The 5 Most Expensive and 5 Least Expensive Vehicles to Own Over 10 Years (For Average Consumers)
When shopping for a vehicle, most people focus on the sticker price—but that's just the beginning of your financial commitment. The real cost of ownership includes depreciation, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and fuel over the vehicle's lifespan. Here at Heavy Metal Motors in Southeast Portland, we regularly see customers surprised by the long-term costs of vehicles they thought were "good deals."
Understanding total cost of ownership can save you thousands of dollars over a decade. Let's break down what makes some vehicles expensive to own long-term, and which mainstream models offer the best value for average consumers.
What Drives Long-Term Ownership Costs?
Before diving into specific vehicles, it's important to understand the factors that make some cars financial burdens while others remain affordable throughout their lives:
Depreciation is typically the largest expense, often accounting for 50-60% of total ownership costs. Some vehicles hold their value remarkably well, while others plummet in worth within just a few years.
Maintenance and repair costs vary dramatically between brands and models. Some manufacturers design vehicles with expensive parts, complex systems, or components that fail predictably after warranty periods end.
Parts availability and cost significantly impact long-term expenses. Vehicles with readily available, affordable parts cost less to maintain than those requiring specialized or imported components.
Reliability ratings directly correlate to ownership costs. Vehicles with poor reliability records generate higher repair bills and more frequent service visits.
Insurance costs can vary by hundreds of dollars annually between different models, even within the same price range.
Fuel efficiency becomes increasingly important over 10 years, especially as gas prices fluctuate.
The 5 Most Expensive Mainstream Vehicles to Own Over 10 Years
1. German Luxury Sedans (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4)
Why they're expensive: Even "entry-level" German luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series (2017-2018), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015-2018), and Audi A4 (2017-2018) carry premium ownership costs. These vehicles depreciate rapidly after the first few years, and maintenance costs escalate significantly once warranty coverage ends. Specialized parts, complex electronics, and often required dealer servicing drive up expenses.
10-year cost factors:
Steep depreciation curves
Expensive replacement parts
Complex electrical systems prone to failure
High insurance premiums
Premium fuel requirements
2. Large Pickup Trucks (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500)
Why they're expensive: Full-size pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 (2015-2018), Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014-2018), and Ram 1500 (2013-2018) may seem like practical choices, but their ownership costs add up quickly. Poor fuel economy, expensive tires, higher insurance rates, and costly repairs on 4WD systems contribute to elevated long-term expenses.
10-year cost factors:
Poor fuel economy (12-18 MPG average)
Expensive tire replacements
Complex drivetrain systems
Higher insurance rates
Costly brake and suspension components
3. Performance-Oriented Sports Cars (Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Dodge Challenger R/T)
Why they're expensive: Even affordable sports cars from mainstream manufacturers like the Ford Mustang GT (2015-2018), Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016-2018), and Dodge Challenger R/T (2015-2018) carry premium ownership costs. High-performance engines often require premium fuel, specialized maintenance, and expensive performance tires that wear quickly.
10-year cost factors:
Premium fuel requirements
Expensive performance tires
Higher insurance premiums
Costly brake system maintenance
Engine modifications sometimes voiding warranties
4. Certain European Compact Cars (Volkswagen Jetta, Mini Cooper, Fiat 500)
Why they're expensive: While these vehicles like the Volkswagen Jetta (2015-2018), Mini Cooper (2014-2018), and Fiat 500 (2012-2017) may have attractive purchase prices, some European compact cars become expensive to own due to parts costs, reliability issues, and specialized service requirements.
10-year cost factors:
Expensive imported parts
Complex electronic systems
Limited service network
Poor reliability ratings
Rapid depreciation
5. Electric Vehicles (Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt)
Why they're expensive: While newer EVs are improving, first-generation electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf (2013-2017) and Chevrolet Bolt (2017-2018) often carry high ownership costs due to battery replacement expenses, limited service networks, and rapid technological depreciation.
10-year cost factors:
Expensive battery replacements
Limited service options
Rapid technological obsolescence
Higher insurance costs
Charging infrastructure limitations
The 5 most affordable Mainstream Vehicles to Own Over 10 Years
1. Compact Japanese Sedans (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6)
Why they're affordable: Vehicles like the Toyota Camry (2012-2018), Honda Accord (2013-2017), and Mazda6 (2014-2018) consistently rank among the most affordable vehicles to own long-term. The 2014 Toyota Camry earned a J.D. Power rating of 88/100 and has zero customer complaints, recalls, and investigations. Toyota and Honda lead reliability rankings, with these models combining excellent reliability, strong resale values, affordable parts, and widespread service availability.
