Do-it-yourself car repair and maintenance has become a lost art for many. The increasing complexity of modern cars is one reason many people pick up the phone and call their mechanics rather than roll up their sleeves, jack up their vehicles, and get down to work.
But if you’re seeking a car you can easily work on independently, here are 16 options.
Toyota Corolla
It’s not hard to find Toyota Corollas on the road with 300,000, 400,000, or even 500,000 miles on the odometer. While some years are better than others, the Corolla is a reliable brand from the Japanese automaker. Parts are readily available, and the cars are easy to work on.
Pontiac Vibe
General Motors sold the Pontiac Vibe for the 2003 to 2010 model years. The Vibe is mechanically similar to the Toyota Matrix. In fact, the cars are twins birthed through a partnership between Toyota (Matrix) and GM (Vibe). Many of the parts are interchangeable. So, working on a Vibe is as easy as working on a Matrix. And, yes, it is easy.
Toyota Matrix
The Toyota Matrix was sold in the U.S. from 2003 to 2013, though Canadians got a 2014 model. It is essentially a Toyota Corolla in a compact hatchback configuration. Early model years of the Toyota Matrix were known as the Toyota Corolla Matrix. The Corolla and the Matrix have many interchangeable and readily available parts.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria was the biggest sedan Ford marketed in North America. But that was far from the vehicle’s only notable distinction. Now out of production, the Crown Victoria is based on the Ford Panther platform that the automaker used from 1979 to 2012. It’s big, comfortable, and reliable. Owners say there’s plenty of space under the hood for maintenance and repairs.
Subaru BRZ
Another vehicle that owners say is easy to work in if you know your way around a toolbox is the Subaru BRZ. It has plenty of modification potential for people who want to push their vehicles to the limit, and parts are easy to find and relatively affordable. If you’re a member of the Subaru fan club and love the company’s renowned AWD system, a BRZ may be for you.
Chevrolet Cruze
According to CruzeTalk.com, Cruze owners enthusiastically agree that the vehicle is a breeze to work on. One poster says everything is easy to access, except for the belt.
Honda Accord
Toyota and Honda are neck-and-neck in manufacturing reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-work-on commuter vehicles. U.S. News & World Report gives the 2024 Honda Accord a score of 9.4/10. It complements the car’s smooth, peppy engine, upscale interior, and good fuel economy. If it’s anything like previous model years, you’ll be able to find parts easily.
Honda Civic
Honda Civics are reliable vehicles. Most drivers already know this. While some model years are better than others, the Honda Civic has been a favorite for a long time. Because of the high reliability, you’ll mostly only have to keep up with routine maintenance.
Toyota Tacoma
While not the biggest pickups on the road, Toyota Tacomas are workhorses in their own right. They also have sufficient towing and payload capabilities for most people’s needs.
Toyota Tacomas hold their value well because they’re well-built, durable, and reliable. The average annual expense for maintenance and repairs is $478, while the average for all mid-size trucks is $548. Toyota Tacomas are pretty easy for DIYers to maintain independently.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has above-average reliability for a mid-size luxury car. It received a 3.5/5.0 rating from RepairPal.com, which is good for 16th place out of 31 vehicles in the category. The car offers sufficient space to do what needs to be done.
Mazda 323
If you can find a used one that’s relatively rust-free, Mazda 323 hatchbacks can be reliable vehicles. They’re also easy to work on, and finding parts won’t be an issue. Some owners suggest getting the manual over the automatic. Either way, a Mazda 323 from the mid-80s to the early 90s can be a great used vehicle that won’t cost an arm and leg to keep on the road.
Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury manufactured the Mercury Grand Marquis for the 1975 to 2011 model years. A rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a 4.6-liter V8, the sedan offers a large interior, comfortable ride, and generous trunk storage. If DIY car maintenance is your cup of tea of java, you’ll appreciate these vehicles. They can last forever and are inexpensive to maintain.
Toyota Tercel
Ask anyone who has owned a Toyota Tercel whether or not it’s reliable. These cars will run forever, are easy on the gas, and won’t cost much to maintain and repair. Sometimes rust does them in long before the engines or transmissions are on their last legs.
Nissan Leaf
If you want an EV that’s easy to work on, look no further than the Nissan Leaf. The Transport Evolved YouTube channel says the EV is “the most DIY-friendly EV out there.” Just ensure you keep up with routine maintenance.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is another cheap, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-work-on small car from yesteryear. If looking for something you can wrench on in the driveway or garage, consider the Suzuki Swift.
Geo Metro
The Geo Metro is the definition of simple. It’s easy to maintain and repair. However, one commenter on the Geo Metro Forum says parts might take a little longer to track down.
DIY Vehicle Maintenance Worth the Effort
While many Americans rely on mechanics to keep their vehicles on the road, some people enjoy working on their own cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicle types. If you want a DIY-friendly vehicle, consider one of the 16 options on this list.
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