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Owning a car can provide a sense of freedom, convenience, and independence that is hard to replicate with other modes of transportation. But when buying a car, there are many important details to consider, including the car’s price, features, performance, and overall condition if diving into the used car market. While good maintenance is essential for the longevity of a vehicle, you ought to consider a specific model’s reliability and dependability record. Some have proven reliability that serve you religiously, while others will constantly break down.
That is why owning a reliable car that doesn’t break the bank is a dream for many drivers. Fortunately, Japanese automakers are renowned for producing some of the most dependable and cost-effective cars on the market. If you’re looking for a vehicle that will keep you on the road without draining your wallet, here are 10 reliable Japanese cars known for their low running costs based on data from consumer advocates, CarEdge.
10 Mazda Miata – $26,803 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Mazda Miata has been in production for over 30 years, achieving a cult-like following among driving enthusiasts. Its lightweight design, responsive handling, and affordability make it a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts and casual drivers.
It balances performance and drivability well and is an excellent choice for amateur racing without breaking the bank. According to CarEdge, the average cost of owning a Mazda Miata for five years is $26,803, one of the lowest among Japanese cars.
9 Toyota Camry – $26,810 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Toyota Camry has consistently earned high ratings for reliability and low ownership cost, making it a popular choice for people who want a daily-driven car that they can depend on. Other benefits include a comfortable cabin, a smooth ride, and high safety ratings, all without hurting the pocket because the Camry comes with competitive pricing.
The Camry’s value increases when you consider its fuel efficiency and maintenance costs, accounting for a five-year ownership cost of about $26,810.
8 Honda CR-V – $26,277 Five-Year Ownership Costs
Honda has redesigned the CR-V for 2023, and its fresh look aims to help it maintain its place among the bestselling compact crossover SUVs. It might not be as exciting as some rivals, and all-wheel-drive isn’t standard, but you get a smooth ride, a practical cabin, and fuel-efficient powertrains that help bring down the cost of ownership.
The CR-V boasts Honda’s reliability and costs about $26,277 to own for the first five years, making it one of the most affordable Japanese SUVs.
7 Mazda Mazda3 – $25,939 Five-Year Ownership Costs
Mazda introduced the Mazda3 in 2003, and the current iteration poses as a great compact car offering a terrific combination of quality and value. It looks sharp in its sedan and hatchback forms, has an upscale cabin and provides a lovely, agile driving demeanor.
The Mazda3 has an average five-year ownership cost of about $25,939, including $1,432 in maintenance costs, $6,160 in fuel, $7,667 in depreciation and $7,295 in insurance costs.
6 Subaru Crosstrek – $25,672 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Subaru Crosstrek received a complete overhaul for the 2024 model year, but it remains a subcompact crossover focused on delivering utility over performance. Thanks to Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive, it will provide more off-road capabilities than your average subcompact SUV.
Furthermore, it is a reliable ride, with a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. The auto-version returns fair fuel efficiency at 30 mpg combined, and according to CarEdge, the Subaru Crosstrek will cost you approximately $25,672 during the first five years of ownership.
5 Honda HR-V – $25,322 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Honda HR-V is the CR-V’s smaller sibling and one of the market’s most reliable subcompact crossover SUVs. But, the HR-V makes up for its smaller size with good fuel economy and more affordable pricing.
Honda introduced the HR-V in 2016, and it has proven a success in part thanks to its Magic Seat second row, which increases its interior versatility. Furthermore, it is an affordable SUV with an estimated five-year ownership cost of about $25,322, according to CarEdge.
4 Honda Civic – $24,230 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Honda Civic is a compact car in production since 1972, known for its reliability, practicality, and sporty driving dynamics. It has come in many versions throughout its history, including body styles, trims, and engines, which is a testament to the nameplate’s versatility.
The current iteration of the Civic is a well-rounded compact car with attractive styling, an affordable entry price, and good fuel efficiency. CarEdge estimates a five-year ownership cost of about $24,230.
3 Toyota Corolla – $23,921 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Toyota Corolla holds the record for the best-selling auto nameplate ever, with more than 50 million units sold and counting. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla continues to have a reputation for being a reliable and long-lasting car that requires minimal maintenance.
The Corolla, also has a high resale value, which can make it a smart investment. CarEdge estimates a five-year ownership cost of about $23,921, making the Corolla one of the cheapest cars on the market.
2 Toyota Prius – $22,959 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Toyota Prius is the car that helped establish the idea of hybrid cars as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Toyota first introduced the Prius in Japan in 1997 and in the USA in 2000, and it has maintained a reputation for being a reliable car with high fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, the Prius has proved super cheap to own. Maintenance and repair costs amount to about $1,124 in the first five years, while you are likely to spend about $3,375 on fuel thanks to a frugal fuel economy rated at 53 mpg. CarEdge estimates an ownership cost of about $22,959.
1 Mitsubishi Mirage – $22,442 Five-Year Ownership Costs
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the least expensive cars you can buy new today, with an MSRP of about $16,245. It comes with its fair share of shortcomings, like the noisy engine and a cabin that is evident of cost-cutting.
But it is undeniably one of the cheapest cars to own, with an estimated five-year ownership of around $22,442, as per CarEdge. This figure includes $4,730 in fuel, $8,975 in insurance, $5,206 in depreciation and $1,285 in maintenance costs.
Sources: CarEdge, J.D. Power, RepairPal, Consumer Reports
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