What car is the cheapest to maintain?

For most shoppers today, the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius are consistently among the cheapest cars to maintain, with the used Toyota Yaris often topping lists for lowest annual repair costs; among electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 stand out for minimal routine service. Actual expenses vary by region, mileage, and how closely you follow the maintenance schedule, but mainstream Toyotas and Hondas—and simple, mass‑market EVs—tend to keep long‑term maintenance bills low.

What “cheapest to maintain” really means

When people ask which car is the cheapest to maintain, they’re usually talking about out‑of‑pocket costs for scheduled service (oil changes, filters, fluids, tires, brakes) plus unscheduled repairs after warranties lapse. This excludes fuel, insurance, and depreciation, which are separate ownership costs. Independent datasets like RepairPal and Consumer Reports consistently show compact Toyotas and Hondas near the top for low repair frequency and modest parts/labor bills, while EVs reduce routine service needs by eliminating oil changes and drastically cutting brake wear through regenerative braking.

Standout low‑maintenance choices in 2025

Gasoline and hybrid models

If you prioritize predictable, low maintenance over time, these models have strong reliability records, abundant parts, and straightforward service procedures that keep costs down even when out of warranty. They are broadly available in North America and supported by large dealer and independent repair networks.

• Toyota Corolla (gas and hybrid): Simple, widely supported, long service intervals; parts are inexpensive and plentiful.
• Toyota Prius: Regenerative braking reduces brake wear; Toyota hybrid systems have a long track record of durability.
• Honda Civic: Strong reliability, common parts, and broad mechanic familiarity keep routine and repair bills modest.
• Toyota Camry (incl. Hybrid): A midsize option that still maintains low upkeep thanks to proven powertrains.
• Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte: Competitive warranties and improved reliability; routine service is straightforward and parts costs are reasonable.
• Used Toyota Yaris/Honda Fit: Often among the very lowest annual repair costs in RepairPal data; simple subcompacts with inexpensive components.
• Nissan Versa: Budget-friendly parts and service, though long-term CVT reliability varies by model year.

Across these models, typical out‑of‑warranty maintenance and repair outlays often stay in the low hundreds of dollars per year when serviced on schedule, though high mileage, harsh climates, and deferred maintenance can raise costs.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

EVs eliminate oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, and many fluid services. They also stretch brake life dramatically. However, expect higher tire wear on some models, and note that out‑of‑warranty body/electronics repairs can be pricier. Battery packs have long warranties, and most owners never pay for a pack replacement during normal ownership periods.

• Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV: Among the lowest routine maintenance demands; widely reported minimal service needs beyond tires, cabin filters, and brake fluid checks.
• Tesla Model 3: Very little scheduled service; keep an eye on tires and alignment. Mobile service and over‑the‑air diagnostics help reduce shop visits.
• Nissan Leaf: Simple, mature EV platform; low maintenance with generally inexpensive routine service.
• Hyundai Kona Electric/Kia Niro EV: Solid reliability records and long warranties on electric components, with routine service limited mostly to tires and inspections.

In practice, many EV owners report lower annual maintenance than comparable gasoline cars. Just budget for tires and ensure access to qualified service for occasional repairs.

Why these cars are cheap to maintain

The models above share traits that keep costs down over years of ownership. Understanding these characteristics can help you choose other low‑maintenance vehicles, even beyond the specific nameplates listed.

• Proven, mass‑market powertrains with long production runs and strong reliability histories.
• Excellent parts availability and competition among suppliers, which lowers parts prices.
• Simple designs (often non‑turbo engines, timing chains instead of belts) that reduce high‑ticket service items.
• Large service networks and abundant mechanic familiarity, cutting labor time and diagnostic guesswork.
• For hybrids/EVs: regenerative braking and fewer wear items reduce routine service frequency.

Buying within these parameters increases the odds that your car will be cheap to maintain even as it ages and racks up miles.

How to keep maintenance costs low regardless of car

You can materially influence maintenance costs by how you buy, drive, and service your vehicle. These steps apply whether you choose a Corolla, a Bolt, or anything in between.

1. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; skipping small services often causes larger, pricier repairs later.
2. Use quality fluids and parts that meet the vehicle’s specifications, especially for transmission and hybrid/EV cooling systems.
3. Choose common tire sizes and rotate regularly to extend life; budget for alignments if your roads are rough.
4. Fix small issues quickly (belts, leaks, sensors) before they cascade into major failures.
5. Get quotes from reputable independent shops for out‑of‑warranty work; keep receipts to preserve resale value.
6. Consider total support in your area: local dealer density, independent specialists, and parts availability.
7. For EVs/hybrids, keep brake fluid and battery cooling systems serviced on time to avoid expensive component damage.

These habits tend to keep annual maintenance predictable and low, regardless of brand.

Regional and ownership variables

Costs vary with labor rates, climate, road quality, and how long you keep the car. Rust belts and extreme heat increase wear; urban driving can shorten tire life; and high‑mileage drivers face more frequent consumable replacements. Warranty coverage (and its transferability), plus the availability of mobile or independent service, can meaningfully change your out‑of‑pocket experience.

