All cars will need some maintenance and repair in their lifetime, but the cost to repair can vary wildly depending on the car’s brand, model and age.

Buying a new car doesn’t have to lead to expensive maintenance. Our experts have gathered the cheapest cars to maintain in the UK to help you find a vehicle that aligns with your budget. Scroll down and start researching now.

1. Ford Fiesta - 1.4 Petrol

The more popular a car is, the cheaper it is to fix, as the parts and knowledge are much more readily available. The Ford Fiesta is the most commonly seen car on UK roads.   

Ford parts have always been readily available and reasonably priced, contributing to the Fiesta's overall affordability.   

2. Nissan Micra - 1.2 Petrol

Another small compact car, the Nissan Micra, is extremely popular worldwide, including in the UK. With the latest cars being based on Renault chassis designs, it has an even wider pool of parts and expertise.   

Whilst other Nissan models (such as the Juke and Qashqai) have gained a reputation for untimely engine and gearbox failure, the Micra has remained high on the reliability lists.

3. Honda Civic - 1.8 Petrol

For a petrol-engined car, you can’t go far wrong with a Honda. Whilst the parts may be typically slightly higher in price than Ford or Vauxhall in the UK, their reliability and durability means they’re still a great choice.  

The generation from 2005 to 2012 has a good reputation for reliability, and the parts are relatively inexpensive.  

4. Mazda 3 - 1.6 Petrol

Mazda is another well-renowned Japanese manufacturer. While the 2.2 Diesel engines have been known to have issues, the 1.6 chain-driven petrol engine is regarded as a very reliable and fuel-efficient engine, meaning it’s both cheap to run and less likely to break.

Mazda parts can be expensive, especially from the main dealer, but with the sheer number of Mazda 3s on the road, picking up usable second-hand or refurbished parts shouldn’t be an issue.   

The Mazda 3 is loosely based on the Ford Focus platform, meaning they are a perfect-sized car for a small family, with five doors and a reasonably sized boot. They offer excellent safety and fuel consumption.  

5. Renault Clio - 1.5 Petrol

Renault has always made great small cars. Following on from the extremely popular Renault 5 of the 1980s, the Clio has been a hit with people who need a compact car since its launch.   

Model years 2013 - 2016 are now reaching reasonable price points but are still crammed with great tech and safety features. The 1.5 petrol engine is a nice size, affording a reasonable amount of power - meaning motorway journeys aren’t an issue - but still returning more than 50 MPG when needed.   

Whilst French cars are often not as commended as Japanese ones for reliability, the Clio has always been a reasonably safe bet, as its internals have remained relatively simplistic and dependable. Renault parts are much more affordable, too.  

6. Ford Focus 1.6 Diesel

If you drive longer distances and need slightly more space than the cars listed so far, a Ford Focus might be just right for you. The focus is spacious enough for five adults and luggage but efficient enough to keep fuel costs reasonable.   

The 1.6 diesel engine would be perfect for commuting longer distances, delivering adequate power and fuel economy in excess of 60 MPG. Being a Ford, it’s easy to find the right parts at reasonable prices. 

7. Hyundai i10 - 1.2 Petrol

Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty means even if you buy an i10 when it's a couple of years old, you’ll still have the peace of mind that if anything breaks, it’ll be covered.    

The i10 is a great city or first car, boasting compact packaging, a very reliable powertrain and great economy. What's more, parts for Hyundai are not just reasonably priced, they are also easily accessible, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, it won't cost a fortune to repair. This further enhances the i10's appeal as a cost-effective and reliable choice.  

8. Toyota Prius - 1.8 Hybrid

Toyota’s hybrid system has been around for quite a few years now, and the very high number of vehicles sold and the large number of model changes mean the Japanese manufacturer has refined the Prius’ drivetrain to be extremely reliable.   

While some hybrid parts can be expensive, they’re not known to fail regularly. Mechanical components such as brakes and suspension are reasonable in cost and also not prone to failure.   

If you’re looking for an economical city car, the Prius could be perfect, with its hybrid system enabling MPG figures over 70, even in the city.   

9. Honda Jazz - 1.4 Petrol

Like the Civic, the Honda Jazz has a great reputation for reliability, with the 1.4 chain-driven engine rarely giving fault and any components relating to suspension, braking and steering being relatively cheap.  

The Jazz also offers great practicality, as it sports four doors and enough room for four adults inside. If treated with care and serviced properly, a Honda Jazz can provide many years of cheap motoring.   

10. Fiat 500 - 1.0 Petrol

The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular cars in the UK. It’s tough to complete a journey without spotting one of these small but mighty motors.

While buying a Fiat 500 costs more than other cars on this list, they’re surprisingly cheap to maintain. The average full-service cost for a Fiat 500 is £140, and an interim service sits around £100.

11. Toyota Yaris - 1.5 Petrol

The Toyota Yaris is by no means a new car, but it’s an old, reliable one that will get you from A to B without extreme cost. It’s also been high on car experts’ reliability ratings for years, meaning it’s a great purchase if you want a motor that’ll stand the test of time (and a few knocks on the way). 

Parts for the Yaris are plentiful, and most garages know how to repair them. The approximate yearly service cost is £180, which is below the Toyota Prius and Aygo models. However, the Yaris is a smaller and older car, which may disappoint some buyers. 

What cars are cheap to maintain? Factors to look for 

If you’re looking for low-maintenance cars in the UK, you need to have these factors in mind.  

• Availability of parts — Look for cars with parts that are readily available. This will mean more garages have the parts and know-how to offer services.
• Good fuel efficiency — Cars with high fuel efficiency have fewer long-term costs associated with fuel usage. 
• Simple engineering — Basic cars may not sound exciting, but simple engines mean there’s less to go wrong. It also makes them easier to repair.
• Durability — Some cars are known to be more durable than others. Look at reliability ratings to find a motor that can withstand long-term usage.
• Warranty coverage — Search for cars with manufacturer warranties that cover years of repairs and maintenance to slice your costs.

The cheapest car to maintain in the UK - Conclusion 

Whether you’re looking for a new car or are simply curious about the least expensive cars to maintain, we hope this blog has given you some insider insights into the best low-maintenance cars. From the Ford Fiesta to the Toyota Yaris, these eleven models are great picks for saving money on the go.

Reliable repairs for your budget

Alongside knowing the most reliable and cheap to maintain cars, it’s crucial to know who to call when facing costly repairs. 

With Bumper, a car repair finance provider, you can split the cost of services and repairs into monthly payments, at no extra cost. Choose from 1,000s of Bumper partner dealerships and garages all over the UK already signed up to the network.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.