15 Best Compact Cars if You Hate To Spend Money on Maintenance

Compact cars can be a good option if you want to save money when buying a new vehicle. But it's important to choose a model that won’t cost you a lot of money after you make the purchase.

That's why you want to select a compact car that won’t break the bank in maintenance expenses. Some cars hold up better than others, and low repair costs help you to keep more cash in your wallet .

Here are some of the best low-maintenance compact cars — both sedans and small SUVs — to consider, according to data compiled by CarEdge.

15. Toyota C-HR

Courtesy of Toyota

Toyota’s compact C-HR SUV typically needs $5,425 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years.

That is $3,708 better than other popular SUV models.

14. Volkswagen Golf

Courtesy of Volkswagen

German carmakers are known for excellent engineering, and that appears to be true for the Volkswagen Golf.

The Golf needs an average of $5,410 in maintenance and repairs over the first decade of ownership, which is $1,354 lower than other hatchbacks in the segment.

13. Mazda 3

Courtesy of Mazda

Expect to pay $5,409 in maintenance and repair costs during the first 10 years of ownership for a Mazda 3.

That total beats the average for similar sedan models by $1,687.

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12. Nissan Versa

Courtesy of Nissan

Car Edge estimates that the Nissan Versa will cost about $5,331 to maintain and repair during the first 10 years of service for the vehicle.

That cost is $1,765 better than the average vehicle in the sedan segment.

11. Honda Insight

Courtesy of Car and Driver

The Honda Insight sedan will set you back $5,303 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years.

The Insight will cost you around $1,793 less than other popular sedans during that same time period.

10. Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Courtesy of Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 will cost you $5,254 for maintenance and repair over the first 10 years.

That beats the average for other sedan models by $1,842.

9. Honda Civic

Courtesy of Honda

The Honda Civic will cost you slightly less than the Mirage G4 in maintenance and repair costs — $5,245 over 10 years.

It is also $1,851 less than other sedan models.

8. Toyota Supra

Courtesy of Toyota

The sporty Supra will cost you an average of $4,950 over 10 years for repairs and maintenance.

That is $2,473 better than other coupe models.

7. Mitsubishi Mirage

Courtesy of Mitsubishi

The Mirage — which is a hatchback compared to the Mirage G4 sedan — will likely require $4,939 in maintenance and repair costs over 10 years.

That cost is $1,825 less than other hatchback models in the same segment.

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6. Honda Fit

Courtesy of Car and Driver

The Honda Fit will cost you an average of $4,915 in maintenance and repair over a decade.

That means it will cost an average of $1,849 less to repair or maintain the Fit compared to other hatchback models.

5. Toyota Camry

Courtesy of Toyota

The Toyota Camry — the best-selling sedan in the U.S. in 2022 — needs about $4,203 in maintenance and repair costs for the first 10 years.

That beats other sedans in the Camry’s class by $2,893.

4. Toyota Prius Prime

Courtesy of Toyota

The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that costs about $4,098 for repair and maintenance over the first 10 years.

That's $2,666 less than other popular hatchback models.

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3. Toyota Corolla

Courtesy of Toyota

When it comes to maintenance and repair costs, expect the Corolla to cost you $4,087 over the first 10 years of the vehicle’s life.

That’s more than $3,000 less than the average for popular sedans — saving you precisely $3,009 compared to other vehicles in the segment.

2. Toyota Yaris

Courtesy of Car and Driver

Expect to pay $4,027 in repair and maintenance costs over the first 10 years of the life of your Toyota Yaris.

That beats the average for sedan models by $3,069.

1. Toyota Prius

Courtesy of Toyota

The Toyota Prius hybrid sedan typically requires just $4,008 over the first 10 years of its life for maintenance and repairs.

That beats the industry average for hatchbacks by $2,756 — a figure that should help lower financial stress for buyers who purchase a Prius.

Bottom line

It’s important to think about not only the cost of a vehicle but also the repair and maintenance expenses when you consider buying a new car. Choosing a car with low maintenance costs can boost your bank account.

And remember to factor ways to save on car insurance , repair and maintenance, gas, and other costs into your overall budget when choosing your next new car.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).