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5 affordable car brands that will last over 10 years if properly maintained

© Toyota

© Toyota

Owning a car can be expensive. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the average price of a new car is $47,401. Prices have actually dropped—3.5% year over year—but there are still other costs to consider, like maintenance, insurance, and gas.

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According to Cascade Collision, the average car lasts about 12 years or 200,000 miles, but if you’re looking for an affordable car brand that will last a long time if properly maintained, look no further.

Using data from CarEdge and KBB, here are some of your best options.

Toyota

On average, a Toyota costs $5,445 in maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years. The industry average for other popular brands is $1,724 higher.

In the first decade, Toyota has a 14.5% chance of needing a major repair, which is 6.03% less likely than other comparable car brands.

Certain Toyota vehicle types are even cheaper in the first 10 years – and last a long time. Here are just a few of them:

  • Toyota Camry: It costs about $4,455 over the first 10 years, and the chance of needing a major repair is only 11.89%. A standard Camry has a starting MSRP of about $27,000 to $32,000.

  • Toyota Corolla: This will cost about $4,229 over the first ten years, and the likelihood of needing major repairs is similar to the Camry. Prices start at about $21,900.

  • Toyota Prius: A Prius costs about $4,157 in maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years, with an 11.22% chance of needing a major repair. Prices start at $29,000.

  • Toyota Highlander: Although this vehicle costs more than other Toyota models over the first ten years – a total of $6,013 in repairs and maintenance – it is $3,358 cheaper than other SUVs. The starting price is $39,120.

Avoid these: Mechanics: Don’t buy these 6 SUVs that cost the most money over time

Fiat

Fiats have an average maintenance and repair cost of $6,443 over the first 10 years, making them about $726 cheaper than other popular car brands.

In the first 10 years, the probability of a major repair for Fiats is 18.62%. This is 1.91% less than for comparable vehicles.

Here is one of the cheapest Fiat vehicles that will last at least a decade:

  • Fiat500L: Expect to spend about $6,061 on maintenance and repairs during the first ten years of ownership. The probability of needing a major repair during that time is 17.56%. The starting price for a Fiat 500L is about $24,000.

Volkswagen

Over the first decade, a Volkswagen costs an average of $6,496 in repairs and other maintenance, $673 less than the industry average for similar car brands.

At Volkswagen, the probability that a major repair will be required within the first ten years is 18.29%, which is 2.24% less than comparable manufacturers.

Here are some of the cheapest and longest-lasting Volkswagen vehicles:

  • Volkswagen Golf: This costs an average of $5,555 over the first 10 years and there is a 15.91% chance of needing a major repair. The initial MSRP is $31,765.

  • Volkswagen Jetta: Over the first ten years, maintenance and repair costs are approximately $5,943. This vehicle also has a 16.86% chance of needing a major repair during that time. The initial cost is $22,660.

Mitsubishi

On average, you can expect to pay $6,593 for repairs and maintenance on a Mitsubishi over the first ten years, about $576 less than similar brands.

These cars have a 19.2% chance of needing a major repair in the first 10 years, which is 1.33% less likely than similar vehicles.

Here are some of the cheapest Mitsubishis:

  • Mitsubishi Outlander: These cost a little more for the first 10 years – $7,519. However, for an SUV, the cost is about $1,852 less than other comparable vehicles. Outlanders also have a 21.63 percent chance of needing a major repair during that time, similar to other SUVs. The initial cost is $30,200.

  • Mitsubishi Mirage: This vehicle costs an average of $5,135 and has a 15.09% chance of needing a major repair in the first ten years. The starting price is $18,250.

Honda

Maintenance and repairs for a new Honda cost about $6,684 over the first 10 years, $485 less than comparable brands.

These vehicles have an 18.92% chance of needing a major repair in the first ten years, slightly lower than similar options – 1.71% lower.

These are some of the cheapest Hondas:

  • Honda Accord: These cost about $5,643 over the first ten years and have a 15.57% chance of needing a major repair. Their starting price is $28,990.

  • Honda Civic: Expect to spend about $5,620 on maintenance and repairs over the first ten years. This vehicle also has a 15.57% chance of needing a major repair during that time. Prices range from about $25,000 to $30,000.

  • Honda Odyssey: As expected for a minivan, the Odyssey has higher maintenance and repair costs over 10 years—about $7,769 total. That’s still $1,807 less than other popular models. These vehicles cost about $43,315 new.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Affordable Car Brands That Will Last Over 10 Years If Properly Maintained

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By Olivia

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