What Are the Cheapest Cars to Maintain in 2025?

Most people think about a car's sticker price, or the price tag on the window, when they consider its cost. However, the cost of owning a vehicle goes well beyond what you pay when driving it off the lot. You have to consider the costs of gas, maintenance, auto insurance, and repairs over time as part of a car's overall affordability.

These costs can vary considerably depending on the vehicle you buy. Repairs may be cheaper on an inexpensive car because the parts are cheaper and easier to find. In contrast, gas costs over time may be cheaper for a newer car because it's more fuel-efficient. It's essential to take all of this into account when searching for a new vehicle. 

Your vehicle must also be properly insured before you can take it home. Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get a car insurance policy with all the coverage you need at an affordable price. But first, here's a closer look at the cheapest cars to maintain this year.

What Are the Most Common Car Maintenance Expenses?

Owning a car comes with many costs, both obvious and somewhat hidden. Here are some of the most common car maintenance expenses you can expect to have for any vehicle. 

• Oil changes
• Tire rotations
• Multi-point inspections
• Wiper blade replacements
• Brake pad replacements
• Air filter replacements
• Battery or tire replacements
• Transmission replacements
• Alternator replacements
• Engine or suspension replacements
• Body damage repairs

Some of these are routine costs, and some are often unexpected. Either way, it's critical to take all of these expenses into account when setting your budget for a new vehicle. You don't want to get stuck with a car that causes financial strain because it is too expensive to own and maintain over time.

Which Features Make a Car Cheaper to Maintain?

When purchasing your next vehicle, it can be helpful to understand certain things to look for that can lead to lower overall care and maintenance costs over time. These features can make a major difference in lower car maintenance costs:

• Unobstructed access under the hood: If certain parts of the vehicle are difficult to access, it can increase labor costs when you take your car into the shop. Having ample room under the hood can be a huge benefit.
• Simple technology: The simpler the technology, the quicker and easier a car can be to repair. Newer cars are often more complicated to work on than older cars and can have more expensive maintenance bills as a result.
• Accessible replacement parts: Common, standardized replacement parts can mean your repairs will be cheaper. As an added bonus, your repairs are likely to be faster, too.

These vehicle features are a good starting point to reference when hunting for a vehicle that will be affordable to maintain. Estimating how much you might spend on car maintenance each year is a critical component of your overall vehicle budget, as is finding affordable car insurance.

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8 Cars With the Cheapest Maintenance Costs in 2025

When shopping for a new vehicle this year, consider models that are known for being cheaper to own and maintain. This can help you set aside more money in your savings for other financial necessities, and perhaps build enough to buy a second affordable vehicle if necessary. Check out our list of this year's top vehicles for cheap maintenance. 

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An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find the Best Car Insurance

Similar to maintenance costs, the cost of car insurance is something you need to consider before you commit to buying a new car. When you need to get a car insured, there's one way to ensure you're getting the best value: comparison shopping. 

Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy because they work with several insurance companies in your area and can get you multiple quotes to find the best rate. Local agents are ready to help you get the auto coverage you need at a price you can afford. And down the road, your agent can even help you file car insurance claims and update your coverage when necessary.