Choosing a car can be tough, especially when new models and limited-time offers from dealers can be so tempting. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that some brands will cost you tons more in the long term.
High maintenance vs. low maintenance
Consumer Reports calculated various car brands’ average cost of maintenance and repair over 10 years, as well as the three year short-term cost.
Read more: These are the most and least expensive cars to maintain
According to CR, the car brands that will cost you most in the long term are:
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Audi
- Jaguar
- Volvo
Read more: 10 vehicles that owners keep for 10 years or longer
These brands will cost you a whopping average of between $895 to $1,125 by the time the car reaches 10 years of age.
Meanwhile, the brands that will keep more money in your wallet are:
- Pontiac
- Lincoln
- Buick
- Mitsubishi
- Toyota
Although no cars are made under the Pontiac brand any longer, they have a good track record. You can expect significantly cheaper repairs in the long term from all of the makers above, averaging out at between $315 and $420.
Money expert Clark Howard always says to buy a used car to get the most bang for your buck, so consider these low-maintenance brands — along with the age of the car — when you’re choosing!
Watch: Keep your college habit when it comes to your car
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