What Is the Cheapest Car to Run and Maintain?

The cheapest cars to run and maintain in 2025 are typically the Toyota Corolla Hybrid (globally), the Mitsubishi Mirage (North America) and the Dacia Sandero (Europe), while a used electric hatchback like a Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt can be cheapest overall if you can charge at home. Choosing the absolute lowest-cost option depends on local prices for fuel or electricity, insurance, taxes, and parts, plus how many miles you drive and how long you keep the car.

What “cheapest to run and maintain” actually means

Running and maintenance costs are broader than just miles per gallon. They combine energy use, service needs, insurance, taxes, reliability, and depreciation. Understanding these variables helps identify which models consistently keep bills down.

• Energy cost: Fuel economy (mpg) or efficiency (mi/kWh) and your local gas/electricity prices.
• Maintenance: Service intervals, consumables (tires, brakes), and typical repair frequency.
• Reliability: How often a model needs unscheduled repairs and how costly they are.
• Insurance: Premiums that vary by model, safety record, theft rates, and driver profile.
• Taxes/fees: Registration, emissions or congestion charges, and road tax incentives.
• Depreciation: How much value a car loses—often the largest ownership cost if you buy new.
• Parts availability: Abundant, inexpensive parts reduce both downtime and shop bills.

Weighing these together gives a truer picture of “cheapest” than sticker price alone, and it explains why some humble hatchbacks and mainstream hybrids dominate total cost-of-ownership rankings.

Top picks by region in 2025

Because prices, taxes, and model availability vary widely, the most economical choices differ by market. These models are consistently inexpensive to fuel and service, broadly reliable, and easy to insure.

• Global mainstream: Toyota Corolla Hybrid — 50+ mpg (US), long hybrid component warranties, low brake wear from regeneration, excellent reliability record.
• North America (lowest purchase price): Mitsubishi Mirage — among the cheapest new cars to buy, 39–43 mpg, simple three-cylinder engine keeps maintenance and tire costs low.
• Europe (budget leader): Dacia Sandero — among the lowest new-car prices, frugal 1.0 TCe engines, low insurance groups, inexpensive parts and servicing.
• UK/Europe hybrid alternative: Toyota Yaris Hybrid — real-world 60+ mpg (UK), strong reliability, low urban running costs and minimal routine maintenance.
• Asia (value compacts): Suzuki Swift/Celerio and Honda Jazz (Fit) — light, efficient, and proven durability; hybrid Jazz e:HEV keeps city costs extremely low.
• Used-EV sweet spot (where home charging is available): Nissan Leaf (40–62 kWh) or Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV — very low per-mile energy and maintenance costs; verify battery health and recall work.

No single car wins everywhere; however, the Corolla Hybrid and Yaris Hybrid are standout low-cost choices in many markets. If upfront price is the priority, the Mirage or Sandero often undercut rivals, while used EVs can deliver the lowest day-to-day running costs if your charging situation is favorable.

Model spotlights

Toyota Corolla Hybrid (global)

With highway-and-city efficiency typically above 50 mpg (US) and broadly available service networks, the Corolla Hybrid minimizes fuel and routine maintenance. Regenerative braking stretches pad life, and hybrid system warranties (often 8–10 years, market-dependent) reduce risk. Insurance is usually moderate thanks to strong safety ratings and high parts availability.

Mitsubishi Mirage (North America)

The Mirage’s appeal is simple: rock-bottom purchase price, excellent gas mileage, cheap tires, and straightforward servicing. It’s not quick or plush, and resale value is modest, but for drivers prioritizing the absolute lowest monthly outlay on a new car, it’s hard to beat. Insurance is often low, especially for base trims.

Dacia Sandero (Europe)

The Sandero remains one of Europe’s most affordable new cars to buy and own. The 1.0 TCe petrol is efficient, parts are inexpensive, and insurance groups are low. It lacks some refinement and brand cachet, but for cost-per-mile, it’s a star. In some markets, bi-fuel LPG variants can trim fuel spending further where LPG is cheap and available.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid (UK/Europe)

City-heavy drivers see exceptional economy from the Yaris Hybrid, often exceeding 60 mpg (UK). Like other Toyota hybrids, it benefits from extended component warranties and reduced brake wear, translating to predictable maintenance and strong resale values.

Used EVs: Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV

If you can charge at home on standard or overnight rates, used EVs often deliver the lowest daily costs: electricity per mile is typically cheaper than petrol or diesel, and maintenance is minimal (no oil changes; fewer moving parts). Key caveats: check battery state of health, confirm any recall battery replacements (notably for the Bolt), and price insurance, which can be higher in some regions.

When an EV is cheaper overall

Electric cars can undercut even frugal hybrids on running costs when a few conditions line up. These are the common scenarios where an EV becomes the clear money-saver.

