Why Cheap Doesn’t Have to Mean Short-Lived
Purchasing an inexpensive compact car does not doom you to a lifetime of repairs or a quick return to the dealer. In fact, there are many inexpensive subcompacts out there that will log mile after mile with little fanfare when maintained properly. Here are some cars that will please your pocketbook today and be there for you ten years from now.
1. Toyota Corolla
There’s nothing flashy about the Corolla, but it has earned every bit of its reputation for reliability. Parts are readily available, repairs are typically cheap, and Toyota engines hate to die. If you want a car you can count on for years with minimal upkeep, the Corolla is tough to beat.
2. Honda Civic
Honda Civics are survivors. Even cars that have been abused often continue to run strong with regular maintenance. Drivetrains are efficient and long-lasting, which means lower fuel and upkeep costs overall. What you’re left with is a car that will still be enjoyable to drive after years of loyalty.
3. Mazda3
It’s rare to find a sedan this affordable that’s as fun to drive as a Mazda3. But low ownership costs don’t end there: Mazda3s don’t demand much from their owners and repay your kindness with reliability. Enjoy the handling now, because you’ll likely keep it long enough to justify it.
4. Hyundai Elantra
We’ve learned from experience that old Elantras can rack up impressive mileage with proper maintenance and care. You’ll love how affordable the parts are and appreciate the mechanical simplicity. This is one that will quietly earn your trust as a daily driver you can count on.
5. Kia Forte
Thanks to dramatic improvements over the last few years, Kia cars have really started to stand out. The Forte is no exception, as maintenance and ownership costs are kept low by excellent fuel economy and strong durability. Keep up with oil changes and other basic services and your Forte will easily make it past 10 years.
6. Toyota Yaris
The Yaris isn’t going to wow you with fancy tech or exhilarating driving dynamics. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for with sheer reliability. Everything about this car is straightforward and simple, which translates to fewer repairs down the road. You’ll rarely think about your Yaris, because it just keeps going and going.
7. Honda Fit
Efficient engines, great handling, and the classic Honda reliability. The Fit is one of those cars that keeps going when you don’t expect it to. If you’re looking for cheap ownership with plenty of benefits, don’t sleep on the Fit.
8. Nissan Sentra (Pre-Facelift Models)
Generally speaking, older Sentras are far more reliable than the models that came after them. They’re simple to take care of, easy to find parts for, and you won’t have to deal with a lot of expensive headaches. Do your homework before buying, and you can find a Sentra that will serve you well for years.
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9. Subaru Impreza
Subarus come with all-wheel drive standard, which means your Impreza will go farther in the snow than most other cars here. While maintenance costs may edge higher than some peers, AWD Subaru’s are still cheaper to own than larger vehicles. With proper care your Impreza can be your daily driver for many years.
10. Ford Focus (Stick)
Comparing automatic with manual Focus is like comparing two absolutely different cars. Models equipped with manual gearboxes are less prone to transmission problems and are cheaper to buy used. If you don’t mind floor-shifts, you can keep a Focus road-legal for years at little cost to you.
11. Chevrolet Cruze
Chevy’s compact sedan offers excellent fuel economy and a relaxing ride for the low low price of entry-level. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance, you won’t have to deal with many costly repairs. It’s humble, it’s reliable, and it doesn’t ask very much of you.
12. Volkswagen Golf (1st-3rd Gen)
Thankfully, older Golfs are known to be incredibly well-built. You won’t find bargain-bin pricing when hunting for parts, but Golfs hold up beautifully with time. Drive one gently and your Golf will show its appreciation with years of reliable service.
13. Toyota Matrix
Essentially a wagon version of the Corolla, the Matrix boasts a lot of the same resilience. This is one car that truly earns its high-mileage badges. You’ll be hard pressed to find another hatchback that can go as long as a Matrix for as little money.
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14. Pontiac Vibe
Since the Vibe shares its platform with the Corolla, you know it was built to last. Few people buy Vibes these days due to discontinuation, but that means you’ll find used parts cheap. Don’t underestimate the humble Vibe.
15. Mitsubishi Lancer
Lancers may not win any races, but don’t let their unassuming nature fool you. They’re cheap to buy and simple to maintain. Like the Accord, if you avoid terrible examples of the Lancer you’ll enjoy solid longevity.
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16. Scion tC
The fun and playful scion tC utilizes many parts from the reliable Toyota Corolla. The result is a cheap, cheerful car that doesn’t come with a lot of fancy nonsense you don’t need. Maintain it well and your tc will pay you back with years of problems-free motoring.
17. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio isn’t going to win any awards, but nobody’s asking it to. That’s because Kia put together a solid little car that gets out of your way and does what you need: reliable transportation. With few bells or whistles to go wrong, your Rio will save you money in the long run.
18. Hyundai Accent
You know what’s great about the Accent? Nothing about it really stresses you out. Not the repairs, the fuel economy, the premium Yokohama tires it requires. It's a relaxed car that’ll keep going and going as long as you can throw a wrench at it.
19. Toyota Prius
While battery replacement can be costly, hybrid batteries are lasting longer these days. Add that to the fact you’d be buying a Toyota and you have a recipe for long-term savings. If you’re cool with a boring ride, you can’t go wrong with a Prius.
20. Honda Insight (1st Generation)
Lightweight and efficient, the first-gen Insight is one of those cars that leaves you pleasantly surprised. Throw it in a garage with a bunch of others its age and the Insight just laughs while they break down around it. Buy one, maintain it, and it’ll serve you well for years while other cars in your life come and go.
