Top 5 Used Cars That Cost the Least to Maintain
You found a great price on a used car — but have you thought about what it'll actually cost you after you drive it off the lot? With used car prices jumping more than $1,300 in just the first half of 2026, getting a good deal on the purchase price matters. But the smartest buyers look further: they choose a car that stays cheap to own for years. These five used cars win that contest, hands down.
Why Maintenance Costs Matter More Than You Think
The purchase price is just the beginning. Over five years of ownership, the average driver spends more on maintenance and repairs than on fuel — and that gap widens dramatically depending on the brand you choose. Some vehicles need specialized parts that cost three times as much as generic equivalents. Others require dealer-only software to reset warning lights after an oil change. The five cars on this list skip all of that. They use widely-available parts, have massive independent mechanic support networks, and were engineered from the start to be maintained affordably. According to Consumer Reports, these brands consistently rank at the top for owner-reported reliability and lowest predicted repair costs — year after year.
1. Toyota Corolla — The Low-Maintenance Legend
No list like this is complete without the Corolla, and for good reason. Toyota's bestselling compact has been refined over more than five decades into one of the most mechanically simple, parts-abundant cars on the planet. An oil change runs $40–$60 at any shop in Los Angeles. Brake pads, filters, belts — everything is cheap and easy to source. The 1.8L and 2.0L four-cylinder engines that power most used Corollas (2014–2022 are sweet spots) rarely need anything beyond scheduled maintenance before 150,000 miles. Even better: Corolla parts are so common that independent mechanics charge far below dealer rates. If you're buying a used car primarily to get from A to B without breaking your budget, a used Corolla between $10,000 and $16,000 is about as safe a bet as you can make.
2. Honda Civic — Nearly as Cheap, Slightly More Fun
The Civic gives the Corolla a real run for its money in both reliability and low maintenance costs. Honda's legendary VTEC engines — particularly the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder found in 2016–2021 Civics — are known for running strong past 200,000 miles with basic care. The Civic's real advantage over the Corolla is that it tends to attract enthusiast owners who maintain their cars obsessively. That means the used market is full of well-documented, clean examples. Parts availability is excellent across all of Southern California, and labor rates at independent shops are very reasonable since most techs know these engines cold. Expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,500 per year on total maintenance — well below the national average of around $2,000. Look for Civics in the $11,000–$17,000 range for a solid mix of price and remaining lifespan.
3. Mazda3 — The Underrated Overachiever
The Mazda3 doesn't get the same headlines as the Civic or Corolla, but it should. Mazda has built a reputation for engineering quality that punches well above the brand's price point, and the 3 — both sedan and hatchback — benefits enormously from that philosophy. The SKYACTIV-G engine requires no timing belt (it uses a chain), meaning you skip one of the most expensive scheduled maintenance items on many competitor vehicles. Mazda also shares a significant number of parts with other Japanese brands, keeping costs down. Owners consistently report spending less than $1,000 a year on non-scheduled maintenance on well-maintained examples. If you want a car that's genuinely enjoyable to drive and cheap to own, the Mazda3 in the $9,000–$15,000 range is one of the most undervalued picks in the used market right now — something the team at Iconic Garage hears from happy customers regularly.
4. Toyota Camry — Big-Car Reliability, Small Repair Bills
If you need more space than a compact but still want rock-bottom maintenance costs, the Camry is the answer. Toyota's mid-size sedan shares much of its DNA with the Corolla — the same philosophy of proven engineering over flashy technology — and the results speak for themselves. The 2.5L four-cylinder found in 2018–2022 Camrys is one of the most durable engines Toyota has ever made. It's not uncommon to see these engines cruise past 250,000 miles with nothing more than regular oil changes and timing maintenance. The V6 option (3.5L) costs slightly more to maintain but is nearly bulletproof and offers a noticeable performance bump. For families who put high annual mileage on their vehicles, the Camry's low cost-per-mile ownership math is hard to beat. Pricing in the used market runs from about $13,000 for higher-mileage 2018 models up to $22,000 for recent low-mileage examples — check Kelley Blue Book to find the right value window for your budget.
5. Honda Fit — The Small Car With the Smallest Repair Bills
Don't let its compact size fool you. The Honda Fit (sold through 2020 in the US) is arguably the most clever small car ever designed for budget-conscious owners. Its 1.5L engine is one of the simplest, most over-engineered four-cylinders in Honda's lineup — virtually nothing goes wrong with it. The Fit's "Magic Seat" system is a party trick that makes it more practical than vehicles twice its size, and because it was popular with pragmatic buyers, the used market is full of well-maintained examples. Annual maintenance costs typically run $700–$1,000, making it one of the cheapest vehicles to own in its class. If you're a new driver, a rideshare operator, or simply someone who wants transportation that doesn't drain your wallet, a used Fit in the $8,000–$13,000 range is hard to beat in Los Angeles traffic.
Ready to Find Your Next Car?
All five of these models offer something rare: peace of mind that extends well beyond the purchase date. When you're choosing a used car, the goal isn't just getting a good deal today — it's choosing a vehicle that won't become a financial burden six months from now. At Iconic Garage in Burbank, CA, we carefully select pre-owned inventory with exactly this kind of buyer in mind. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver under $15,000 or need flexible financing to make it work, we're here to help. Schedule an appointment and we'll get back to you within an hour — no pressure, just honest answers from people who know cars.