The cost of a car isn’t just about how much you spend when you sign the lease or purchase it from a dealer.
A car’s costs can add up when you have to consider major repairs as well as regular maintenance to keep it running properly.
Here are the top 15 car models to consider if you’re wanting to find a low-maintenance car that can help keep more cash in your pocket.
15. Volkswagen Golf
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This German import may rely on its well-known engineering to keep it running smoothly with an expected cost of $5,410 over 10 years in maintenance and repair costs.
The Golf is also 5.59% less likely to require a repair during that time compared to similar vehicles in the segment.
14. Mazda 3
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A Mazda 3 is expected to cost $5,409 in maintenance and repair costs during the first decade of its life, which is more than $1,600 lower than the industry average for sedans.
The model is also 5.28% less likely to need a major repair compared to similar vehicles in the segment.
13. Nissan Versa
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If you own a Versa, you should expect to pay $5,331 over the first 10 years of the vehicle’s lifespan for maintenance and repairs.
You should also expect a 16.43% chance that the Versa will require a major repair, which is better than its counterparts in the segment.
12. Honda Insight
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Pick up a Honda Insight and you should expect to pay about $5,303 for maintenance and repairs over the first decade.
The car also has a 15.57% chance of requiring a major repair, which is almost 6% better than other vehicles in the segment.
11. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
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Expect to pay an estimated cost of $5,254 over the first 10 years of life for a Mitsubishi Mirage G4.
You also have a 16% chance of needing a major repair on your vehicle, which is better than similar vehicles in the segment.
10. Honda Civic
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As an owner of a Honda Civic, you should plan on paying $5,245 over 10 years, which beats out other models in the segment by $1,851.
You would also have a 15.57% chance of needing a major repair, which could mean spending more than $500 to fix an issue with your car.
9. Toyota Supra
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Want to pay less than $5,000 in maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years of your car? Buy a Toyota Supra, which will cost about $4,950 to maintain and repair during that time.
The Supra also has a 12.57% chance of requiring a repair, which is almost 9% better than other vehicles in the segment.
8. Mitsubishi Mirage
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You should account for $4,939 in maintenance and repair expenses if you buy a Mitsubishi Mirage.
The Mirage will also have a 15.09% chance of requiring a major repair, which is 6.41% better than similar vehicles in the segment.
7. Honda Fit
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You’ll only need to budget $4,915 for maintenance and repair costs over the first 10 years of a Honda Fit.
There’s also less than a 15% chance of your vehicle requiring a major repair of $500 in cost or more during that time.
6. Toyota Avalon
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If you buy a Toyota Avalon, expect to pay $4,407 over the first 10 years for maintenance and repairs.
The vehicle also has an 11.89% chance of requiring a large repair, which is 9.61% better than similar vehicles in the segment.
5. Toyota Camry
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The Toyota Camry has a reputation for being affordable and that includes its costs for maintenance and repair, which come to around $4,203 over 10 years.
The Camry also has a low 11.89% chance of requiring a major repair during the first 10 years of the car.
4. Toyota Prius Prime
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If you get a Toyota Prius Prime, you can expect to pay $4,098 for the first decade of the car’s life on maintenance and repairs.
The vehicle also has a low 11.22% chance of requiring a major repair, which is 10.28% better than similar vehicles.
3. Toyota Corolla
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Another affordable Toyota model is the Carolla, which will cost you only $4,087 in maintenance and repair costs during the first decade.
The Corolla is also less likely to need major repairs with an 11.89% chance of requiring a repair that costs more than $500 in its first decade.
2. Toyota Yaris
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Another Toyota model, the Yaris, will cost you $4,027 over the first 10 years of owning the vehicle.
The car has an 11.89% chance of needing a major repair over 10 years, which is 9.61% better than other cars in the segment.
1. Toyota Prius
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Topping the list is the Toyota Prius, which needs just $4,008 over its first decade for maintenance and repair. The industry average for other hatchback models comes in at $2,756 more than the Prius.
The Prius also has an 11.22% chance that it will require a major repair, which is more than 10 percent better than similar vehicles in the segment.
Bottom line
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If you’re buying a car on a budget, remember to consider any additional expenses you’ll need for the vehicle on top of the initial costs.
Looking for ways to pay less for auto insurance can also help you save money over the life of your vehicle that you could put toward other bills or invest later.
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