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Finding a car that’s affordable and built to go the distance is the dream. A relatively low list price — or MSRP — means lower upfront costs, but when you add into the mix manageable maintenance costs and an overall reliable vehicle, you’ve got the potential for some long-term savings.
Some car brands soar when it comes to lasting a long time, sometimes well past the 200,000-mile mark. While there aren’t all that many of them, certain sedans — especially those from Japanese manufacturers — are known for their minimal mechanical issues and overall resilience.
If you’re thinking about buying an affordable car that can handle all of those lengthy road trips, long commutes and many years to come, here are some brands to look for.
Honda
Honda is one of the most affordable and reliable car brands you can find. These vehicles follow a tried-and-true design and tend to get pretty decent gas mileage. Some — like the Civic and Accord — can even get well over 200,000 miles with routine maintenance and checkups.
“Honda Civic stands out for its longevity and robust engineering, offering low ownership costs and high resale values,” said Rob Dillan, the founder of EV Hype. “Meanwhile, Honda Accord is known for its reliability and comes standard with Honda Sensing safety features, adding significant value and peace of mind.”
This brand is also well-known for its innovation and high technical standards. Every Honda goes through an intensive testing and quality control process that starts with the initial design stage. These cars must meet or exceed these standards before being deemed road worthy.
Subaru
- Subaru Impreza’s starting MSRP: $22,995
Subaru is another highly reliable and affordable car brand.
“Special recognition has been given to the Subaru Impreza for their enduring dependability. Subaru vehicles are designed to withstand severe weather conditions and a lot of years and miles on the road,” said Erin Kemp, Bumper’s consumer advocate. “This is seen from the fact that many of their cars have excellent off-road capability, making it easy for them to navigate difficult terrain.”
Subarus are considered all-around great-value cars that can go the distance. They last for years and have far fewer major issues than other recognizable brand names. This means fewer ongoing costs for car owners.
Hyundai
- Hyundai Elantra’s starting MSRP: $21,625
- Hyundai Kona Electric’s starting MSRP: $32,675
- Hyundai Sonata’s starting MSRP: $27,500
Like the other car brands on this list, the Hyundai is also often touted as being an affordable and reliable option. This is true of the brand’s electric cars as well as the traditional ones.
Dillan suggested both the Elantra and Sonata as two options worth checking out.
“Offering a great balance of affordability and reliability, the Hyundai Elantra is popular for its modern features and impressive fuel economy,” he said.
As for the Sonata, there’s a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that gives buyers long-term peace of mind on the road.
Toyota
Toyota is another Japanese brand that’s no slouch in the reliability department.
“Known for their reliability, Toyotas are built to last,” said John Lin, an experienced mechanic and owner of JB Motor Works in Philadelphia. “Models like the Corolla and Camry are not only affordable but also have low maintenance costs over time.”
Part of what makes their maintenance costs so low is how easy it is to get them.
“These cars will last,” said Jamie Mitri, manager at Cumberland Hill Auto Sales and Service. “Their parts are easy to find and install and the quality is high. They are higher in price than other car brands, but they are still affordable and will last a long time.”
Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Jetta’s starting MSRP: $27,995
Obviously, not all reliable car brands are Japanese — the German brand Volkswagen has a lot going for it in terms of road-worthiness and being built to last.
“You get the quality of German engineering at a great value and price,” Mitri said. “These cars will last for a long time and don’t come with the larger price tag [of] other German brands.”
In terms of pricing, Volkswagen sedans like the Jetta are pretty comparable to Toyota Corollas and Camrys. Maintenance and standard repairs are also reasonably low, so you won’t have to worry as much about long-term costs racking up.
Mazda
- Mazda Miata’s starting MSRP: $28,985
A little pricier than others on this list, Mazda is still worth getting if you need something that can withstand all of those miles you’re going to put on it. And if you want something a little sportier, this is the way to go.
Dillan specifically suggested the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 for those looking for reliable new cars. Both have a stylish design and reliable engineering. They also excel when it comes to performance and dependability, he said.
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