The cheapest car to own for 10 years

For most U.S. drivers buying new, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid (particularly the base LE) is typically the cheapest car to own over 10 years, with the Toyota Prius a close second. Across recent cost-of-ownership analyses and reasonable 10-year assumptions (about 150,000 miles, average fuel and insurance costs, and routine maintenance), these hybrids deliver the lowest total outlay thanks to excellent fuel economy, strong reliability, and high resale values.

How this conclusion was reached

To identify the cheapest 10-year ownership choice, we synthesized findings from AAA’s Your Driving Costs, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds/CarEdge cost-of-ownership data, and long-term reliability histories (Consumer Reports, historical warranty/recall records), then applied consistent assumptions over a decade of use.

1. Mileage: 150,000 miles over 10 years (a common benchmark for long-term ownership).
2. Energy prices: Gasoline averaged near $3.25–$4.25/gal nationally in recent years; estimates below center on ~$3.75/gal. Electricity at ~$0.14/kWh for home charging.
3. Vehicle pricing: Current MSRPs and typical transaction prices for entry trims as of late 2024/early 2025.
4. Depreciation: Historic model-specific patterns adjusted for today’s market normalization since pandemic peaks.
5. Insurance: Averages scaled by vehicle class and claim history; hybrids tend to be moderate, EVs often higher.
6. Maintenance/repairs: Based on model reliability records and parts/labor norms; hybrids generally low, especially on brakes due to regen.
7. Taxes/fees: Modest, state-dependent; treated consistently across comparisons.

This framework balances the biggest drivers—depreciation, fuel, insurance, and upkeep—so different models can be compared on as equal a footing as possible.

The front-runners for lowest 10-year cost

The following models consistently surface as the least expensive to own over a decade for an average driver, assuming mostly conventional financing or cash purchase and no unusual usage patterns.

• Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE: Often the overall 10-year winner. Ballpark total over 150,000 miles: roughly $45,000–$50,000 (~$0.30–$0.33/mi), driven by a relatively low purchase price, ~50 mpg, excellent reliability, and solid resale.
• Toyota Prius LE: A near tie. Estimated 10-year total: about $47,000–$52,000 (~$0.31–$0.34/mi). Slightly higher purchase/insurance than Corolla Hybrid but even better fuel economy (mid-to-high 50s mpg) and top-tier longevity.
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (Blue/SEL): Competitive with Toyota hybrids if you secure a good price. Estimated 10-year total: ~$46,000–$51,000. Strong mpg, long warranty; resale and long-horizon reliability typically trail Toyota’s.
• Toyota Corolla (gas, 2.0L): Simple and durable, but fuel costs nudge it above the hybrids over 10 years. Estimated total: ~$49,000–$54,000.
• Mitsubishi Mirage (new or recent leftover inventory): Very low purchase price but lower resale and higher fuel spend than hybrids. Estimated total: ~$46,000–$52,000; can be close to hybrids at low miles, but hybrids usually pull ahead as miles and fuel prices rise.
• Tesla Model 3 RWD (home charging): Can be cost-competitive if you drive a lot, have low electricity rates, and qualify for incentives. Over 10 years: roughly ~$50,000–$57,000 for typical owners, with wide variance from insurance and depreciation beyond year eight.

Across typical American driving and energy prices, the Corolla Hybrid most often lands at or near the bottom of the 10-year cost spectrum, with the Prius essentially neck-and-neck depending on your insurance and local fuel prices.

Why the Corolla Hybrid often wins

It pairs a lower entry price than the Prius with excellent real-world fuel economy, class-leading reliability, and healthy resale. Maintenance is modest, brake wear is light thanks to regenerative braking, and insurance rates tend to be manageable for a mainstream compact. Over a decade, those incremental advantages stack up.

How the Prius stays so competitive

The latest Prius delivers even better mpg and traditionally stellar durability. For some owners, especially high-mileage commuters or drivers in high-fuel-cost regions, the Prius’s fuel savings offset its slightly higher purchase/insurance costs, essentially tying the Corolla Hybrid on 10-year total cost.

