The 10 car brands cheapest to maintain over 10 years

Buying a car can be fun and bring a lot of freedom, but things can go sideways when it comes time for repairs. Some car brands are better than others, however, and Consumer Reports recently ranked the least- and most-expensive brands for owners to repair. There are few surprises on this list, but the cheapest new car and the runner-up might come as a shock. Tesla and Buick were the cheapest new car brands to maintain and repair over 10 years, followed by Toyota, Lincoln, and Ford.

10 car brands cheapest to maintain over the next 10 years:

1. Tesla: $4,035

2. Buick: $4,900

3. Toyota: $4,900

4. Lincoln: $5,040

5. Ford: $5,400

6. Chevrolet: $5,550

7. Hyundai: $5,640

8. Nissan: $5,700

9. Mazda: $5,800

10. Honda: $5,850

Consumer Reports noted that maintenance costs for some brands can look deceiving, as many offer free maintenance for a period after the purchase. New-car warranties also play a role, with the powertrain coverage spanning four or five years and 50,000 or 60,000 miles, depending on the company. It's also worth noting that Tesla only sells EVs, which don't require engine air filters, oil changes, and some other routine maintenance, lowering their average costs.

Related:

• Cheapest electric cars

• Cheapest SUVs