Why Long-Term Maintenance Costs Matter
After hitting 100,000 miles, things like reliability and repair costs become far more important than luxury perks and advanced gadgets. Certain cars just endure better over time, keeping your wallet happy and your headaches to a minimum for years to come. We're highlighting vehicles renowned for inexpensive parts, easy assemblies and track records of long-term reliability.
1. Toyota Corolla
Toyota is known for making cars that stick around well past their welcome. Used Toyota Corolla parts are cheap, mechanics know the make well, and big failures are uncommon. You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for something that runs and runs without much effort on your part.
2. Honda Civic
Honda Civics just don’t seem to want to stop working. Oil changes and basic maintenance won’t break the bank and engines will likely last you much longer than you’d expect. There’s also no excuse for not finding parts since they’re available almost anywhere.
3. Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry’s tend to just get going once they hit the 100,000 mark. Repairing them is easy and there’s an abundant amount of new or used parts available. It’s a great option if you value comfort and low maintenance costs.
4. Honda Accord
If you’re looking for something that’s reliable but a bit more enjoyable to drive, the Accord is hard to beat. It remains reliable as the mileage gets higher and maintenance won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You also won’t feel like you’re getting ripped off at the shop.
5. Mazda3
Cars built by Mazda tend to have fewer complicated parts that are expensive to repair or replace. Mazda3 ages better than most because of this when proper maintenance is done. You also have the bonus of driving something that handles better than the others on this list.
6. Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius’ are great when it comes to cost of maintenance down the road. Hybrid parts have held up better than expected and gas mileage will continue long after you hit 100,000 miles. It’s a very smart pick for a car that lasts and performs.
7. Honda Fit
Believe it or not, the Honda Fit is great at lasting for a long time. Maintenance and repair will be cheap because of how simplistic the design of this car is. The drivetrain is also very reliable. You will probably be spending more money on oil changes than you will on needed repairs.
8. Toyota Yaris
Need something cheap but reliable? Toyota Yaris’ don’t have many bells and whistles, making your life easier when it comes to repairing or replacing parts. Fewer parts means there is less that can break.
9. Subaru Impreza
If you need an AWD without the high maintenance prices, the Impreza is what you’re looking for. Subaru Imprezas are known to last long with proper maintenance. They’re also very reliable in the snow if you need that extra peace of mind.
10. Lexus ES
Luxury doesn’t always mean expensive repairs. Lexus ES models are quite reliable and share many parts with Toyota, making repairs a lot cheaper. You also get to drive a smoother ride while you save.
11. Toyota Avalon
Another reliable Toyota. The Avalon doesn’t tend to have many complaints when it comes to high mileage. Toyota builds pretty much every car with the same tried and true components.
12. Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V’s are no joke when it comes to longevity. Parts can easily be found at your local parts store and most repairs are simple. Buy this if you want something spacious but don’t want to spend your money constantly on repairs.
13. Toyota RAV4
RAV4’s are built to go the distance. Maintenance won’t be too expensive as many parts are shared with other Toyota vehicles. Major issues are also less likely when compared to other compact SUVs.
14. Ford Crown Victoria
The Crown Victoria definitely fits the bill when it comes to lasting long. It’s designed to be driven hard as a fleet car. Parts are dirt cheap and repairs are simple. This isn’t the car for you if you value style, but you sure can’t beat the reliability.
15. Chevrolet Impala (Older Models)
Chevrolet might not be the first car that comes to mind for affordable maintenance but the Impala is a different story. Impalas that are 10 years old or older have some of the cheapest maintenance when it reaches high mileage. These cars are simple to work on and the engines are some of the best studied engines around.
16. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has really stepped up their game over the years. Elantras are durable, and they won’t cost you a lot of money to maintain. You also won’t have any problem finding parts locally.
17. Kia Forte
The Forte doesn’t ask much of you. Like its fellow Hyundai cousin, maintaining one will be cheap and smooth sailing. Owners have reported smooth experiences even well into the high mile category.
18. Nissan Sentra (Manual Transmission)
The usual problems that some Sentras have is the automatic transmission. But if you know a Sentra with a manual transmission, you’re golden. These babies won’t cost you much money to maintain past 100k if they’re properly cared for.
JustAnotherCarDesigner on Wikimedia
19. Toyota Matrix
Who doesn’t love hatchbacks? The Toyota Matrix is one of those cars that handles high mileage with barely a problem. Also, because this car is built by Toyota you know the maintenance costs will be cheap due to shared parts.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
20. Pontiac Vibe
The reason why The Pontiac Vibe is on the list is a very specific one. It uses parts from both the Toyota Corolla and the Matrix. Since it’s tied to Toyota parts, your cost of maintenance will be low and you will have good reliability as the mileage on your car increases.
