Which Automakers Offer the Cheapest Cars to Maintain? Top 5 Picks

Finding an affordable car to buy is challenging enough, but the real financial burden often comes after the purchase. With new vehicle prices hovering around $47,000 and monthly payments exceeding $1,000 for many buyers, selecting a vehicle with lower maintenance costs has become critical. The question isn’t just about finding cheapest cars to maintain—it’s about making a smart long-term investment that won’t drain your wallet through constant repairs and upkeep.

Why Maintenance Costs Matter More Than Ever

The automotive market has shifted dramatically. High interest rates mean buyers are financing vehicles over longer periods, making the total cost of ownership increasingly important. When you factor in repair expenses, parts replacement, and labor costs over a vehicle’s lifetime, choosing a brand known for durability and affordable maintenance becomes a crucial decision. Industry experts consistently point to certain manufacturers that have built their reputation on reliability and cost-effective upkeep.

Toyota: The Undisputed Leader in Low-Cost Ownership

Every automotive expert agrees on one thing: Toyota dominates when it comes to cheapest cars to maintain. According to CarEdge analysis, Toyota ranks first with a 10-year maintenance cost of just $5,996—nearly $2,000 lower than competitors.

Talha Atta, a mechanical engineer and founder of Green Mechanic, explains Toyota’s advantage: “This Japanese automaker is engineered to last. Parts availability is widespread and affordable compared to other manufacturers.” Azzam Sheikh from Carifex, a specialty automotive technology company, adds that Toyota’s engineering emphasizes simplicity and repair accessibility, allowing technicians to work more efficiently while keeping labor costs down.

Toyota claims seven of the top 10 models with the lowest 10-year maintenance expenses, positioning it head and shoulders above all other brands in the industry.

Nissan, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi: Budget-Friendly Alternatives

While Toyota leads the pack, other Japanese manufacturers also offer exceptional value in terms of ownership costs:

Nissan takes the second position among affordable brands. With a 10-year maintenance cost of $8,088, Nissan benefits from worldwide parts distribution, making repairs straightforward and cost-effective. According to experts, Nissan is second only to Toyota in terms of cheapest cars to maintain and repair.

Honda ranks third with an average 10-year maintenance cost of $7,827. The brand maintains its reputation for creating vehicles that stay reliable throughout their lifecycle while keeping repair expenses manageable.

Mazda follows closely at $8,035 in 10-year maintenance costs. Notably, Mazda owners typically won’t exceed $1,000 annually for upkeep until after seven years of ownership. The brand carries only an 18% probability of requiring major repairs within the first decade—well below industry averages.

Mitsubishi rounds out the top five with 10-year maintenance costs of $7,787. While not quite as economical as Toyota, Mitsubishi joins Honda as one of only three nameplates maintaining 10-year expenses below $8,000.

How Engineering and Design Philosophy Impact Maintenance Costs

The reason these manufacturers dominate the cheapest cars to maintain category goes beyond mere coincidence. Their engineering approaches prioritize simplicity, component reliability, and repair accessibility. Japanese manufacturers historically design vehicles with technician-friendly systems, reduced complexity in critical components, and standardized parts that translate to lower labor expenses and faster repair times.

Additionally, the global distribution networks these companies maintain ensure parts availability worldwide, preventing the supply chain issues that can inflate repair costs for more niche automakers. When a part breaks, it’s not a matter of weeks waiting for a specialty component—replacement parts are readily accessible and competitively priced.

The Bottom Line

When comparing the total cost of vehicle ownership, purchase price represents just the beginning. The cheapest cars to maintain often deliver the greatest financial value over a decade of ownership. Toyota’s commanding lead, followed by Nissan, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, reflects these brands’ commitment to building vehicles that remain dependable and affordable to repair throughout their lifespan. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing long-term savings, these five automakers consistently deliver on the promise of economical ownership.