Budget-Busters: Low-Cost Used Cars That Are Easy and Affordable to Maintain

In a perfect world, vehicles would maintain themselves, leaving us with only the expense of the initial purchase. Although the industry is undeniably advancing, we’re not there yet, and that’s why so many drivers are looking for low cost used cars that are easy and affordable to maintain. As your leading used car dealer, Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat is here to help.

Our extensive inventory of used models guarantees you’ll find the perfect car, truck, or SUV on our lot. But we’re here to take that search one step further. What do we mean? Here’s a closer look at some of the easiest cars to maintain and a few principles to remember as you start shopping for a low-cost used car that will help you get the most for your hard-earned dollar.

Our Top Picks and Shopping Tips

You’re already off to a great start by shopping for a used vehicle because used vehicles are a better overall value, saving you thousands of dollars off the new-car sticker price. But there is another advantage to shopping for a used vehicle, and that’s the likelihood that you’ll find a model that’s easy and affordable to maintain. So, what should you remember while you shop, and what models should you look for on our lot?

Age: Shop the Ram 1500 and Nissan Frontier

While newer vehicles boast the latest technology and features, you’ll find older models are generally easier to repair. For example, think about a 2022 Ram 1500 that relies on over-the-air updates to keep its software current. Then, consider a 2010 Ram 1500 with a simpler system that isn’t tied to software programs that require expert-level knowledge. So, does this mean you have to shop for an older model without modern technology or features? Not at all.

We recommend shopping by generation. For example, Ram frequently updates its truck lineup, introducing new generations every few years and mid-cycle refreshes in between. By shopping around the mid-cycle refresh, you can find modern features that are easier to maintain than the latest technology. On the other hand, if you’re not looking for the newest features or updates, you’ll find options like the Nissan Frontier that are exceptional and easy to maintain and repair. With Nissan updating the Frontier for 2022, shop for an older model, and you’ll see how the Frontier earned its reputation as a utilitarian workhorse that’s incredibly affordable to own.

Popularity: Shop the Toyota Tacoma, Honda Accord, and Subaru Outback

Another factor to consider when shopping for a low-cost used car is the model’s popularity. For example, think about a truck like the Toyota Tacoma, with its widespread use in the off-road realm and its agile on-road performance. Likewise, long-running nameplates like the Honda Accord are staples in the American automotive landscape, while models like the Subaru Outback have a loyal following of enthusiasts who love everything the brand embodies. These characteristics can go a long way when shopping for a used car, truck, or SUV that’s easy and affordable to maintain.

The Tacoma is a versatile truck that uses its size to its advantage, proving it’s agile, efficient, and capable. Likewise, the Accord is renowned for its practicality and ability to log hundreds of thousands of miles with ease. Similarly, the Subaru Outback is revered for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engine that make it a road warrior capable of handling itself in any condition or terrain.

More importantly, the Tacoma, Accord, and Outback have been around for years, making it easy to find parts and accessories for the models. This is especially beneficial for off-roaders because it eliminates the guesswork of finding the right parts to modify the Tacoma for the trail. In some cases, you can find modified Tacomas on the used lot with snorkel air intakes, suspension lifts, mud tires, LED lighting, and more.

The popularity of the Tacoma, Accord, and Outback also results in a larger demographic of owners. There are thousands of these models on the road today, which gives you a significant advantage when you’re looking for support. What do we mean? You’ll find hundreds of how-to videos on YouTube for more popular models like the Tacoma, Accord, and Outback. These videos and forums help you diagnose and repair problems from the convenience of your home, regardless of your skill level. Subaru even takes this ease one step further, identifying inspection points and user-serviceable areas in bright colors under the hood of most models. Plus, you can trust our service department to know what to do because we’ve worked on plenty of these models in the past.

Part Availability: Shop the Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-150

The availability of parts is a critical consideration when shopping for a used vehicle and is directly related to age and popularity, as we saw with a truck like the Toyota Tacoma. For example, the more popular a model, the easier it is to find parts and the more affordable they are. Exclusivity is costly, and it shows when looking for parts. So, what does this mean for your search?

Models like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford F-150 lead their segments, making them two of the most popular vehicles in America. As a result, parts are readily available for the Wrangler and F-150, regardless of age. Since these parts are in high demand, you’re not paying top dollar, which means keeping more of your hard-earned money right where it should be, in your pocket.

Warranty Coverage: Shop the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Santa Fe

Warranty coverage is another consideration when shopping for a low-cost used car. Why does this matter? Every new vehicle comes with a manufacturer-backed warranty, but not all warranties are equal. For example, Kia and Hyundai offer two of the best warranties in the industry that cover their vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This coverage makes models like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Santa Fe outstanding finds on our used lot because, depending on age and mileage, they often still come with coverage that minimizes costly out-of-pocket expenses for the next owner.

Reliability Ratings: Shop the Nissan Armada and Nissan Maxima

We also encourage our customers to consider a model’s reliability ratings. J.D. Power scores every vehicle in the industry so that customers have a better idea of how a car, truck, or SUV performs, its reliability, and its overall value. For example, the 2021 Nissan Armada and 2021 Nissan Maxima earned high scores, which speaks volumes about the models and their longevity. Of course, these scores can’t guarantee that your next vehicle will never have an issue, but they are a great baseline to start your search and narrow your options.

Electric Vehicles: Shop the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF

Shopping for an electric vehicle is another way to find a low cost used car that’s easy to maintain. Since electric vehicles don’t run on fuel, you’ll save thousands of dollars each year. But there are several other benefits to driving an EV like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan LEAF.

Electric vehicles don’t rely on the same engine components as traditional internal combustion engines. As a result, they don’t require routine oil changes or spark plug replacements. Their regenerative brakes are also designed for extended wear, saving you hundreds of dollars on brake service over the vehicle’s lifetime. So aside from rotating the tires, multi-point inspections, and washer fluid refills, maintaining an EV is remarkably cost-effective.

What Will You Drive?

Who doesn’t love saving money? Buying a car is a significant investment, requiring you to consider everything from the initial purchase to routine maintenance and repairs. Owning a vehicle can get costly if you don’t shop smart. Your search for low-cost used cars that are easy to maintain is putting you on the right path to getting the most for your money and long-term investment. With these models, you’re guaranteed to save money and reap the benefits of getting in the driver’s seat of one of these remarkable, budget-friendly finds!