With Brits being stung by maintenance costs averaging out at a whopping £756.45 every year, experts have urged drivers to opt for these five trustworthy models which are cheap to fix and maintain
Avoid sky-high repair costs with these reliable cars that have been crowned the least expensive to own in 2025.
Drawing on more than 300,000 real-world bookings, analysis by ClickMechanic provides expert insight into the true cost of keeping different models on the road. It found the average annual maintenance cost stands at £756.45, which totals a whopping £13,540 over a typical car’s lifespan.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive models is substantial, with luxury saloons costing hundreds of pounds more every year to run in comparison to budget hatchbacks. With this in mind, here are the five most economical motors to maintain in 2025:
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5. Kia CEED
The Kia CEED holds fifth place with an annual maintenance cost of £615. Renowned for its reliability and user-friendly features, the CEED benefits from Kia’s strong warranty and quality engineering. This reduces the frequency and cost of repairs over time. Kia’s global presence ensures parts are readily available and competitively priced. The CEED’s popularity means local garages are familiar with servicing it, making routine maintenance convenient and budget-friendly for owners.
4. Peugeot 2008 SUV
The Peugeot 2008 SUV ranks fourth for affordable maintenance, costing £613 annually. Known for its stylish design and practical features, the 2008 is popular among families and city drivers. Its widespread parts availability and Peugeot’s extensive dealer network help keep servicing and repairs straightforward and affordable. The model’s reliability and efficient engineering also reduce unexpected expenses, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a balance of style and low running costs.
3. Dacia Sandero
The Dacia Sandero is the third most affordable car to maintain in the UK according to the study, with an annual upkeep of just £602. Its low maintenance costs are largely due to the Sandero’a simple engineering and inexpensive replacement parts, making repairs straightforward and budget-friendly. Dacia’s reputation for dependability is reinforced by its impressive ranking — sixth out of 31 brands according to analysis done by What Car? in 2024 — giving owners added confidence in the brand’s reliability.
2. Vauxhall Grandland X
The Vauxhall Grandland X is among the most affordable cars to maintain, with annual upkeep costing just £600 — 22 per cent less than the national average. Vauxhall’s commitment to building practical, straightforward vehicles makes the Grandland X easier and cheaper to service. Additionally, its shared platform with Peugeot models ensures that replacement parts are widely available and reasonably priced, further reducing repair costs.
1. Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 is the cheapest car to maintain in the UK, with an annual upkeep of £580 — this works out at 25 per cent below the national average. The Hyundai i20 is designed for reliability and finished fourth out of 24 in its class in What Car?’s 2025 reliability survey. Hyundai as a brand also ranked 10th out of 31 manufacturers for dependability in 2024.
To minimise maintenance expenses, regular servicing and preventative checks are key. CEO and Co-founder of ClickMechanic, Andrew Jervis, advises: “The first thing you want to do is stick to a regular service schedule, preventative maintenance can stop bigger problems down the line. It’s the same for conducting regular checks, such as tyre pressure and engine oil levels. If these are kept up, it avoids any unnecessary wear and tear.”
He also recommends driving sensibly, as aggressive driving leads to premature wear. Andrew added: “If you’re driving aggressively, like hard braking, navigating through potholes or speed bumps too fast or ‘riding’ the clutch excessively you should expect premature wear to critical components.”
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