Top 10 Cheapest Cars to Buy and Maintain That Are Most Reliable

Top 10 cheapest cars to buy and maintain that are the most reliable. These are the best cars, SUVs, and trucks you can buy with the best reliability, lowest insurance costs, cheapest to maintain, and lowest depreciation over 5 years. These cars will be the cheapest to own, maintain, and insure over five years according to Car Edge. If you are buying a new car, truck or SUV and want the lowest cost of ownership, make sure to watch this review.
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With over a decade of experience as a professional car buyer and auto consultant, Shari Prymak has helped thousands of consumers with their car buying needs. Car Help Corner provides honest, objective, consumer advice with all aspects of car buying and car ownership. For more professional advice, check out Car Help Canada, become a member, and subscribe!

[@jaimieconroy36]

If Honda still offered the Fit, or Toyota still had the Yaris, they would probably be on the top spot for sub-compact cars.

[@leftcoaster67]

Never understood why Honda and Toyota got rid of the Fit and Yaris.

[@jaimieconroy36]

@@leftcoaster67 Agreed

[@ibmtpx24]

​@@leftcoaster67 because the consumers in the u.s. do not know better. SUVs are their favorite well they're bigger cost more to build pollute more because of their lower efficiency and kills more in accidents. The car buyers in the US are stupid

[@iamreallyright]

Simply not enough money in it.

[@leftcoaster67]

@@iamreallyright Ford is ruling in the compact truck market. They said there was no money in that. Seems like Ford has found a niche that everyone else forgot about.

[@AD-cy7wx]

2010 Prius owner. One brake change in 150,000 miles. Still gets over 50mpg. Not one day of trouble in 12 years… ❤❤❤❤

[@Tpry]

To make car lasts: 1. Replace fluids earlier than recommended 2. Replace batteries and tires every 3-4 years 3. Replace water pump, drive belt, PCV valve every 100 miles ( 200 kms)

[@Hallowsaw]

Tires have a 6 year life span typically. I have 5 years and 60k miles on my yokohama avid ascend gt. Still going strong

[@fortesting5147]

Talked to a cab driver and he was on his second Toyota Prius, his first one, he had to sell and had 600,000km with very minimum maintenance, original battery/transmission... 600k km...what the heck. he did say if I wanted to buy a car that would last long, just to look at what taxi drivers drive... made sense to me.

[@reynaroma]

I completely agree with your comment. Top proof of what vehicle to drive is a cab driver's vehicle and even better with apps like Uber that give you the brand and model. Also it can be tailored from that research for the country you live in and weather conditions. Unfortunately on mine no way will I ever buy a K5 a sonata or a Daihatsu Miura.

[@namvet1968]

Well said.

[@brandonwee9585]

I seen taxi nowadays drive tesla. So wondering if tesla reliable?

[@fortesting5147]

@@brandonwee9585 funny you mention it, after I posted this my car broke down and i had no choice but to get a new one, well I got a tesla model 3 rwd and I've had it for 9 months...33000km and 0 problems, I'm extremely happy with it

[@pennyyang1545]

For the long last engine, I will go for Toyota. My Toyota Highlander's mileage is over 320,000 and it's still awesome. The 2004 Corolla is over 360,000, and my brother is still driving it without any major issues.

[@ramiroescamilla7263]

My 1985 hilux Toyota has 910,000.00 miles engine and transmissions never been open.

[@thepursuitofmore]

@@ramiroescamilla7263Good Lord 🫨

[@slumy8195]

3 frontiers one a 96, 05, 2011. All have over 400k miles ea. But my mechanic says the 96 is the easiest to work on and I dont doubt him because he fixes it within days at most thus im getting cheaper repair bills on it. Do note they are mostly highway miles. Dont speed like a loon and these trucks can last until the engines blow up.

[@user-js3ee5qv6g]

Been looking to buy a compact Hybrid SUV , definitely will be buying a used one now, this video’s breakdown of different costs is very helpful, just like the rest of your videos, thanks.

[@lindap.p.1337]

Have been driving the Rav4 Hybrid, a 2016 XLE. I have not spent one cent in repairs. 32 mpg. This is a great car. I wanted a new one but not with today’s prices.

[@antovega2]

i want the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Seems like a nice fusion of most of the cars in here. It’s Toyota, “SUV”, and Hybrid.

[@ramonconcepcion4958]

I'm super happy that the nissan frontier made it on this list. I have a 2013 Frontier with 164,000 miles right now. I'm a living example!