10-year cost advantages:
Excellent reliability records
Strong resale values
Affordable, readily available parts
Efficient fuel consumption
Lower insurance premiums
2. Subcompact Hatchbacks (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Versa)
Why they're affordable: Small hatchbacks and sedans like the Toyota Corolla (2014-2018), Honda Civic (2016-2018), and Nissan Versa (2012-2017) offer exceptional value over 10 years. The Toyota Corolla is widely considered one of the most reliable cars and has historically performed well in J.D. Power reliability surveys for compact sedans. Their simplicity reduces repair costs, excellent fuel economy saves money at the pump, and lower insurance rates keep ongoing expenses minimal.
10-year cost advantages:
Outstanding fuel economy (30+ MPG)
Simple, reliable mechanical systems
Inexpensive parts and maintenance
Lower insurance premiums
Minimal depreciation on well-maintained examples
3. Reliable Compact SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5)
Why they're affordable: Well-designed compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 (2013-2018), Honda CR-V (2012-2016), and Mazda CX-5 (2013-2016) from manufacturers with strong reliability records offer practical transportation with reasonable ownership costs. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is rated as the best SUV hybrid under $20,000 by Consumer Reports. They balance utility with efficiency while maintaining affordable service requirements.
10-year cost advantages:
Good fuel economy for their size
Strong resale values
Reasonable maintenance costs
Versatile utility reducing need for second vehicle
Widespread service availability
4. Proven Midsize Sedans (Toyota Avalon, nissan altima, Subaru Outback)
Why they're affordable: Established midsize vehicles like the Toyota Avalon (2013-2018), Nissan Altima (2007-2012), and Subaru Outback (2015-2018) with long production runs benefit from refined engineering, abundant parts availability, and proven reliability. Subaru and Toyota consistently lead reliability rankings, ensuring their popularity translates to competitive service costs and strong used car values.
10-year cost advantages:
Mature, reliable technology
Competitive parts pricing
Strong service networks
Balanced performance and efficiency
Predictable maintenance schedules
5. Well-Engineered Pickup Trucks (Toyota Tacoma, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier)
Why they're affordable: Smaller pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma (2012-2018), Honda Ridgeline (2017-2018), and Nissan Frontier (2013-2018) offer utility without the excessive fuel consumption and maintenance costs of full-size models. When properly maintained, they often retain value well and provide decades of reliable service, with Toyota's reputation for reliability extending strongly to the Tacoma.
10-year cost advantages:
Better fuel economy than full-size trucks
Simpler drivetrain systems
Lower insurance and registration costs
Strong resale values for work vehicles
Proven reliability in commercial use
Key Factors to Consider When Vehicle Shopping
Research reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. A vehicle with poor reliability will cost significantly more over 10 years regardless of its initial price.
Consider parts availability in your area. Vehicles serviced by multiple shops will have more competitive repair pricing than those requiring specialized dealers.
Calculate total cost of ownership including purchase price, depreciation, fuel, insurance, and estimated maintenance. Many online calculators can help with these projections.
Think about your needs versus wants. A vehicle that exceeds your requirements will likely cost more to own without providing proportional benefits.
Plan for maintenance items like tune-ups, transmission services, brake services, oil changes, fluid flushes and belt replacements. All vehicles have scheduled maintenance requirements.
Making Smart Long-Term Decisions
The average cost of owning a car is $80,238 over its lifetime, but choosing wisely can significantly reduce this expense. The difference between expensive and affordable vehicles to own can easily exceed $20,000 over 10 years—money that could be invested, saved, or used for other priorities.
At Heavy Metal Motors, we regularly see customers who made purchasing decisions based solely on monthly payments or initial attractiveness, only to discover the true costs later. A slightly higher purchase price for a reliable, efficient vehicle often saves substantial money long-term compared to a "bargain" that becomes expensive to maintain.
Remember: The cheapest car to own is often the one you already have, properly maintained. Before purchasing anything new, consider whether investing in maintenance and repairs for your current vehicle might be the most economical choice.
Professional Guidance Makes a Difference
Vehicle ownership decisions are complex, involving factors that aren't always obvious to consumers. If you're considering a vehicle purchase and want professional insight into potential long-term costs, bring your research by Heavy Metal Motors in Southeast Portland. We can provide realistic assessments of maintenance requirements, parts availability, and common issues for vehicles you're considering.
Making informed decisions today can save thousands of dollars over the next decade. Your wallet—and your peace of mind—will thank you for doing the homework upfront!
Have questions about a specific vehicle you're considering? We're here to help you make the most informed decision possible!
