The average American spends $1,186 per year on car repairs—but you don’t have to.
If you're tired of spending money on repairs, you’re not alone. The truth is, some cars need way more work than others—and it adds up fast.
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Some car brands are known for lasting longer with fewer problems and lower upkeep costs. That means less stress, more savings, and more time doing what you actually want to do.
In this article, we’re breaking down brands that stay out of the shop, cost less to maintain, and keep your schedule—and your wallet—clear.
What You’ll Learn
Which car brands have the lowest maintenance costs?
What types of repairs are most common?
Overview
The top low-maintenance car brands are generally Japanese and Korean manufacturers because they prioritize simplicity in design, proven engineering, and affordable, widely available parts. However, the best choice still depends on individual needs such as budget, driving conditions, and preferred vehicle type.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Lowest Average Repair Costs
Brands known for having lower average repair costs compared to other manufacturers typically lead to more affordable upkeep over time.
Highest Reliability Ratings
Brands that consistently rank high in reliability surveys tend to have fewer mechanical issues, reducing the frequency and cost of repairs.
Best Warranty Coverage
Brands offering extensive warranties (like 10-year/100,000 miles) provide longer periods where repairs are covered, leading to lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Top Models for Specific Needs
Certain models within each brand stand out for their specific low-maintenance characteristics, such as fuel economy, long lifespan, or suitability for particular driving conditions (e.g., cold weather, daily commuting).
Other Notable Considerations
Types of Repairs to Avoid
Understanding the common repair categories that low-maintenance brands help avoid, like transmission failures or electrical issues, highlights their long-term value.
Resale Value
Brands with high reliability and lower maintenance often retain their value better, making them a better long-term investment.
Why Low-Maintenance Cars Are a Smarter Long-Term Investment
Most people think about price, gas mileage, or maybe tech features when shopping for new cars. But over time, it’s the hidden maintenance costs that really add up. That’s where the idea of “total maintenance” comes in. It’s part of what experts call the total cost of ownership, which includes not just what you pay upfront, but what you’ll keep paying over the years.
Here’s the reality: The average American spends over $1,100 each year on repairs and regular upkeep. Some brands increase that figure—especially expensive brands like Land Rover or BMW, which can easily cost double the average. And Consumer Reports shows that even small oil changes, tire rotations, or brake repairs add up fast depending on the model you drive.
That’s why it makes so much sense to choose a car that’s easier—and cheaper—to maintain from day one.
Low-maintenance vehicles mean:
Less time in the shop
Fewer surprise bills
More confidence every time you start the engine
Top 10 Low Maintenance Car Brands
Using data from RepairPal and Consumer Reports—which evaluated automakers based on the reliability of their newest models—we’ve put together a practical guide that highlights the brands most likely to save you time, money, and frustration.
1. Subaru
Average repair cost: ~$617/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Subaru ranks #1 in Consumer Reports’ latest reliability rankings, a standout among both mainstream and luxury brands. Known for rugged all-wheel drive, Subarus are built for durability and have fewer maintenance issues over time, especially in newer models.
Top Models: Outback, Forester
Best for: Cold-weather driving, road-trippers, and owners who value long-term dependability.
Extra value: Subarus are often easier to maintain due to standardized components across models, lowering repair costs in the long run.
2. Lexus
Average repair cost: ~$551/year
Why it’s low maintenance: A luxury brand with Toyota DNA, Lexus pairs upscale comfort with bulletproof engineering. It consistently ranks in the top three for reliability and long-term maintenance costs.
Top Models: RX, ES, GX
Best for: Drivers who want premium features without the expensive upkeep of rivals like BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz.
Extra value: Even complex systems like hybrid drivetrains are more reliable here, and Consumer Reports ranks Lexus hybrids above most others.
3. Toyota
Average repair cost: ~$441/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Toyota is a worldwide symbol of low maintenance costs, simplicity, and long-term value. Cars like the Toyota Corolla and Camry are known to last well over 200,000 miles with routine oil changes and tire rotations.
Top Models: Corolla, Camry, RAV4
Best for: Drivers who want proven performance without high expenses.
Extra value: Parts are cheap and widely available. Mechanics know how to fix them, keeping labor costs low.
4. Honda
Average repair cost: ~$428/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Honda is one of the most reliable car brands, especially for high-mileage drivers. Simple engine designs and fewer electronics mean fewer breakdowns and lower repair costs.
Top Models: Civic, Accord, CR-V
Best for: First-time buyers, daily commuters and drivers who dislike surprises.
Extra value: Models like the Civic are among the cheapest cars to maintain, with low total maintenance and high resale value.
5. Acura
Average repair cost: ~$501/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Acura, Honda’s luxury division, delivers upscale features while staying close to Honda’s famed reliability. It has significantly lower maintenance expenses than other luxury options like Porsche, Land Rover, or Mercedes Benz.
Top Models: TLX, RDX
Best for: Drivers who want luxury cars with low maintenance cost.
Extra value: Strong owner satisfaction and resale ratings give Acura a practical edge over more expensive brands.
6. Mazda
Average repair cost: ~$462/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Mazda stands out for its minimalist, driver-first design. Its engines are responsive and efficient, but the simplicity also helps reduce repairs.
Top Models: Mazda3, CX-5
Best for: Enthusiasts who want to enjoy driving without frequent shop visits.
Extra value: Mazdas often rank high in safety and fuel economy, which helps owners save money over time.
