
Hyundai Elantra
Over the past few years, Hyundai has really made a name for itself in the budget car space. The Elantra stands out as one of the most affordable sedans to own and maintain. It doesn’t just cost less up front, it’s cheap to fix, too. Plus, more serious repairs like transmission issues aren’t as pricey as you might think.
Honda Accord
Without question, the Honda Accord is a favorite among both drivers and mechanics. It has all the benefits of the Civic, but offers more interior space and power. The car’s engines are built to last, and the automatic transmissions are known to hold up well with basic care. You’ll find Accord parts everywhere, which makes repairs faster and cheaper.
Toyota Camry
No list like this would be complete without the Toyota Camry. Known for being nearly bulletproof, the Camry has a legacy of long-lasting engines and smooth rides.
You won’t find a lot of unnecessary tech that breaks down, either. People often pass these cars down through generations, and it’s not unusual to see one still running strong at 250,000 miles.
Subaru Impreza
Interestingly enough, the Subaru Impreza is a rare all-wheel-drive car that doesn’t cost a fortune to maintain. While Subarus can be hit or miss, the Impreza tends to have fewer problems than its bigger siblings. Mechanics agree that the smaller engine size makes it easier to work on, and the AWD system is more durable than flashy.
Ford Focus (older models)
When it comes to older used cars, the Ford Focus, especially models made before 2012, holds its own. These cars are easy to work on because they use common parts and don’t rely heavily on high-tech systems. The only thing to watch out for is transmission wear, but if that’s been taken care of, the car is generally low-cost to maintain.
Kia Forte
Over time, the Kia Forte has become one of the better values in the compact car world. It’s affordable to buy and doesn’t rack up big bills at the shop. The design is simple, so most repairs are inexpensive. Also, Kia has a solid warranty, so for newer models, some work might still be covered.
Nissan Sentra
Every so often, you find a car that does its job without needing much attention. That’s the Nissan Sentra. While not known for being flashy, it scores well with mechanics who appreciate its low-maintenance design.
Most models are easy to diagnose and fix, and parts don’t cost a lot. Sentras tend to do well when given regular oil changes and fluid flushes.
Chevrolet Cruze
For folks who want something domestic, the Chevy Cruze deserves a look. Its engines are easy to access, and common repairs like thermostats or brakes aren’t overly complicated. The trick is avoiding the turbocharged versions, which are pricier to fix. Stick with the simpler trims, and you’ll find the Cruze to be surprisingly budget-friendly both in parts and labor costs.
Honda Fit
Seriously, the Honda Fit is one of the most beloved compact cars among mechanics. It might be small, but it’s incredibly practical. The good news is that the engine is efficient, and repairs like spark plugs and belts are low-cost. With a small footprint, the Fit offers great interior space and fold-down seats.
Toyota Yaris
Okay, so the Yaris isn’t sold new in the U.S. anymore, yet older models are still popular with folks who want reliability. All engines in this model are lightweight and efficient, and you can usually fix most issues without breaking the bank. If you’re looking at used cars, this is one of those hidden gems that just keeps going.
Hyundai Accent
From a mechanic’s point of view, the Hyundai Accent is straightforward and dependable. It doesn’t pretend to be anything fancy, and that’s what makes it great for budget-minded drivers. The small four-cylinder engine is easy to work on, and basic repairs like timing belts and hoses are all low-cost.
Toyota Prius (older models)
Did you know that older Toyota Prius models are often easier to maintain than people expect? Early hybrids from the mid-2000s have proven to be surprisingly reliable. The hybrid batteries, which used to be expensive, are now much more affordable and often come with warranties. Add in the fuel savings, and it’s one of the few hybrids that’s actually budget-friendly in the long run.
Scion xB
If you’re looking for something quirky and dependable, the Scion xB should be on your radar. Built by Toyota, this little boxy car uses the same engine found in other Toyotas, which makes parts easy to find.
Mechanics love it because the layout is accessible, and common problems are simple to fix. It’s practical and costs way less to keep on the road than you’d expect.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Sure, it’s not fancy, but the Mitsubishi Mirage is incredibly cheap to maintain. It’s one of the most basic new cars you can buy, which is exactly why it’s so reliable. The small three-cylinder engine doesn’t need much, and even big repairs (if they ever come up) are affordable.
Buick LeSabre (early 2000s)
What you may not know is that older Buick LeSabres, especially those made in the early 2000s, are still praised by mechanics. The legendary 3.8-liter V6 engine found in these cars is nearly indestructible. Parts for this model are dirt cheap and widely available, and repairs don’t require high-tech equipment.
Ford Crown Victoria
If you want to talk about durability, the Ford Crown Vic is hard to beat. These cars were made for fleets, so they were designed to take a beating and keep going.
For people who want something big and shockingly cheap to maintain, it’s still one of the best-kept secrets on the used market.
Honda CR-V
Last but not least, the Honda CR-V deserves a top spot for anyone who needs more space but still wants low repair bills. This small SUV has the same easy-to-maintain reputation as the Civic and Accord. What mechanics love the most is how accessible the engine is, and the all-wheel drive versions hold up well with proper care.
This article may include content generated by AI and has been reviewed and edited by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.