I'm a Mechanic: 3 Car Brands With the Cheapest Repairs Over 100K Miles
Repairs can get expensive quickly, especially for big-ticket items like a transmission or engine. While repair costs vary by the type of repair, certain car brands are known for their affordability. Here are three car brands with the cheapest repairs over 100,000 miles.
“Simple engineering, good parts supply, few repeat failures,” said Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot. “Those are the traits of the cheapest brands to own after 100,000 miles, in my book. And no, I don’t get worried by high mileage alone. What matters most is whether the vehicle was engineered and maintained well before it reached that mileage.”
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Here are three car brands with the cheapest repairs over 100,000 miles.
Toyota
Toyota is a tried-and-true car brand with decades of manufacturing consistency. As a result, Toyota has an average repair cost of $5,950 over the course of ten years, according to Consumer Reports. Toyota is a well-known brand, so mechanics are familiar with its repairs, which brings labor costs down.
“The most cost effective used Toyotas are the Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander and Prius,” said Gelfand. “They are all built with proven powertrains, and most repair jobs are predictable. This could include things like brake pads, tires, fluids, batteries, suspension parts and the occasional sensor. As long as maintenance was done regularly, major engine and transmission failures are rare in Toyotas.”
Mazda
Over the first ten years of ownership, the average Mazda owner spends $6,420, or under $642 per year. Mazda’s engineering and design are highly reliable, using naturally aspirated engines that avoid many of the failure-prone parts found in turbocharged systems. Mazda also uses shared parts across different vehicle components and models, resulting in lower repair costs.
“With the used car market filled with sub-par turbocharged vehicles that have high repair costs, a Mazada is a nice alternative,” said Gelfand. “It has a lot of refinement between the economy cars and the high priced repair cost vehicles with all the expensive electronics.”
Honda
Honda is right behind Toyota, with an average ten-year repair cost of $6,550. The low repair cost is due to its mass-produced, standardized parts, which are readily available and affordable. Honda's engineering components have also been refined, leading to fewer breakdowns and repairs.
“They have a wide variety of models, including compact cars and SUV’s,” said Gelfand. “Their parts are very widely available, and most independent mechanics are very familiar with working on Hondas. The biggest cost for repairs on a Honda would be for neglecting to service the transmission, but with proper maintenance a Honda is one of the best choices for a reliable used car.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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