10 Car Brands That Cost the Least to Repair

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Buying a car is a big decision, but price isn’t the only factor. Inevitably, it will require service. How much will the model you’re eying cost you to repair?

Fortunately, you can find out. CarMD crunched the numbers in its 2018 Vehicle Health Index™. Based on 5.6 million vehicles in which the check-engine light went on in 2018, they determined the makes and models that cost the least to fix. Here they are:

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1. Mazda

The Japanese automaker topped the list with the lowest average check-engine-related repair cost: $285.70. And you’re in luck, if you’re a fan of convertibles. The least expensive Mazda model to fix was the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, with an average cost of $81.

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2. KIA

This South Korean automaker’s average repair costs came in at $319.97. Which model was least expensive to fix? The 2016 KIA Soul, with a typical repair cost of $70.

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3. Dodge

This American automaker ranks third on the list of least expensive cars to fix at an average of $326.41. The 2017 Dodge Durango was the brand’s cheapest to repair at $144. Here are 7 ways you’re wasting money on your car maintenance.

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4. Hyundai

Hyundai dropped in the rankings from 2017, when the company occupied the top spot. For 2018, the South Korean automaker’s repair costs averaged $328.32. The most reasonable model? The 2017 Hyundai Tucson averaged just $66 to fix.

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5. Chrysler

For Chryslers with engine trouble, the average repair cost in 2018 was $329.43. The mid-size 2017 Chrysler 200 was the American carmaker’s least expensive model to repair, with an average price of $204. Find out the 14 signs your car’s about to die.

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6. Jeep

The check engine light cost Jeep owners an average of $338.57 in 2018. The most economical model was the 2017 Wrangler, which cost an average of $120 to fix.

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7. Chevrolet

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse was this brand’s least expensive model to repair in 2018 at $129. Overall, Chevy owners paid an average of $341.19. Check out these 34 things your car dealer won’t tell you.

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8. VW

This German carmaker improved one slot from last year’s list, with an average repair cost of $357.92. If you like VW’s and want to save money, check out the 2017 VW Tiguan, which averaged $121 in engine-related repair costs.

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9. Honda

The Japanese automaker didn’t make the list in 2017, but in 2018, repairs cost an average of $426.86. The most economical model? The 2016 Honda CR-V, with $136 in average repair costs. Be sure to check out the best and worst car brands ranked for customer satisfaction.

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10. Toyota

This other prominent Japanese automaker also made the top ten in 2018, but not in 2017. Your best bet to save money? The 2014 Prius C, with an average engine repair cost of just $83.