Cheapest cars to maintain made in America: Consumer Reports

Talia Naquin
·1 min read

(WJW) – How much have you spent on vehicle repairs for the car you’re driving?

According to Consumer Reports, certain brands cost less for maintenance and repairs.

The data comes from a 2023 Annual Auto Survey of Consumer Reports members.

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Members had to answer questions about out-of-pocket costs for total vehicle maintenance over 12 months.

While costs vary based on vehicle age and mileage, the analysis showed certain brands have lower maintenance costs over a 10-year timeframe.

The study examined costs for years one to five and costs for years six to 10.

Consumer Reports found Tesla had the lowest maintenance costs overall.

Tesla

  • One- to five-year cost: $580

  • Six- to 10-year cost: $3,455

  • Total 10-year cost: $4,035

Buick

  • One- to five-year cost: $900

  • Six to 10-year cost: $4,000

  • Total 10-year cost: $4,900

Toyota

  • One- to five-year cost: $1,125

  • Six- to 10-year cost: $3,775

  • Total 10-year cost: $4,900

Lincoln

  • One- to five-year cost: $940

  • Six- to 10-year cost: $4,100

  • Total 10-year cost: $5,040

Ford

  • One- to five-year cost: $1,100

  • Six- to 10-year cost: $4,300

  • Total 10-year cost: $5,400

According to Consumer Reports, the most expensive cars to maintain are German luxury vehicles, such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

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“If you are considering a luxury model, it may be wise to purchase one from a domestic brand that may have lower maintenance and repair costs,” Steven Elek, Consumer Reports’ program leader for auto data analytics said. “For example, over 10 years, Mercedes-Benz models are more than double the cost to maintain and repair as those from Lincoln.”

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