Which Car Brands Have The Lowest Repair Costs?

If you're shopping for a used car, it's important to find a vehicle that won't have expensive repair costs if problems develop down the road. CarMD's recently released 2017 Vehicle Health Index analyzed 4.2 million vehicles spanning 1996 to 2017 to determine reliability levels and repair costs. Given that it's the least likely brand to need an engine repair check over the past year, Acura comes first for reliability. It's followed by two other Japanese companies, Honda and Toyota, in the reliability league. If a driver has the misfortune to encounter an engine problem, repair costs will be cheapest if he or she is behind the wheel of a Hyundai.

The top three brands in the United States for check engine light-related repair costs are Asian. While Hyundai drivers enjoy the lowest repair costs averaging $306.50, Mazda and Kia owners would fork out $310.89 and $317.47 respectively. On a vehicle by vehicle basis, Asian cars once again come first for reliability. The Honda Civic has the dubious reputation as one of the most stolen cars in America but it also the country's most reliable used vehicle. A 2013 model is the least likely car to need an engine repair check.