Car Brands and Models That Can Save You Money and Cost the Least to Maintain

New Car Shopping

There’s no doubt that when it comes to buying a new car you want a model that not only has a reliability record that is above average compared to similar models, but more importantly---is predicted to continue as a trusted, reliable car that will serve you well over the years.

However, there’s another crucial factor to take into consideration: “What will it cost you to keep that new-car-turn-used-car running?!” Something that a smart car shopper cannot take lightly.

Related article: Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars You Can Buy Today

Getting the Best of Both Worlds

The good news is that Consumer Reports has taken both points into consideration and created a new listing of car brands and models that can save you money; and, those that cost the least to maintain.
About the listing, CR analysts stated that:

“Using the annual survey data collected from thousands of CR members, our analysts have determined the routine maintenance and repair costs for both brands and models at five years and 10 years of ownership. That includes regular checkups, such as oil changes and tire rotations, as well as the cost to replace things like brakes, drive belts, and lightbulbs, which all eventually wear out as mileage piles on.”

Related article: Used Cars That Cost the Most to Maintain Say Consumer Reports

To help car shoppers see the differences and know what to expect with car brands, here is a summarized list of car brand maintenance and repair cost over 1-5 years and 6-10 years respectively:

• Toyota: $685 / $2,290
• Lincoln: $540 / $2,765
• Buick: $650 / $2,705
• Mazda: $910 / $2,500
• Hyundai: $765 / $2,655
• Ford: $735 / $2,715
• Tesla: $425 / $3,060
• Chevrolet: $765 / $2,730
• Honda: $973 / $2,580
• Nissan: $890 / $2,730
• Kia: $975 / $2,665
• Chrysler: $895 / $2,900
• Lexus: $975 / $2,850
• Cadillac: $765 / $3,160
• Volkswagen: $775 / $3,360
• Jeep: $790 / $3,415
• GMC: $1,000 / $3,255
• Subaru: $1,030/$3,290
• Dodge: $905/$3,435
• Infiniti: $1,1060/$3,350
• Ram: $1,135/$3,375
• Acura: $1,170/$3,355
• Mini: $955/$3,925
• Volvo: $1,070/$3,970
• Audi: $1,170/4,725
• BMW: $930/$4,980
• Mercedes-Benz: $1,770/$5,185
• Porsche: $2,410/ $6,330

Recommended Cars That Cost the Least to Maintain in the Long Run

To hope narrow down your choice of which make and model to choose, CR analysts whittled down the above list to those they found cost the least to maintain for the long run for car owners who want and expect to keep their well-maintained new car further than the average car owner.

The summarized listing below provides the predicted average 10-year cost in repairs and maintenance for that model compared to the average 10-year cost of all makes and models within the same rated model category.

That said, here are their recommendations:

1. Nissan Leaf 2023
Price Range: $28,040 - $36,040
CR MPGE: Overall 104 / City 114 / Hwy 94 mpge
Rated #9 of 62 Electric vehicles
10-year cost: $1,190 / Average electric car 10-year cost: $2,320

2. Toyota Camry 2023
Price Range: $26,220 - $36,645
CR MPG: Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 49 mpg
Rated #3 of 12 Midsized cars
10-year cost: $2,510 / Average midsized car 10-year cost: $3,190

3. Lexus ES Hybrid 2023
Price Range: $41,020
CR MPG: Overall 42 / City 32 / Hwy 52 mpg
Rated #1 of 14 Luxury midsized cars
10-year cost: $3,015 / Average luxury car 10-year cost: $4,520

4. Toyota RAV4 2023
Price Range: $27,975 - $39,030
CR MPG: Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 38 mpg
Rated #14 of 28 Compact sport-utility vehicles
10-year cost: $2,970 / Average compact SUV 10-year cost: $3,915

5. Ford Edge 2023
Price Range: $37,945 - $46,485
CR MPG: Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 31 mpg
Rated #4 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles
10-year cost: $3,190 / Average midsized SUV 10-year cost: $3,915

6. Lexus RX 2023
Price Range: $47,400 - $61,600
CR MPG: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 34 mpg
Rated #5 of 33 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
10-year cost: $4,065 / Average luxury 2-row SUV 10-year cost: $5,155

7. Buick Enclave 2023
Price Range: $44,800 - $59,470
CR MPG: Overall 18 / City 12 / Hwy 26 mpg
Rated #2 of 11 Luxury large sport-utility vehicles
10-year cost: $4,365 / Average 3-row SUV 10-year cost: $5,155

And finally…

For additional articles related to CR-recommended vehicles this year thus far, here are a few for your consideration:

• Best Green Cars You Can Buy Right Now Says Consumer Reports

• Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

• Consumer Reports Popular Midsized Sedans to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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