[@carhelpcorner]

Excellent trucks!

[@Gustavo_St]

Would like to see the car ownership cost as a percentage of the car acquisition cost

[@lavayuki]

I was recently involved in an accident, and my 8 year old toyota yaris may get a write off, so have started researching a new car, although would be getting a used one of course.

[@joey86bu1]

Great stuff. You know what would be a good vid? Top 3 most reliable models from each car brand?

[@carhelpcorner]

Interesting. I might make this one happen!

[@joey86bu1]

@@carhelpcorner Broken clock, I was due for a good idea, lol.

[@ZAR556]

No more timestamps?? Sad 😕

[@Tpry]

10. Toyota sequia full size SUV 9. Tesla model 3 electric car 8. Nissan frontier truck &. Toyota Tacoma truck 7. Toyota highlander hybrid midsize SUV 6. Toyota Camry midsize sedan & Honda Accord 5. Toyota Rav4 compact SUV.& Honda CRV , Subaru Forester 4. Honda HRV subcompact SUV , Mazada CX30, Subaru crosstrak 3. Subaru Impressa compact car , Honda civic, Toyota corolla 2. Toyota Prius hybrid car 1. Kia Rio subcompact car , Chevy spark, Mitsubishi mirage 2.

[@InspiredJJ]

I use a gen 3 Prius for my real estate company. More room than you think, holds all tools, don’t care if it gets hit, and I put $1009. in it for 9 years (incl. oil). Best car I ever bought.

[@timeforchange3786]

Would love to see what cars are the best to buy used with the most mileage expected

[@anishshrestha8146]

Camry

[@brooklynnewyorkinsideconst7688]

@@anishshrestha8146 indian shrestha in amerika

[@highhplainsdrifter9099]

Interesting, worthwhile video. I think I would choose the MAZDA 3 over the Subaru, since boxer engines can & do have issues.

[@OliverKoolO]

Agreed i think the Mazda 3 is excellent

[@bwaters698]

That's Odd ,Google madza engines and it is said they are good And Not so Good and fall short! While subaru's boxer engines are still used in aircrafts and are Rated Extremely Reliable and are # 1 in quality, So don't know where you get your info

[@OliverKoolO]

@@bwaters698 you must always consider whenever finding information out about Mazda. Mazda has several bad years when it was owned by Ford which greatly hurts it over all reputation and some growth years back on its own away from Ford. Check Mazda in the last 6years they are making really good engines.

[@bwaters698]

​@ThedopestOliver my friend I wasn't going by madza time with Crappie ford co. You have people on here stating madza's engines Are Better than Subaru's boxer engines And That's Simply Not So!! My wife and I are looking at buying A mid To Small size suv So I have done a ton of research ,madza and Subaru make good small 4 cylinder engines and both have had oil leak problems ( head gadgets) In Fact all from Toyota to Honda madza Subaru you mane it Have some problems and some class action law suits against them

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@bwaters698 It seems that car manufactures have forgotten how to build cars today.

[@quacktuber1051]

Insurance is largest box averaging 40%! Wow. Best cost effective strategy maybe to avoid comprehensive coverage and drive older vehicle.

[@bradleys4941]

with a lower sticker price , corolla hybrid would seem to be a lower total cost than prius....probably close

[@magnoliap5824]

My gas AWD Highlander has had zero issues. Only a new battery. It’s 6 years old. Best vehicle I’ve owned.

[@carolestrasburg9847]

Toyota Sequoia has red flags attached. Recall after recall

[@williamhurst7766]

Best Cost to Own presentation via video I have ever seen. It compares well with Edmunds cost to Own feature.

[@brianm8342]

Driver's side window seal just came apart on my 12 year old 150k mile Prius. It'll be the first actual repair the car has ever needed. Is a $10 part. Will replace it myself.

[@lot5953]

5 years maintenance, it costs in 20k range? That's expensive. I remember my Corolla didn't cause that much even my Nissan Altima of 5 years ownership with purchase new.

[@ticolindo2010]

The Kia Rio or the Mitsubishi Mirage? Not sure about these two cars for safety reasons

[@puravida5683]

What you are not factoring in, is reliability!

[@lindap.p.1337]

Yay for us. We paid $22000 for our 2011 Prius new and have never spent a cent in repairs. It gets 48 mpg bless its little heart and drives like a new car.

[@ericuphoff2694]

What about mazda cx5? I've just figured that we've had only new tires, oil changes and air filters for a total cost of $1200. I put bf goodrich ko2 at tires on so I didn't skimp.