Bottom line

If you want the lowest maintenance costs in a widely available, practical car, the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius are safe bets; a used Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit can be even cheaper if you’re shopping second‑hand. If you’re open to an EV, the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 generally have the least routine maintenance of all, with tires as the main recurring expense. Pick a common model with a strong reliability record, keep up with the service schedule, and your maintenance bills should stay modest.

Summary

Cheapest to maintain: Toyota Corolla and Prius for most buyers; used Toyota Yaris often the absolute lowest among legacy gas cars; Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 for minimal routine maintenance in EVs. Choose simple, proven powertrains, ensure strong local service support, and follow the maintenance schedule to keep costs down over time.

What is the best maintenance free car to buy?

There is no truly “maintenance-free” car, but models known for extremely low maintenance costs and high reliability include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Lexus RX, and Subaru Outback. For even lower costs over time, especially on luxury vehicles, the Tesla Model 3 is a leading choice, while the Toyota Camry is consistently ranked among the best for overall low maintenance and repair costs. 
Top Recommendations for Low Maintenance

• Toyota Corolla: . Opens in new tabA global best-seller due to its reliability, sturdy design, and uncomplicated engine, often requiring minimal repairs even after hundreds of thousands of miles. 
• Toyota Prius: . Opens in new tabAn excellent hybrid option known for eco-conscious drivers, featuring a simple dual-engine system and cost-saving benefits. 
• Honda Civic: . Opens in new tabA champion of long lifespan and affordability, the Civic is known for its durability and minimal repair needs, leading to one of the lowest ownership costs. 
• Lexus RX: . Opens in new tabThis luxury SUV combines premium build quality with the reliability and low repair costs often associated with Toyota, a brand known for least maintenance. 
• Subaru Outback: . Opens in new tabOffers a practical, versatile, and dependable all-weather experience with affordability in mind for ownership costs. 

Electric Vehicles with Low Maintenance 

• Tesla (particularly the Model 3): Tesla vehicles, especially the Model 3, are ranked as having some of the lowest maintenance and repair costs over the first 10 years of ownership.

Key Factors for Low Maintenance

• Simplicity: Cars with fewer complex features and uncomplicated engines tend to have fewer things that can go wrong. 
• Reliability: Brands like Toyota and Honda have a long-standing reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles. 
• Parts Availability and Cost: Readily available and affordable parts, a hallmark of models like the Toyota Corolla, contribute to lower ownership costs. 

Which car is most expensive to maintain?

The McLaren F1 is often considered one of the most expensive cars to maintain, with annual costs around $30,000 due to specialized parts and the need for overseas shipping for some repairs. Other cars with very high maintenance costs over the long term include Bentley models like the Continental GT, high-end Porsches such as the Cayenne and 911, and Land Rovers. These costs are driven by specialized parts, luxury features, complex engineering, and sometimes poor reliability, making their maintenance significantly more expensive than mainstream vehicles. 
Factors influencing high maintenance costs:

• Specialized Parts: Luxury and high-performance cars use specialized, expensive parts that are not readily available. 
• Complex Engineering: High-performance and luxury vehicles often have complex systems, such as turbocharged engines or Quattro all-wheel-drive systems, which require specialized and costly repairs. 
• Brand Reputation: Brands known for luxury and high performance, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover, often have higher maintenance costs due to their premium components and service requirements. 
• Reliability Issues: Some luxury brands, such as Land Rover, have a reputation for reliability issues, which leads to more frequent and costly repairs. 
• Labor Costs: The complexity of repairs and the specialized knowledge required for high-end vehicles also increase labor costs. 

Examples of expensive models:

• McLaren F1: An oil change can cost $8,000, and some repairs require shipping the car to the UK, leading to potentially $30,000 in annual maintenance. 
• Bentley Bentayga and Continental GT: These luxury SUVs and grand tourers are among the most expensive vehicles to maintain over 10 years. 
• Porsche models: The Cayenne, Macan, and 911 consistently rank among the highest for long-term maintenance costs. 
• Land Rover Range Rover: Known for its luxury, it also carries a reputation for reliability issues and high maintenance costs. 
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van: These luxury vans are also listed among the more expensive vehicles to maintain due to their specialized parts and systems. 

Which car has the lowest maintenance?

Top 10 Low Maintenance Cars in India

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. A reliable name in the Indian car market, everything K10 is observed for its strength, compact size, and impressive efficiency.
• Renault Kwid.
• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.
• Honda Amaze.
• Hyundai Aura.
• Toyota Glenza.
• Tata Tiago.
• Maruti Suzuki Swift.

What car brand is the cheapest to maintain?

What Cars Are Cheapest to Maintain?

• Toyota Corolla.
• Toyota Prius.
• Honda Fit.
• Mitsubishi Mirage.
• Toyota Yaris.
• Honda Civic.
• Nissan Sentra. The Nissan Sentra is another budget-friendly sedan that’s both dependable and relatively cheap to maintain.
• Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the company’s first entry on this list.