Most drivers know that the cost of a car isn’t just the sticker price on the window. Depending on the model year, make, and trim level, overall vehicle ownership costs may range from minimal to prohibitively costly.
Bankrate reports that the average expense to own and operate a vehicle last year was $12,182. It adds that the average motorist spends almost $2,300 annually for comprehensive auto insurance.
No one wants their car to spend nearly as much time at an auto repair shop as on the road. Here are 16 vehicles that mechanics know they won’t make much money from – if only because they rarely ever break down.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas are regarded as boring four-cylinder cars. But boring is good—at least that’s the way some drivers think when they simply want to get from Point A to Point B with no problems. Corollas are unlikely to strand their drivers, forcing them to call a tow truck.
Owners typically mention the reliability, fuel efficiency, and low cost of ownership.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is the Corolla’s bigger brother. Consumers choose the former over the latter for a bigger engine, more power, and more refined handling. The Corolla prioritizes efficiency over performance, but the Camry focuses on both rather than putting efficiency over performance or vice versa. And, even better, the Camry has similar reliability to the Corolla.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been traveling U.S. roads and highways for nearly half a century now, which is long enough to state categorically that the brand is largely reliable and dependable.
Accords have reliable and dependable engines designed to last over the long haul. Staying on top of regular maintenance will give you a car that won’t need an auto mechanic’s tender care all that often.
Honda Civic
How could such a list not include the Honda Civic? It’s not just the fact that it has a loyal fanbase. Tons of brands have loyal fan bases even when the vehicles offer so-so reliability—but not so with the Civic. It’s reliable, long-lasting, and won’t break down.
Car reviewers say each new Civic generation builds upon the dependability of the previous generations while correcting any shortcomings of these prior generations. Owners love the smooth, comfortable ride, strong, reliable engines, and engaging and sportier driving dynamics.
Toyota Prius
Are you reluctant to buy an EV? If so, you’re not alone. Many people still have range anxiety and aren’t willing to give up their internal combustion engine cars. But consider that Toyota Priuses are a known commodity. They’ve been in the U.S. for decades and are available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations.
They’re reliable and sip fuel sparingly. Other than the pedestrian looks of earlier model years, what’s not to love?
Honda Element
The Honda Element isn’t as popular or well-known as the Honda CR-V. But the two vehicles actually share some common components — including engines and transmissions.
Do you enjoy doing outdoorsy things and want a vehicle in an SUV configuration? If so, the Element is worth considering. It offers versatility, practicality, and reliability.
Honda CR-V
Honda’s CRV is a popular compact SUV. While not as popular as the RAV4 from Toyota, it has a loyal fan base.
Owners love CR-Vs for their quality engines and low cost of ownership. You won’t have to take to a mechanic too often — and that’s a plus.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 outsells all vehicles, other than trucks, in the U.S. People from all walks of life love the Toyota SUV. If you get one, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is one under-the-hood option.
The vehicle doesn’t just have a lot of support from consumers, it receives many positive reviews from the likes of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.
Ford Fusion
Who says American cars suck when it comes to dependability and reliability? Highly regarded for its varied features, comfortable ride, and aesthetically pleasing design, the Ford Fusion is a pretty reliable ride. Get one with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost.
The vehicles also have reliable transmissions and, based on ratings online, above-average reliability. The hybrid versions are just as reliable as the internal combustion engine ones.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is the textbook definition of a bulletproof truck — in that it’s dependable and won’t break down on you. They’re midsize trucks with strong build quality and powertrain options. They command a premium on the used vehicle market because of their reliability.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a sensible option for people who live in urban environments. On the one hand, they offer towing and payload capabilities. On the other hand, it features a car-like ride and a trunk built into the truck bed for more practicality.
They typically get good reliability scores due to their solid build quality and low maintenance costs.
Toyota Sienna
Do people still buy minivans? You bet they do. Sure, they don’t have the cool factor of SUVS, trucks, and crossovers. But minivans are the right choice if you want a people mover with lots of space and good or decent gas mileage. One option is the Toyota Sienna. It’s a reliable minivan that’ll get you, your family, the family dog, and all your stuff to and from your destination.
Honda Odyssey
Another good option if you’re in the market for a minivan is the Honda Odyssey. These minivans can haul lots of people and their stuff. They come with reliable power trains, and reliability scores are pretty good too. Since they won’t require a ton of upkeep, you won’t spend an arm and a leg to keep them on the road.
Subaru Impreza
Many motorists love Subaru for the Japanese automaker’s renowned AWD drivetrains. The good news is that Subaru Imprezas offer dependability and reliability in addition to AWD, which are the things consumers want.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner should be on your shortlist of candidates if you need a big SUV with a strong powertrain, off-road capabilities, and low maintenance costs. It’s not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road, but that’s not uncommon for a large SUV.
Toyota Avalon
Consider the Toyota Avalon if you like the Toyota Camry but want something bigger and more premium. The Avalon isn’t as well known as the Camry or Toyota Corolla, but the reliability is comparable. And online reviews from Avalon owners show that most are happy with their cars.
Check Out These Vehicles Mechanics Aren’t Too Fond of
Check out these vehicles if you’re in the market for a new car, truck, or SUV. Mechanics don’t particularly like them because these vehicles rarely need anything more than routine maintenance. So, it’s worth considering these rides if you’re in the market for a new vehicle.
More From Driver’s Drift
17 Cars That Are Incredibly Fun to Drive
13 SUVs with the Most Luxurious Interiors
13 Cars Owners Wish They’d Never Purchased
16 Reasons Why Some Americans Will Never Embrace Electric Vehicles
