When you’re shopping for a car, it’s easy to focus on the sticker price. But the real cost of owning a vehicle goes beyond what you pay upfront. Maintenance and repair costs can really add up over time, so it’s smart to think about those long-term expenses too. 

Find out what the most and least expensive car brands to maintain in 2025 are here. 

 

What Affects Car Maintenance Costs?

There are a few key things that can influence how much you’ll spend keeping your car in good shape:

 

Brand Reputation

Some brands are just known for being more reliable than others. If a carmaker has a strong track record for durability, you’re less likely to run into big repair bills. Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda are well-known for making cars that last a long time with minimal issues.

 

Vehicle Type

Luxury cars usually cost more to maintain. They often need special parts and service, which drives up repair bills. On the other hand, more basic or non-luxury vehicles tend to be simpler and cheaper to fix.

 

Age and Mileage

Older cars with higher mileage typically need more maintenance. Over time, parts wear out, and larger repairs, like timing belt replacements or brake system work, become necessary. Keeping up with regular maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations can help reduce surprise costs.

 

Driving Habits

How you drive matters. Aggressive driving (hard braking, fast acceleration, etc.) can put extra stress on your car. Taking a gentler approach can help extend the life of your vehicle, and you’ll likely need fewer repairs.

 

Geographic Location

Your location can also affect repair costs. If you live in an area with extreme weather, your car might need extra attention, such as winter tires or battery replacements. Plus, repair costs vary depending on local labor rates.

 

What Are the Cheapest Car Brands to Maintain?

If saving money is a priority, here are some of the top contenders for the lowest maintenance costs in 2025: 

Non-Luxury

 

Toyota

Toyota has built a well-earned reputation for producing reliable, long-lasting cars that come with minimal maintenance requirements. Models like the Corolla and Prius are known for being dependable and easy on the wallet when it comes to repairs. 

• Average Annual Cost: $400
• 10-Year Total: $4,592
• Popular Models: Toyota Corolla, Prius, Camry

 

Honda

Vehicles like the Honda Civic and Honda Accord are known for their durable engines and for not needing much in the way of repairs. Hondas generally have lower-than-average repair bills, and their parts are widely available, which can mean lower labor costs. 

• Average Annual Cost: $525
• 10-Year Total: $5,245
• Popular Models: Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V

 

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is often overlooked, but it’s a surprisingly affordable option when it comes to maintenance. The Mitsubishi Mirage is a great example of a low-maintenance, budget-friendly car that’s easy to keep running without breaking the bank. 

• Average Annual Cost: $494
• 10-Year Total: $4,939
• Popular Models: Mitsubishi Mirage, Outlander, Eclipse Cross

 

Hyundai

Hyundai has made strides in quality and reliability in recent years. The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata are examples of models that offer solid performance with minimal need for repairs.

• Average Annual Cost: $500
• 10-Year Total: $5,000
• Popular Models: Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Tucson

 

Kia

Like Hyundai, Kia has a reputation for delivering great value with low long-term maintenance expenses. The Kia Forte and Kia Soul are just a couple of examples of inexpensive models that offer impressive reliability. 

• Average Annual Cost: $525
• 10-Year Total: $5,250
• Popular Models: Kia Forte, Soul, Sportage

 

Luxury

 

Tesla

While Tesla is generally known for its innovation, it also stands out for its relatively low maintenance costs compared to traditional luxury brands. Because Teslas are electric, they have fewer moving parts and require fewer routine services like oil changes. 

• Average Annual Cost: $169
• 10-Year Total: $1,690
• Popular Models: Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model Y

 

Lexus

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, is well-regarded for its combination of premium quality and reliability. Many Lexus vehicles, like the Lexus RX and Lexus ES, are based on Toyota’s engineering, which is known for longevity and ease of maintenance.

• Average Annual Cost: $600
• 10-Year Total: $6,000
• Popular Models: Lexus RX, ES, NX

 

What Are the Most Expensive Car Brands to Maintain?

 

Non-Luxury

 

Ram

With large engines and somewhat complicated drivetrain engines, repairs on Ram vehicles can be pricey. For example, the Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck with equally heavy-duty maintenance needs. Additionally, parts of these trucks can be expensive, especially if they need specialized labor for towing, suspension, or engine work. 

• Average Annual Cost: $2,584
• 10-Year Total: $25,840
• Popular Models: Ram 2500, 1500, Rebel

 

Ford

While Ford trucks are popular, keeping them running can get expensive, especially with the bigger models.

• Average Annual Cost: $1,500
• 10-Year Total: $15,000
• Popular Models: Ford F-150, F-250, Ford Expedition

 

Luxury

 

Land Rover

Land Rovers are built for rugged terrain, but that often comes at a price. Parts can be expensive, and repairs may be more frequent, especially for models like the Land Rover Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery, both of which come with high-end tech and intricate systems.

• Average Annual Cost: $1,823
• 10-Year Total: $18,230
• Popular Models: Range Rover, Discovery, Defender

 

BMW

Models like the BMW 3 Series and BMW X5 come with complex engineering and advanced technology, both of which contribute to higher-than-average maintenance costs. Parts for BMWs can also be costly, and regular maintenance for optimal performance can add up quickly.

• Average Annual Cost: $1,890
• 10-Year Total: $18,900
• Popular Models: BMW 3 Series, X5, 5 Series

 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes vehicles typically come with steep maintenance bills because of their complex technology and engineering. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz GLE are both prime examples of luxury vehicles with high repair and upkeep costs. 

• Average Annual Cost: $1,800
• 10-Year Total: $18,000
• Popular Models: E-Class, GLE, S-Class

 

What Is the Average Cost of Car Maintenance in 2025?

According to Consumer Reports, the average American driver spends about $1,200 a year on car maintenance and repairs, but that number can go up or down depending on the car you drive, how old it is, and how well you take care of it.

Newer cars, especially ones still under warranty, tend to be cheaper to maintain at first. But as your vehicle gets older and the miles start to add up, the costs usually increase. Luxury and European models can be especially pricey, sometimes costing thousands more each year compared to more affordable brands.

 

Think You Bought a Lemon? Contact Our California Firm Today!

If your 2020 or newer vehicle is costing you a fortune in repairs, you may have a “lemon” car. Our experienced team at Norman Taylor & Associates can help you navigate California’s lemon law and potentially recover compensation for your troubles. 

Call 818-244-3905 or contact us today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation! 

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