A lot of us don’t think about how much potential repairs cost when we’re shopping for cars because that’s usually the last thing on our mind. But you have to face the facts: at some point, your vehicle is going to have problems – it might even break down and need major repairs.
So if you’re looking for a new ride, you might want to take this list into serious consideration. It could save you some money down the road.
This data is based on crunching the numbers from 5.6 million vehicles that had their check engine lights go on in 2018. Take a look.
1. Mazda
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0VIp3SFUgZ/
This Japanese producer had the lowest repair rate for check engine problems, costing an average of $285.70. The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata was the least expensive Mazda to fix.
2. KIA
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqkVDrH29k/
From South Korea, KIA’s average repair cost was $319.97. The 2016 KIA Soul was the least expensive model to repair.
3. Dodge
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZwjzrHh5M/
The first American car company on the list, Dodge’s average cost was $326.41 with the 2017 Dodge Durango as their most cost-efficient model.
4. Hyundai
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMNWgzLgDqm/
Hyundai, from South Korea, averaged $328.32 for check engine light repairs in 2018. Their least expensive model to fix was the 2017 Hyundai Tucson.
5. Chrysler
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXBH72Fgc_i/
Chrysler came in at fifth place on the list with an average of $329.43. The 2017 Chrysler 200 was the carmaker’s cheapest car to repair.
6. Jeep
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNrvmsgJJb/
A check engine light cost Jeep owners an average of $338.57. The cheapest model was the 2017 Wrangler.
7. Chevrolet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLNLqpSlaLX/
Chevy owners paid an average of $341.19 to get their rides fixed up. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse was the most economical model.
8. Volkswagen
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKPyCRoj50M/
The automaker from Germany cost drivers an average of $357.92. The 2017 VW Tiguan cost VW drivers the least amount of cash in the repair shop.
9. Honda
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxj9QCLnxy0/
Since I see sooooooooo many Hondas on the street, I’m surprised that the Japanese company was not higher up on the list. The average repair cost was $426.86 and the most economical model was the 2016 Honda CR-V.
10. Toyota
https://www.instagram.com/p/3upqarCh6U/
Finally, another Japanese carmaker rounds out the top 10. For Toyota drivers, the 2014 Prius C is your best bet if you want to save money on repairs.
There you have it! Good luck on your car search!