[@toml6973]

Market can prove cx5 is amazing

[@bradjohnson9672]

Very solid information. Thank you for your public service.

[@carhelpcorner]

Any time!

[@XxxXxx-fm3wo]

Good job yet, you could have expanded and thrown in a luxury car, full-size sedan, and a sports car categorie since you were hitting all the other categories anyway.

[@ilovetotri23]

I would never buy the RAV4! So ugly inside and out! I love Toyota, but I bought a Honda. CRV is unbeatable in every way!

[@sunilayya8948]

I too think the rav4 and highlander are ugly . The pathfinder is better looking and new model should be reasonably reliable. Its a gamble i would be willing to take.

[@donaldwilson2620]

​@Sunil Ayya The recent redesigned Pathfinder also got rid of its achilles heel from the previous generation which was the problematic CVT transmission and replaced it with a 9 speed automatic. The 9 speed hopefully will be more reliable.

[@sunilayya8948]

@@donaldwilson2620 thank you. Yes,the ZF auto was a good decision. Its a very good looking car which drives well too. Its a heart over mind decision and i am sure new pathfinder wont dissapoint.

[@spirit2600]

Honda Fit is the BEST Car that I have ever Owned. Even Over All of the Cars that I have Owned. Just put Bigger Tires on the Honda Fit and You are Ready

[@slumy8195]

honda just needed to put it in an under powered 2.0l v4 to be perfect imo

[@CM-ns5xi]

I totally agree about the rio I own a 2015 rio and i have 0 issues with my car Only had to do regular maintenance like oil changes and brake pad and rotor replacement

[@Doc1855]

Shari, Thanks for another great review

[@carhelpcorner]

No problem. Any time!

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

Thank you, Shari. Jeff Erickson (Minnesota). Yes I get value from you.

[@billyrock8305]

Toyota and Lexus #1. ✅ Topgun ✅

[@davidc8937]

I'm surprised that the compact and subcompact suv categories have similar costs.

[@maryjensen1897]

Could you do a review on most reliable minivans and vans in general.

[@carhelpcorner]

Already did! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHeTea2ubbqaj5Y

[@WayApp]

Fantastic video!

[@stevensauvageau8827]

Let's see, I bought my 2002 Buick Park Avenue 7 years ago for $1,500. Over the last 7 years I've spend around $2,000 in maintenance. How does that compare with these new contraptions?

[@slumy8195]

you bought a golden nugget

[@TheCJTok]

We never buy brand new vehicles and instead get them 2-4 years old. So we don’t have to lose money to steep depreciations.

[@pcgamingforevah]

Why are full size SUVs almost twice as expensive as Mid size SUVs when you compare them? Are they twice as big? Don't think so!

[@carhelpcorner]

It is because full size SUVs are usually built on more expensive body on frame platforms. They also have larger, beefier everything from the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. Higher price, higher financing costs, higher depreciation.

[@El_Duderino01]

Solid information as usual !

[@carhelpcorner]

Glad you think so!

[@txmoney]

If you plan on keeping your car well beyond five years, you must change the fluids earlier than recommended. You will be happier and save $ in the long run. The manufacturer recommendations are meant to keep the cost of ownership reporting as low as possible. Their recommended maintenance intervals will wear out your vehicle prematurely. These five-year maintenance costs are ridiculous. They are for those who do the bare minimum to maintain their cars. If you properly maintain your vehicle (especially changing the fluids earlier than the manufacturer recommended) you will be spending significantly more over that time. You WILL be replacing the car battery and tires every three to four years (not including hybrids or EVs). You will be replacing the water pump and the drive belt and the PCV valve after 100k miles.

[@leslielucci3182]

Is Pcv replacement expensive?

[@slumy8195]

@@leslielucci3182 around $400 for nearly all the rubber hoses under the hood to be replaced with new ones.

[@Nomadunlimited]

All i paid for mentainance of my 2015 rav4 is oil changes,filters changes and transmission fluid change.

[@larryswinford3472]

I'm sorry if I missed it but if you're going to tell what the depreciation is wouldn't it be nice to tell what the initial price is I suppose I can extrapolate that but that's a little extra work.

[@dandolsberry6442]

Wonder what how a Corolla hybrid or similar rates? Since cheaper, might be better than Prius.

[@thenewbigboss1]

Mazda CX 5 is missing on this list

[@osmiumsoul9535]

That's so weird, I had no idea the Sequoia was a car!

