Tesla tops, Honda leads: The breakdown of car brands with the lowest long-term maintenance costs

You could argue about the prices all you want, but for car owners, long-term maintenance costs can be the difference between a budget-friendly ride and a financial headache.

Thanks to data compiled by Consumer Reports' 2024 Annual Auto Survey, we now have a clear picture of which brands are the most economical over time.

From EVs to everyday sedans, here’s how the top car brands stack up when it comes to maintenance and repair costs over 10 years—and the key reasons why.

Tesla: ($5,050 Total)

1 to 5 Years: $730

5 to 10 Years: $4,320

Tesla leads with the lowest overall maintenance costs—a result of its electric drivetrain, which has far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. Consumer Reports confirms that Teslas need less routine maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brake issues due to regenerative braking), and remote diagnostics have reduced service visits. However, after 5 years, costs rise due to out-of-warranty battery and electronics repairs, which can be pricey if needed.

Honda: ($6,130 Total)

1 to 5 Years: $1,545

5 to 10 Years: $4,585

Known for their bulletproof reliability, Honda vehicles continue to perform well in long-term cost rankings. Parts are affordable, engines are durable, and they're easy to service globally. High reliability scores in Consumer Reports’ surveys reflect fewer major repairs and consistent satisfaction among owners.

Chevrolet and Ford

Chevrolet: $6,050 | Ford: $5,950

These American brands have made strides in quality and cost-efficiency, especially with newer models. Both have accessible service networks and relatively low parts costs. However, their 5–10 year maintenance jumps are notable, often related to drivetrain or suspension repairs as vehicles age.

Mazda & Toyota

Mazda: $6,020 | Toyota: $5,300

Toyota remains a favourite for low-cost ownership. It combines rock-solid engineering with an industry-leading hybrid program, which helps keep repairs low. Mazda scores points for being highly reliable without a luxury price tag, though its sportier vehicles tend to need more care in the later years.

Hyundai, Nissan, Buick, and Lincoln

Hyundai: $5,680 | Nissan: $5,935

Buick: $5,300 | Lincoln: $5,200

Hyundai and Nissan offer good value early on, but repairs in years 6–10 can stack up, especially with ageing CVTs (continuously variable transmissions). Buick and Lincoln, known for comfort, have lower-than-average service costs thanks to long warranties and accessible parts networks.

Why these rankings matter

According to Consumer Reports, maintenance costs can account for 7–10% of total car ownership expenses over a decade. As inflation continues to affect car prices and repair labor, choosing a brand with low lifetime service costs is more crucial than ever.

Additionally, EVs like Tesla are changing the game, with lower early maintenance offset by steeper post-warranty costs. On the other hand, Japanese automakers continue to win on long-term affordability, with Toyota and Honda consistently leading.