I Asked Mechanics Which Budget Cars Are Most Expensive To Own: Here’s What They Said
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Buying a budget car doesn’t necessarily save you money in the long run.
“Not all budget-friendly cars actually go easy on the pocket when it comes to maintenance costs,” said Ruth Calkins, general manager and auto expert at FindByPlate. “In fact, some budget-friendly cars are only considered as budget-friendly options because they come at affordable price points.”
Although these cars are affordable, they often come with higher-than-expected ownership costs. Insurance, repairs, parts and routine maintenance can quickly add up, making some “budget” cars more expensive to keep on the road than their upfront cost suggests.
Experts point out that the true cost of ownership tells a very different story from the price tag on the lot.
Fiat 500e
- Starting MSRP: $32,495
The Fiat 500e is a small electric hatchback. It’s not the cheapest electric car you can find, but it does have relatively low fuel costs, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). However, the price may not be worth it if you plan to sell it in the future.
“Electric cars cost more than similar gas-powered cars, but they can still be considered budget-friendly vehicles because they require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. “The 500e is one that will ultimately cost you more, thanks to its rapid depreciation. The battery has a shorter lifespan than other EV batteries, and the depreciation reflects that.”
Audi A4 (2005-2009)
- KBB fair purchase price: $3,724 to $8,202
Buying used doesn’t always mean you’ll save money. The Audi A4, specifically the 2005 to 2009 models, is prone to issues.
According to Calkins, what makes Audi so expensive is its high-tech features and complex engines, which often lead to costly repairs. “Due to its complex engineering, the Audi A4 is also prone to oil leaks, electrical system faults and suspension and steering issues, and these problems in their constancy lead to frequent and costly repairs,” she added. This leads to frequent trips to the mechanic and makes the A4 less reliable and more expensive to own.
Mitsubishi Mirage
- Starting MSRP: $18,250
The Mitsubishi Mirage didn’t return for 2025 and has been discontinued in the U.S., according to KBB, but the 2024 model is still one of the cheapest you can find on the market.
“The Mirage has a great MRSP, but you’ll likely be spending money on maintenance before your vehicle loan is paid off,” Musson explained. “Additionally, the car has so little power that it can be very frustrating to drive, especially when passengers and gear are weighing it down.”
Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks
- Starting MSRP Silverado 2500: $47,495 to $54,095
- Starting MSRP Silverado 3500: $48,695 to $56,695
These heavy-duty pickup trucks have impressive towing capabilities, and they’re decently priced for what you get, but experts recommend setting aside some cash for maintenance.
“For a non-luxury car, the fact is that nearly $5,000 on maintenance over a five-year period makes the ownership of this vehicle quite expensive,” Calkins said. Potential maintenance includes engine repairs, brake pad replacement, transmission maintenance and suspension and steering system repairs.
Kia Optima
- KBB fair purchase price: $13,790 to $19,240
- Starting MSRP Kia K5: $28,565
The Kia Optima is still around, but it’s no longer manufactured under the same name beginning in 2021, according to World Car Kia South. The new Optima is now known as the K5.
“Kia has come a long way in building its reputation, but even though its vehicles are better than they were a decade ago, they will tend to have premature engine failure and transmission problems shortly after the warranty expires,” Musson said. “The Optima depreciates quickly. The issues with engines and transmissions often cost more to repair than the vehicle is worth, leading people to junk their Optimas long before they would have imagined.”
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