A Mechanic Says These 6 No-Frills Vehicles Are Great for Commuting
Just looking to toodle around town, and don’t need a rugged four-wheeler or huge family hauler?
Mechanic Alan Gelfand of the German Car Depot recommended ignoring “image” and buying a simple vehicle with low insurance premiums, easy repairs and strong fuel economy.
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Specifically, he proposed these six options for affordable commuting that won't break your budget.
Toyota Corolla
Starting MSRP: $23,125
“The Corolla ranks among the simplest commuter vehicles on the road, and the cheapest to purchase and maintain,” Gelfand said.
It enjoys a well-deserved reputation for reliability, and when it does need a repair, parts and labor are cheap.
“Most repair shops can repair it quickly and at low cost,” Gelfand said.
A 2026 Corolla starts at $23,125, but you can of course buy one used at a fraction of that cost.
Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $24,695
The Corolla’s top competitor among compact sedans is the Civic. It boasts all of the same advantages, from affordability to reliability to fuel efficiency. They start around the same price point at $24,695.
“It has a better driving feel than the Corolla, and it is still affordable to own and maintain,” Gelfand said.
Civics have a reputation for being infinitely customizable, which cuts both ways.
“Watch out for used Civics that have been abused,” Gelfand explained. “If buying used, look for a Civic that has maintenance records and is completely stock. Plenty of people buy Civics and immediately start modifying them.”
Mazda 3
Starting MSRP: $24,650
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Mazda 3 directly competes with the Corolla and Civic, but it boasts a bit more under the hood.
“A commuter car with more performance and handling, the Mazda 3 has a very efficient drivetrain and a solid feel to it. It’s a great option for someone wanting a bit more oomph from their daily driver without breaking the bank on repairs,” Gelfand said.
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Toyota Yaris (Used)
Toyota discontinued the Yaris in 2020, but it remains a great cheap option for daily commuting. As a subcompact sedan, don’t expect much in the way of storage space, but a used Yaris will be kind to your bank account.
“The Yaris is small and simple to drive, with strong fuel economy. Simple cars like the Yaris tend to last long because there’s not much that can go wrong with them. Don’t plan on long road trips or carrying lots of passengers, but it’s a great choice for basic transportation around town,” Gelfand said.
Honda Fit (Used)
Likewise, Honda discontinued its subcompact model the same year. But the Fit ticks all the same boxes as the Yaris.
“It’s versatile despite being a small car, with a large trunk and interior space for its class. It’s also fuel efficient, with a simple design and great mechanics which means there are fewer things to go wrong,” Gelfand said.
Motorcycles, Mopeds and Scooters
Finally, don’t count out two-wheel options if you’re just looking to get to and from work. Motorcycles, mopeds and scooters can keep your costs low, both for the upfront purchase and fuel.
Gelfand warned that bad weather or poor roads can make them dangerous, however.
“An accident in a motorcycle can be catastrophic, and is all too common in inclement weather. Beware unless the roads are superb and the rider has a great deal of experience,” he said.
For shorter commutes, mopeds and scooters can keep both the costs and danger low. Even so, you probably can’t count on them as daily commuting vehicles unless you live somewhere warm and sunny.
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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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