• You can charge at home or work at reasonable electricity rates (off-peak is a bonus).
• Your annual mileage is moderate to high (e.g., 10,000–15,000 miles or 15,000–25,000 km), maximizing fuel savings.
• Local incentives reduce purchase price, registration fees, or road tax for EVs.
• You plan to keep the car long enough to benefit from low maintenance and energy costs.
• You choose models with good battery longevity and verified service/recall history.

If you rely mainly on expensive public fast-charging or drive very little each year, a simple petrol hybrid or efficient small car may be cheaper overall despite higher per-mile energy costs.

Real-world cost snapshots (typical assumptions)

The figures below illustrate typical running and basic maintenance costs for 12,000 miles (19,000 km) per year, excluding depreciation and insurance because they vary widely by driver and market. Energy prices are illustrative; adjust to your local rates.

• Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 50 mpg (US). At $3.50/gal, fuel ≈ $840/year; routine maintenance ≈ $200–$350/year.
• Mitsubishi Mirage: 41 mpg (US). At $3.50/gal, fuel ≈ $1,024/year; routine maintenance ≈ $250–$400/year.
• Dacia Sandero TCe 90: ~50 mpg (UK combined). At £1.45/litre, fuel ≈ £1,575/year; routine maintenance ≈ £200–£350/year.
• Toyota Yaris Hybrid: ~60 mpg (UK). At £1.45/litre, fuel ≈ £1,310/year; routine maintenance ≈ £200–£350/year.
• Nissan Leaf (40 kWh): ~3.5 mi/kWh. At $0.15/kWh, electricity ≈ $514/year; maintenance ≈ $150–$300/year (tires, cabin filter, brake fluid as scheduled).
• Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV: ~3.6 mi/kWh. At $0.15/kWh, electricity ≈ $500/year; maintenance ≈ $150–$300/year.

These comparisons highlight why hybrids dominate low-cost rankings on gasoline and why EVs win on operating costs where home charging is feasible. Always factor your actual energy prices and driving mix.

How to minimize your running and maintenance costs

Whatever you buy, these habits and choices reliably cut total ownership costs over time.

1. Right-size the car: Smaller, lighter models use less energy and have cheaper tires and brakes.
2. Prefer proven drivetrains: Mainstream engines/hybrids with long reliability records lower repair risk.
3. Check insurance before you buy: Quotes can vary hundreds per year between similar cars.
4. Follow the service schedule: Timely fluids, filters, and inspections prevent expensive failures.
5. Buy tires strategically: Mid-range, long-life tires reduce replacement frequency without premium pricing.
6. Drive efficiently: Smooth acceleration, proper tire pressures, and planning routes save fuel/energy.
7. Consider lightly used: A 3–5-year-old reliable car often halves depreciation versus new.
8. For used EVs: Verify battery health (SOH), charging history, and recall/thermal management updates.

Combining a frugal model with disciplined ownership often beats chasing the absolute lowest sticker price.

Summary

If you want the cheapest car to run and maintain, pick a frugal, reliable mainstream model that fits your market and charging situation. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid (and Yaris Hybrid in Europe/UK) consistently deliver ultra-low fuel and upkeep costs. For the lowest new-car outlay, the Mitsubishi Mirage (North America) and Dacia Sandero (Europe) keep bills minimal. Where you can charge at home, a used Nissan Leaf or Chevrolet Bolt can be the cheapest to run overall. Your exact winner will depend on local energy prices, insurance, taxes, and how many miles you drive.

What is the cheapest car to drive and 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.

Which car brand has the least problems?

According to recent studies by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Lexus and Toyota are consistently ranked as car brands with the fewest problems and the highest vehicle dependability, with Lexus often taking the top spot overall and Toyota leading the mass-market segment. These brands have a long-standing reputation for building durable, reliable, and long-lasting vehicles. 
Top-Ranked Brands:

• Lexus: Opens in new tabConsistently ranks highest overall for vehicle dependability and reliability, often by a significant margin. 
• Toyota: Opens in new tabHolds top positions for reliability, particularly in the mass-market segment, and is recognized for its longevity and quality. 

Why These Brands Excel:

• Conservative Redesigns: Both Lexus and Toyota are known for their conservative approach to redesigns, focusing on incrementally improving existing platforms rather than introducing many new and unproven systems. 
• Proven Engineering: They have a history of designing vehicles with robust, reliable engineering that continues to perform well as the car ages. 
• Long-Term Value: Their focus on durability and practicality contributes to their vehicles having a longer lifespan and continuing to be reliable when new and as they age. 

What car has the highest repair cost?

What Are The Most Expensive Cars To Repair And Maintain?

• Porsche: $1,623 per year*
• Land Rover: $1,599 per year*
• Jaguar: $1,529 per year*
• Audi: $1,344 per year*
• BMW: $1,318 per year*
• Mercedes-Benz: $1,237 per year*
• Lincoln: $1,197 per year*
• Mini: $1,163 per year*

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.