Owning a car can be expensive. As per Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the average price of a new car is $47,401. Prices are actually down — 3.5% from a year prior — but there are still other costs to consider , like maintenance, insurance and gas.
According to Cascade Collision, the average car lasts about 12 years, or 200,000 miles. But if you’re looking for an affordable car brand that’ll last a long time with proper maintenance, you’re in the right place.
On average, a Toyota costs $5,445 in maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years. The industry average for other popular brands is $1,724 higher.
In the first decade, Toyotas have a 14.5% chance of needing a major repair. This is 6.03% less likely than other comparative automotive brands.
Certain types of Toyota vehicles cost even less in the first 10 years — and last a long time. Here are just a few:
Toyota Camry: It costs around $4,455 in the first 10 years and has only an 11.89% chance of needing a major repair. A standard Camry has a starting MSRP of around $27,000 to $32,000.
Toyota Corolla: This costs approximately $4,229 in the first decade and has a similar chance of needing major repairs as the Camry. Pricing starts at around $21,900.
Toyota Prius: A Prius costs around $4,157 in the first 10 years of maintenance and repairs. It has an 11.22% chance of requiring a major repair. Pricing starts at $29,000.
Toyota Highlander: Although this vehicle costs more than other Toyota models in the first decade — $6,013 in total repairs and maintenance — it’s cheaper than other SUVs by $3,358. The starting MSRP is $39,120.
Fiats cost, on average, $6,443 in the first 10 years of maintenance and repairs. This makes them approximately $726 less expensive than other popular car brands.
In the first 10 years, Fiats have an 18.62% chance of needing a major repair. This is 1.91% lower than similar vehicles.
Here is one of the most affordable Fiat vehicles that’ll last for at least a decade:
Fiat 500L: Expect to spend around $6,061 in maintenance and repairs during the first decade of ownership. The chance of it needing a major repair during that time is 17.56%. The starting MSRP for a Fiat 500L is about $24,000.
Volkswagen
On average, a Volkswagen will cost $6,496 in repairs and other maintenance its first decade. This is $673 less than the industry average for similar car brands.
Volkswagens also have an 18.29% chance of requiring a major repair in the first decade. This is 2.24% lower than similar manufacturers.
Here are a few of the most affordable Volkswagen vehicles that tend to last:
Volkswagen Golf: This costs an average of $5,555 during its first 10 years, and has a 15.91% chance of needing a major repair. The starting MSRP is $31,765.
Volkswagen Jetta: In the first decade, maintenance and repairs will cost approximately $5,943. This vehicle also has a 16.86% chance of needing a major repair during this time. The starting cost is $22,660.
Mitsubishi
On average, expect the first decade of repairs and maintenance for a Mitsubishi to cost you $6,593. This is about $576 less than what you’d pay for similar brands.
These cars tend to have a 19.2% chance of needing a major repair in the first 10 years. This is 1.33% less likely than similar vehicles.
Here are a few of the most affordable Mitsubishis:
Mitsubishi Outlander: These cost a bit more in the first 10 years — $7,519. For an SUV, however, the costs are around $1,852 less than other comparable vehicles. Outlanders also have a 21.63% chance of needing a major repair during this time, similar to other SUVs. the starting cost is $30,200.
Mitsubishi Mirage: This vehicle costs $5,135 on average and has a 15.09% chance of requiring a major repair in the first decade. The starting sticker price is $18,250.
Honda
Maintenance and repairs for a new Honda will cost around $6,684 in the first 10 years. This is $485 less than similar brands.
These vehicles also have an 18.92% chance of needing a major repair during their first decade. This is slightly lower than similar options — 1.71% lower, in fact.
These are some of the most affordable Hondas:
Honda Accord: These cost around $5,643 in the first decade and have a 15.57% chance of needing a major repair. Their starting price is $28,990.
Honda Civic: Expect to spend around $5,620 in maintenance and repairs in the first decade. This vehicle also has a 15.57% chance of requiring a major repair during this time. Prices range from around $25,000 to $30,000.
Honda Odyssey: As expected for a minivan, the Odyssey has higher 10-year maintenance and repair costs — about $7,769 in total. This is still $1,807 lower than other popular models. These vehicles cost around $43,315 new.
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