The EV wildcard: when an electric car could be cheaper

Electric vehicles can undercut hybrids over 10 years in the right conditions, but results vary widely. Insurance is often higher, and long-horizon depreciation remains volatile, especially past the 8-year battery and component warranty window.

These are the scenarios where an EV has a strong chance to beat a hybrid on total 10-year cost:

• You charge primarily at home at low electricity rates or on solar.
• You drive well above average annual miles (fuel savings compound quickly).
• You qualify for significant federal/state/local incentives and utility rebates.
• Your area has consistently high gasoline prices and stable electricity rates.
• You buy a used EV at a large depreciation discount with a healthy battery.

If most of those boxes are checked, a compact EV like a Model 3 RWD or a used Chevrolet Bolt can undercut even efficient hybrids over a decade; otherwise, hybrids remain the safer bet for lowest-cost ownership.

Buying used: an even cheaper path

If your goal is the absolute minimum 10-year outlay, a reliable used hybrid or compact kept for 10 years often beats buying new, because you avoid the steepest early depreciation. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.

These used picks commonly deliver rock-bottom decade-long costs:

• 2019–2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Excellent mix of price, mpg, and reliability.
• 2016–2022 Toyota Prius: Proven longevity; many examples exceed 200,000 miles.
• 2018–2021 Honda Civic (2.0L): Simple, efficient, reliable; parts are plentiful.
• 2020–2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Outstanding mpg; verify service history.
• 2017–2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV: Often very cheap to buy used (many with new recall batteries); great running costs if electricity is inexpensive.

Buying 2–4 years old, then keeping the car another decade, typically trims thousands off your total cost versus buying new and holding for 10 years.

How to keep your 10-year costs low, regardless of model

Driving habits and ownership decisions can sway your decade-long costs by thousands. These steps help lock in a low total cost of ownership.

• Prioritize reliability and efficiency over performance packages and large wheels.
• Shop insurance annually and consider telematics discounts if you’re a safe driver.
• Stick to scheduled maintenance; use quality tires and keep them properly inflated.
• Drive smoothly and within speed limits to cut fuel/energy use and brake wear.
• Avoid long, high-interest loans; if financing, pay down principal aggressively.
• Keep the car longer; the cheapest car is often the one you already own.
• Resell at the right time: before major repair thresholds if reliability is uncertain.

Small, consistent savings across fuel, insurance, maintenance, and financing compound into major reductions over a decade.

Summary

For most new-car buyers in the U.S., the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the cheapest car to own for 10 years, with the Toyota Prius essentially tied depending on fuel prices and insurance. Efficient hybrids win by combining modest purchase prices, excellent mpg, top-tier reliability, and strong resale. EVs can be cheaper under favorable charging and incentive conditions, while a smartly bought used hybrid often beats any new car on total decade-long cost. If you want the lowest-risk, lowest-cost choice, start with the Corolla Hybrid—and if you drive a lot or pay more for gas, keep the Prius on your shortlist.

What is the cheapest car that lasts the longest?

Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas have a long history as reliable and fuel-efficient cars. The Corolla’s benefits include its low average cost of maintenance and affordable parts.

Which car is best in the lowest price?

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• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
• Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
• Tata Punch.
• Maruti Swift.
• Hyundai Exter.
• Citroen C3.
• Hyundai Aura.
• Mahindra XUV300. Available in a price range of ₹7.99-14.74 lakh, the Mahindra XUV300 is a compact SUV that offers a perfect balance of style, performance, and affordability.

What is the most reliable car in the last 10 years?

Most Reliable Car Models of the Decade

• Toyota Corolla.
• Hyundai Elantra.
• Mazda 3.
• Lexus ES.
• Mazda 6.
• Toyota Highlander.
• Honda CR-V.
• Honda Accord. The Honda Accord is known for its outstanding reliability, making it a top choice for drivers who want a dependable vehicle.

What is the best 2nd hand car to buy?

Best Used Cars 2025: the shortlist

• Toyota Corolla (2019-present)
• Honda Jazz (2015-2020)
• Volkswagen Up (2012-2023)
• Ford Kuga (2019-present)
• BMW 5 Series (2017-2024)
• Skoda Octavia Estate (2013-2020)
• Volkswagen Golf GTI (2013-2020)
• Mazda MX-5 (2015-present)