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Getting a car is not cheap. According to Kelley Blue Book, by 2025, the average price of a new one is more than $50,000. Between insurance, maintenance fees, gas prices and the total cost of the car, monthly expenses can add up quickly.
But there is good news. Auto experts say some cars are surprisingly more affordable than you think.
“Buying the average car will cost more than $11,500 a year, including fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance,” said automotive expert and founder Rob Dillon. EVhype. “However, if a car has good reliability, that number can be reduced significantly.”
Here are three brand-name vehicles that are easy to keep on the road without busting your budget.
1. Lexus ES350
- Starting Price: $43,435 (lexus)
The Lexus ES350 is often considered expensive because it is a luxury sedan, but mechanically, it is one of the most economical long-term vehicles, according to owner Alan Gelfand. German Car Depot In Hollywood, Florida.
“The vehicle requires only basic maintenance throughout its lifetime.” This is welcome news for drivers, especially since the annual maintenance cost is $468, As per RepairPal datawhich is much lower than the typical costs associated with luxury vehicles, per carage.
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2. BMW 3 Series
- Starting Price: $44,500 (BMW)
The BMW 3 Series looks good, feels good to drive and balances luxury with practicality. Plus, the sticker price is lower than the price of most new cars. According to Gelfand, if properly maintained it will go the extra mile.
He said, “A neglected 3 Series will cost more than its value, but a well-cared-for model with a service record will prove more affordable than people expect.”
The average annual maintenance cost is about $748 per repairman, “which is lower than many estimates for a German luxury car,” Gelfand explained.
3. Mercedes-Benz E350
For buyers who want a high-end luxury car but are concerned about cost, the Mercedes-Benz E350 is not expensive to maintain if serviced regularly, Gelfand said.
“The E-Class uses a mature, well-developed drivetrain that is much more reliable than people expect,” he explained. “Vehicles will last longer when owners follow scheduled maintenance and identify problems early, preventing costly repairs.” The average annual maintenance fee is approximately $788, per repairpal.
Buying a good car doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and doing your research ahead of time can help you stay within budget.
“The way people look at brands leads them to believe that maintenance costs are higher than their true value, but these models prove their value by analyzing detailed data and using real-world maintenance information,” Gelfand explains.