[@DragonBaneKiller]

I think each category should do the best of Hybrid, Electric, and gas/diesel vehicle's

[@michaelhooker980]

What abt the prius prime?

[@ramenandgyoza702]

Maybe a video comparing the cost of maintenance and what maintenance is needed between a regular eng'ine, hybrid and electric?

[@timeforchange3786]

A video on buying a used electric car would be great

[@SG-si1sx]

I find it amazing that the three big car companies Ford, Dodge Chrysler, General motors Buick do not have any cars on this list and overall Toyota WON almost every category. The three car companies are dead now. Just my view

[@LibertyFixxxer]

I have 3 kids, and I live in Illinois. What is the best car to buy for $10000 or less for safety, fuel, and reliability? *Edit: I have a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic that is paid off and has 58K on it. I absolutely hate it because of space and it keeps having maintenance issues, and the interior materials are sub par/cheap.

[@slumy8195]

since ur in a rust belt. Always make sure you can look at the frame. I would highly suggest you look at the honda fit/cr-v/civic. Toyota rav4s/matrix. Mazda cx5's (these leak oil but you can repair it for sub $500 from shops its something about the valve covers). used latest models for: Mitsubishi mirages; beyond cheap used with low miles and kia souls as well are honorable mentions to get you around for 6 yrs before junking it. For example you an get 2015 kia souls/mirages for sub 10k with 80k miles. Just get a 3 year warranty from the dealerships.... 5 if you plan to trade them in down the long term, they both tend to have transmission flops but you cant beat their price for a close to new vehicle at this price range.

[@TheSergio1021]

Subaru just quietly having a field day with this list

[@ninakosi7979]

Thank you, big help.

[@rebelliousraven]

Love my Prius ....I'd buy another one any time 😊

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

FYI: Prius and Corolla Hybrid are pretty much the same cars. Corolla is less expensive.

[@brianm8342]

Hatchbacks, typically don't look as sharp as sedans. But more than make up for it in terms of utility.

[@rebelliousraven]

@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 when I bought my car a few years ago the corolla definitely felt cheaper. It had a "tin can" sound then prius didn't have. The options and interior finish also looked cheap. Can't say now because no one can actually see them in real life.

[@NeoAutodroid]

​@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001no plug in option on the corolla, that's a pretty big difference actually

[@danielboyd9380]

great review...no surprises..

[@ComenzandoBien]

I have to be in disagree; i own a Corolla hybrid and is extremely efficient in gas and reliable so far BUT the insurance is extremely expensive $200 per month vs other cars like Honda hrv ($112 month) or Corolla Cross ($155 month) with my insurance I'm currently thinking if I should switch because the savings on gas is zero if I paid $200 a month in insurance.

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

Insurance DEPENDS on where you live. Zip code dictates premiums due to theft, accidents, etc.

[@ComenzandoBien]

@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 i understand what you said BUT the different prices are for the same zip code, same driver, same company insurance.

[@kwangnamkim4167]

I trade in 2017 Elantra for 2023 Corolla Hybrid. My annual premium went up from $1,500 to $1,800 for full coverage. Corolla is new vehicle and cost $6,000 more than what I paid for 2017 Elantra (new) and my insurance premium increased by about 20%. I am sure there is many other elements are factored in so I guess it is case by case.

[@raggs2007]

Those insurance costs seem high. I have the Highlander Hybrid and is $247/6mos or $2470/5yrs. Certainly not the $8690/5yrs. We did have a Prius and again it's amount was a lot lower than what is shown. I do agree the maintenance costs for both is very low compared to other vehicles we have owned.

[@lubenhristov8455]

I have a hard time comprehending the maintenance costs as well. Like in 5 years Just the oil changes and one set of tires that you're bound to change are surely more than 1500$.

[@Dicki793]

Toyota sequoia’s get like 5 miles to the gallon so they’re not very cheap to maintain

[@berniegonzalez5207]

Don't be stupid

[@ulyssesperry886]

When I saw Crosstrek in there, I thought I was safe. Till I realize crosstrek is not in the list 💀

[@sumanstephen109]

He mentioned them in the honorable mentions under *Sub Compact SUVs* Be Happy 🤩

[@jetski275]

What about of all time? I'm willing to buy and older car

[@s99614]

I'd be more interested in this video if you limited the criteria to vehicles actually available on the lot

[@rundix3351]

Surprised Toyota cross wasn’t mentioned in the sub suv category.

[@rune20401]

But the inmpreza, crosstrek and Honda HRV use CVT....

