Most Economical Cars to Maintain in 2025: Real Data from Consumer Reports and CarEdge

Discover the top 3 cheapest cars to maintain in 2025—Toyota Prius, Corolla, and Tesla Model 3. Explore real 10-year cost data and ownership insights.

Owning a car isn’t just about the purchase price, insurance, or fuel costs. One of the most overlooked factors is maintenance — and over the years, those bills can add up quickly. With rising prices in auto services and parts, knowing which cars are the cheapest to maintain can make a huge financial difference.

According to recent data from Consumer Reports and CarEdge (2024–2025), a ranking has emerged highlighting vehicles with the lowest maintenance costs over a 10-year period. These figures include expenses for routine service, oil changes, parts replacement, diagnostics, and even projected unexpected repairs.

The top three most economical cars to maintain are:

Toyota Prius stands out as the overall winner with an estimated $4,008 in maintenance costs over a decade. This hybrid combines Toyota’s legendary reliability with a fuel-efficient gas-electric engine. Its simple design, widespread availability of parts, and strong service network make it a smart pick for budget-conscious drivers.

Toyota Corolla follows closely behind at $4,083. Known for its durability and no-nonsense engineering, the Corolla has long been a favorite for daily commuting. It’s a car designed to stay out of the repair shop while delivering consistent performance.

Tesla Model 3 makes a notable appearance, with estimated 10-year costs ranging from $3,587 to $4,035. The key? As an electric vehicle, it avoids traditional combustion engine upkeep like oil changes and transmission issues. Tesla’s software updates and built-in diagnostics further reduce the need for hands-on service.

Other affordable-to-maintain models include the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Sentra — all praised for reliability, availability of parts, and manageable tech complexity.

One clear trend is the growing dominance of EVs in low-maintenance rankings. Tesla in particular is proving that electric ownership, with the right infrastructure, can be more cost-effective in the long run than owning a gas-powered vehicle. That said, the initial purchase price and access to charging remain crucial considerations.

So, when choosing a car, it’s wise to look beyond the sticker price. Review reliability data, part availability, warranty terms, and total cost of ownership. Sometimes, paying a bit more upfront can save you thousands down the road.