Which cars are cheapest to maintain in 2025?

With rising fuel, parts and insurance rates, the choice of cars with low maintenance cost becomes a key factor when buying a car. In 2025, the Russian market offers many models that combine affordability of purchase with minimal operating costs. Let's take a look at the cheapest cars to operate is worth choosing to save on maintenance.

Why is it important to choose cars with low maintenance costs?

Increase in vehicle maintenance costs

Every year the cost of owning a car increases. Insurance, maintenance, fuel and repairs are all costly. That is why many car owners are looking for cars that are inexpensive to maintain that will reduce your monthly expenses.

In addition, climatic conditions and road quality play a special role in Russia, which also affects the choice of car. For example, models with a simple design and available spare parts prove to be more favourable in the long term.

Moving towards sustainability

From 2025, there is a global trend to switch to electric cars and hybrids. However, in Russia, such cars are still expensive to maintain due to the high cost of batteries and limited infrastructure. Therefore, classic petrol or diesel vehicles with low maintenance costs remain the most practical choice.

Top 5 budget cars with minimal maintenance costs

1. Lada Granta: an inexpensive car to maintain

Budget choice for Russians

Lada Granta has been a leader among cars with low maintenance costs for many years. Production in Russia makes spare parts as affordable as possible, and the simplicity of the design reduces the cost of repairs.

Maintenance cost : From 5,000 roubles.
Fuel consumption : 6-8 litres per 100 km.
Insurance : One of the lowest rates due to domestic production.

In addition, Granta can be easily repaired even in small towns where there are no official dealership centres.

2. Hyundai Solaris: an economical and reliable compact

Reliable Korean car with minimal costs

Hyundai Solaris is another favourite among cheap cars. The model is characterised by reliability, low fuel consumption and affordable spare parts.

Maintenance cost : From 7,000 roubles.
Fuel consumption : 6-7 litres per 100 km.
Advantages : Wide network of service centres throughout Russia.

Solaris is particularly popular with novice drivers due to its ease of driving and fuel efficiency.

3. Toyota Corolla: Japanese quality at a reasonable cost

A reliable choice for long-term savings

The Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability and durability. Although the purchase price is higher than Granta or Solaris, maintenance costs remain moderate due to the high durability of parts.

Maintenance cost : From 10,000 roubles.
Fuel consumption : 6-7 litres per 100 km.
Advantages : High resale liquidity.

The Toyota Corolla is the perfect choice for those who value long-term savings.

4. Volkswagen Polo: European practicality with minimal costs

Economical cars for urban areas

The Volkswagen Polo combines German quality with affordable servicing. The model is popular for its versatility and low running costs.

Maintenance cost : From 8,000 roubles.
Fuel consumption : 6-7 litres per 100 km.
Advantages : Easy to drive and comfortable interior.

Polo is particularly suited to urban environments where manoeuvrability and economy are important.

5. Datsun on-DO: an alternative to Granta

Affordable maintenance cars for mass consumers

Datsun on-DO is another representative of the budget segment that offers low maintenance costs. The car is manufactured in Russia, which makes its maintenance as affordable as possible.

Maintenance cost : From 5,500 roubles.
Fuel consumption : 7-8 litres per 100 km.
Advantages : Simple construction and availability of spare parts.

While the model is less popular than the Granta, it remains a great choice for those looking for budget cars 2025.

Factors affecting the cost of vehicle maintenance

Low maintenance cars lined up in a row in the car park, with the focus on the front of the white car. — Affordable cars with low maintenance costs: the best choice for saving on running costs.

1. Fuel consumption: economical cars for Russia

One of the main factors determining the cost of operation is fuel consumption. Modern models with an engine capacity of 1.0-1.6 litres, such as fuel-efficient cars for Russia, allow you to save significantly on petrol stations.

2. Availability of spare parts: cheap to run cars

Cars with a wide network of dealers and available parts, such as cheap-to-run cars, significantly reduce repair costs.

3. Cost of insurance: budget cars 2025

Insurance depends on the make and model of the car. Domestic brands such as Lada offer the lowest rates.

4. Breakdown frequency: car with minimal costs

Models with simple construction and high reliability, such as the Toyota Corolla, require fewer repairs.

Electric cars: the future or expensive?

Prospects for electric cars in Russia

Though. electric cars are considered an environmentally friendly choice, they are still expensive to maintain in Russia. The high cost of batteries and limited charging infrastructure make such cars less attractive to mass consumers.

Nevertheless, some Chinese electric vehicles, such as low-maintenance cars from China, are starting to conquer the market due to affordable prices and modern technology.

Conclusion: How to choose cars with low maintenance costs?

A selection of vehicles with low maintenance costs in 2025 depends on many factors, from fuel consumption to availability of spare parts. Models such as the Lada Granta, Hyundai Solaris and Toyota Corolla remain the leaders among cheap-to-run cars that offer reliability and economy.

If you are looking for budget cars 2025, look at the simplicity of design, service availability and owner reviews. This will help you make the right choice and save money on car maintenance.