[@jackgoldman1]

No Toyota Corolla? Longest running production vehicle in the world?

[@robertanderson5334]

Huh? I don't understand? The cheapest cars to buy?

[@hitesh1001bajaj]

The overall costs considered is not compared apple to apple, as the top 3-5 cars are cheaper than others, leading to overall lower depreciation and interest, which is obvious!!

[@ybxfitness]

I own a Tesla model 3... terrible car... anything that can happen to it will cost you an arm and a leg! Someone hit it while we were parked in our street, we found the guy thanks to the cam... the cost of reparation $12000 for just a small impact on the rear end driver side for any other car that would have cost 3k at the most!!!! So many other issues!

[@carlclark3618]

Toyota definitely will be the next car or suv I purchase. I need dependability.

[@xlinuxid]

What about minivans?

[@EchoSigma6]

What else, it would be the Sienna followed by the Odyssey.

[@miguelgonzales8879]

I'm completely confused, Consumer reports gives the Kia Rio 55 points, does not recommend it.

[@glennso47]

Kia and Hyundai cars are recently subject to theft.

[@joshuachung4157]

Yo!!!!! Where's the EV9 video?????

[@MechanicWolf85]

"Cheapest car" Literally starts with a 51k car, what do this people mean by cheap???

[@TheRealJonsMind]

Do you have any advice for cash buyers in Canada?

[@timeforchange3786]

Cash buyers in the US too 😁

[@HeatherRose_]

What about mini vans?

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

Panther body Fords are the least expensive to own but I hope videos like these keep ignoring them so that I can keep buying them for very cheap and driving them forever.

[@quercus5398]

Subaru will surprise you in it’s reliability!

[@leslielucci3182]

Depends, some older models (pre 2014 ish) leak oil, blow head gaskets, brake calipers get stuck, torque converter issues, prematurely blow tail and headlight bulbs, steering wheel shaking. These are all repairs I’ve had on my 2009 OB. Car was made in Indiana vs. Japan.

[@Idiotsincarshere]

Title is top 10 cheapest cars to buy and maintain... and buddy picks Sequoia? Joke.

[@NeoAutodroid]

Remember when you had all these yahoos being absolutely hateful towards the Prius when it first became popular in the US years ago ? They called it "gay", they made fun of it being a "hippy" car, they said it would never last and be unreliable but the mighty Prius has embarrassed all its detractors by being one of the top tier most reliable, efficient AND cost effective vehicles to own.

[@smallmj2886]

What? No domestic or Euro cars on the list? No surprise there.

[@NFSCsapat]

20k dollars is low for you? Bro where do you even live to have the audacity to say that

[@ThelegendXXXTENTACION-lb3kz]

Hi I am looking for a used car?

[@JuanNgtse]

no corolla?

[@arvindkumar4115]

Believe it or not, theres even another category that is much cheaper! The EBike section 😂😂😂

[@repel1970]

own a subaru maintenance for 5 years at least 2000$

[@chadperling2766]

You left out Mini Vans!🤔

[@gillgjr]

I generally like your video output. This format is informative, however difficult to follow and to much work to do , as a viewer .. to fully comprehend. " keep it simple $#_& "

[@Moondoggy1941]

First car the Sequoia is laughable for being, depreciation and fuel cost will be crippling.

[@ericuphoff2694]

Oops its a 2016 too!

[@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164]

Kia Rio is a surprise because Hyundai/Kia have a reputation for their crappy quality engines. 😮

[@marshaclifton1535]

Body award huh

[@danneilson684]

You sure this isn't a commercial for TOYOTA?

[@Inobscurity-n7j]

He just bought a Mazda. I don't think he's Toyota bias. Toyota seams to dominate every list I see?

[@Ttw1976]

Thanks for saying the year of each one of these cars🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@RFazor]

the list is comparing apples and oranges, and none of them are cheap with the exception of the last one

[@DM-ql5uu]

Five years is to short. Do a ten year cost. Not everyone can buy a new car every five years.

[@Salsa8D]

"cars" LOOL thats 6 SUVs

[@AmirChemE]

you left out Renault Captur

[@Sonofadcuk]

I don't think they really review European market brands.

[@johnmiller2905]

Absolutely absurd title for this list. First two cars are a $60 (starting pice) SUV and a Tesla. Thanks for wasting our time.

[@MyerShift7]

Bad car for the thumbnail. Subaru's head gaskets are a huge and very expensive, well known issue

[@richarda996]

You are twenty years out of date.