I’ve Driven Over 100 Cars: These Are 6 That Don’t Require a Ton of Maintenance
Written by
Terence Loose
Edited by
Jana Lynch
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If you’re going to drive a car, you probably want to spend as little on repairs and maintenance as possible. But with cars costing so much, are there even affordable options to consider?
To answer that, we consulted John Lin of JB Motor Works in Philadelphia for his thoughts. He gave us a list of six reliable, wallet-friendly cars that won’t have you on a first-name basis with your mechanic.
Honda Civic
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $600
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $126 (non-hybrid)
With a starting MSRP just north of $25,000 and offering six colors and five trims, including a hybrid version, the Honda Civic is a common sight on any highway for a reason. Not only does this car beat Edmunds’s average sedan monthly cost to drive by more than $50, but Lin said that if you take care of it, this car should be part of your family for a while.
“This little champ just keeps on ticking. I’ve seen these hit 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat,” he said.
Toyota RAV4
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $450
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $144 (non-hybrid)
If you want a small, stylish SUV that’s not going to have you navigating to the mechanic’s garage often, Lin said you owe it to your bank account to consider the Toyota RAV4. “It’s a workhorse that laughs in the face of potholes. Plus, its hybrid option is a gas miser,” he said.
Starting at just over $30,000 and with a monthly cost-to-drive estimate of $144, compared to its class’s $199 average, the RAV4 is a solid pick.
Ford F-150
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $775
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $217
With an MSRP starting at $45,615, the Ford F150 is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a full-sized truck that demands less than full-time maintenance. “Built Ford Tough isn’t just a slogan. These trucks are surprisingly low-maintenance for their size,” said Lin.
Unless you opt for the hybrid version, expect a bit of sticker shock at the pump with a combined MPG in the low 20s.
Hyundai Kona
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $400
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $141
Boasting a starting MSRP of under $26,000, a futuristic front grill, more rear seat leg room and upgraded tech for 2024, the Hyundai Kona is a solid choice for the mechanic-shy, according to Lin. He sees it as a reliable crossover SUV in a relatively crowded market.
“It’s a newcomer that’s making waves,” he said. And if you really want to cut down on your car costs, he said check out the electric version. “Its electric version is practically maintenance-free,” he said.
Subaru Outback
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $600
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $153
Subaru has built a solid reputation among the adventurous crowd with its Outback and Crosstrek wagon/SUVs. The Outback, with a starting MSRP of just over $30,000, is a solid choice for those looking for all-wheel drive combined with reliability.
“The Outback has all-wheel drive without the usual AWD headaches,” Lin said.
Toyota Prius (Hybrid)
Approximate Annual Maintenance Cost: $375
Monthly Cost to Drive*: $78
As the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, the Prius was well ahead of its time. Perhaps that’s why Toyota has had time to refine and improve the vehicle consistently enough to stay at the top of many most-reliable lists. “The Prius is the poster child for efficiency. I’ve seen these rack up 300,000 miles with minimal fuss,” said Lin.
Toyota has even made the car more stylish, all with a starting MSRP of under $29,000.
*Average fuel cost to drive as calculated by Edmunds.com, based on a 15,000-mile-per-year driver and Ohio’s average gasoline cost, which was closest to the national average of $3.50 as of July 2, 2024, according to AAA.
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