7. Hyundai
Average repair cost: ~$468/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Hyundai has come a long way in the past decade. It offers some of the best warranty coverage in the industry (10-year/100,000 miles), reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Top Models: Elantra, Sonata, Tucson
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who value covered repairs.
Extra value: Improved build quality and long warranties give new Hyundai vehicles an edge in total maintenance predictability.
8. Kia
Average repair cost: ~$474/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Kia shares much of its engineering with Hyundai, but adds a youthful design touch. With similar warranty coverage and improved reliability, Kia vehicles are cost-effective to own and maintain.
Top Models: Forte, Sportage, Sorento
Best for: Value shoppers who want features without paying expensive repair costs.
Extra value: Kia’s resale value has risen sharply in recent years, meaning fewer long-term ownership regrets.
9. Nissan
Average repair cost: ~$500/year
Why it’s low maintenance: While Nissan has had past issues with CVT transmissions, newer models have shown big improvements. Many owners now report strong satisfaction and low maintenance frequency.
Top Models: Altima, Sentra, Rogue
Best for: Urban drivers and commuters seeking low fuel and repair costs.
Extra value: Affordable parts and wide service availability make maintenance easier and faster.
10. Buick
Average repair cost: ~$608/year
Why it’s low maintenance: Buick remains a standout among American brands, offering smooth rides, quiet cabins, and low-frequency repairs. Though not the cheapest on this list, it delivers consistent reliability.
Top Models: Encore, Enclave
Best for: Suburban families and older drivers seeking comfort with manageable expenses.
Extra value: Buicks are often simpler to service than other American luxury brands like Lincoln or Cadillac.
What Types of Repairs Are Most Common—and How These Brands Help You Avoid Them
Even the best vehicles need service—but the difference between a $50 fix and a $5,000 repair bill often comes down to smart design. These brands are built to skip the most expensive repairs, which keeps maintenance costs down and your schedule on track.
Here are the most common repair categories and how these brands keep them under control:
1. Brake System Repairs
Common issues: Pad wear, rotor damage, or brake fluid leaks.
Toyota and Honda use proven systems with durable materials. This reduces how often owners need brake service, and lowers the repair costs when they do. According to RepairPal, both brands average less than $450 per year in total maintenance expenses, partly because of long brake lifespan.
2. Transmission Failures
Common issues: Gear slipping, hesitation, or complete failure—especially in vehicles with CVT gearboxes.
Brands like Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai are less likely to use early-generation CVTs, which have higher failure rates. Instead, they rely on conventional automatic or hybrid systems, which owners report as more dependable. Transmission repairs can cost over $3,000, making this one of the most important systems to get right.
3. Electrical Failures
Common issues: Battery drain, faulty sensors, glitches in infotainment or power accessories.
Lexus, Honda, and Subaru consistently score high in Consumer Reports' reliability ratings because they limit overcomplicated electronic systems and avoid first-generation tech rollouts. These brands reduce the chance of frequent diagnostic appointments or complex rewiring jobs, which can run hundreds of dollars per incident.
4. Cooling System Problems
Common issues: Radiator leaks, overheating, water pump failure.
Brands like Subaru and Toyota use high-grade metal components and better gaskets in their engine bays. This lowers the risk of overheating and reduces long-term wear on the engine. Avoiding major cooling repairs helps drivers save money over the vehicle’s lifespan.
5. Suspension and Steering Wear
Common issues: Failing shocks or struts, loose tie rods, control arm wear.
Buick and Hyundai design their vehicles for everyday comfort, using suspension setups that resist premature wear. These designs lead to fewer early replacements and lower total maintenance costs—important, since suspension repairs often cost $400–$1,200.
6. Battery and Charging System Failures
Common issues: Dead batteries, alternator failure, charging inconsistencies.
In Toyota, Kia, and Honda vehicles, the batteries are easy to access and the systems avoid unnecessary power drain. This makes replacements faster and cuts repair costs when parts wear out. Battery system repairs or alternator swaps can run over $500 without that efficiency.
7. Oil Leaks
Common issues: Gasket breakdown, valve cover leaks, or oil pan corrosion.
Mazda, Acura, and Lexus engines are built with precision sealing that resists leaks, even after 100,000 miles. This helps avoid frequent oil top-offs, low-pressure engine warnings, or long-term damage—keeping both oil changes and engine repairs on the cheap side.
Ready to Ship a Car That Saves You Time and Money?
By now, you’ve seen how choosing the right car brand can make a big difference in how much you pay for repairs, how often you visit the shop, and how smoothly your car runs over the years.
But even the most reliable cars can’t avoid one key moment in their lifespan—getting from point A to point B—whether you’re moving, relocating, or buying from out of state.
That’s where AmeriFreight Car Shipping comes in.
If you're planning to move one of these dependable vehicles, AmeriFreight Car Shipping makes the process easy and stress-free. We specialize in getting those cars to your door, and have been doing so for over two decades.
Request a free quote today and let us handle the delivery of your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car brand has the lowest maintenance?
Toyota has some of the lowest average maintenance costs, with models like the Toyota Corolla offering high reliability and low yearly repair costs.
Which car is best for low maintenance?
The Honda Civic is widely known as one of the best cars for low maintenance, thanks to its long lifespan, low expenses, and minimal repairs.
Which car brand has the least problems?
Lexus consistently ranks as the brand with the fewest repairs, combining Toyota engineering with premium build quality.
