What car has the lowest cost to operate?

[AustinInDallas]

background: I have had my car since 2003, got it as a graduation present.

red one.

Now I might sound like an old man, but Im ready for a stock DD(daily driver)

Tires are expensive and dont last long. car is noisy. I have to buy stock tail lights because of a new law in texas outlaws tinted tails. Its very low, so i scrap on everything. the list goes on and on for why i want a new car.
Upside is its a TDI, so i get over 50mpg if i go the speed limit on the highway.

new USED car: I dont drive that much. My wife has a 2010 jetta(stock) that we take everywhere. So im just looking for a car that as low overall stock of ownership. (estimated monthly cost/insurance/maintenance/reliability)
possibly small SUV, but mid size car would be fine.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

/anythingToyota

 

[Jimzz]

Pretty much most american or asian cars made in the last 10 years fall into that with low miles.

Its not till you hit about 60-100k you need more than just basic upkeep. And even then that just a fluid change or something.

"lowest cost to operate"

I would say electric car.

 

[JCH13]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2013/02/05/the-cheapest-cars-to-own/

http://www.kbb.com/new-cars/total-cost-of-ownership/?r=837435186142101900

 

[vi edit]

I'd have to think that a base Honda Fit is pretty damn cheap over the length of the car's life.

 

[jlee1]

Toyota Corolla

/THREAD

 

[JCH13]

In the compact class the top 5 cheapest cars to operate over a 5yr period are:

1) Kia Soul @ $29,815
2) Toyota Corolla @ $29,826
3) Hyundai Veloster @ $29,941
4) Honda Civic @ $30,143
5) Volkswagon Jetta (2.0L) @ $30,285

Plenty of cars that are virtually identical in long-term cost to the Corolla, no need to limit yourself to one of the most boring cars ever made.

 

[vi edit]

I refuse to accept that a car that comes with standard 17" low profile wheels can be included in a "cheapest to own list". Compare the replacement costs on a 15" Fit or Corolla wheel to a Veloster and let me know which is going to run you less.

That's not the only thing that matters, but it certainly comes into play over the life of a car.

 

[JCH13]

I refuse to accept that a car that comes with standard 17" low profile wheels can be included in a "cheapest to own list". Compare the replacement costs on a 15" Fit or Corolla wheel to a Veloster and let me know which is going to run you less.

That's not the only thing that matters, but it certainly comes into play over the life of a car.

You can refuse to accept it all you want. People who study these things for a living came up with that list, no doubt accounting for tire wear and replacement.

 

[desy]

Buick!

 

[AustinInDallas]

Plenty of cars that are virtually identical in long-term cost to the Corolla, no need to limit yourself to one of the most boring cars ever made.

i think miatas have done something to both of us to believe this.

 

[JCH13]

i think miatas have done something to both of us to believe this.

Possible, but I'm trusting the experts on this one!

 

[Scarpozzi]

In the compact class the top 5 cheapest cars to operate over a 5yr period are:

1) Kia Soul @ $29,815
2) Toyota Corolla @ $29,826
3) Hyundai Veloster @ $29,941
4) Honda Civic @ $30,143
5) Volkswagon Jetta (2.0L) @ $30,285

Plenty of cars that are virtually identical in long-term cost to the Corolla, no need to limit yourself to one of the most boring cars ever made.

If that list is accurate, I'd probably rate 4 and 5 as my top 2 picks based on comfort features... Since the Jetta isn't an GTI, I'd probably stick with the Civic...

Having said that, I wouldn't buy a new one.

 

[Ferzerp]

I know my wheels wear out within 5 years too....

vi, you realize that wheels typically are going to last the life of the car, right?

 

[thedarkwolf]

81 plymouth horizan
Cost me $300 to buy and make road worthy and then I sold it for $300 so sounds like the perfect car for you.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Probably the diesel, but both will continually hit your wallet randomly (as any German car does)

 

[JCH13]

If that list is accurate, I'd probably rate 4 and 5 as my top 2 picks based on comfort features... Since the Jetta isn't an GTI, I'd probably stick with the Civic...

Having said that, I wouldn't buy a new one.

You'd try the insane used Honda market?

 

[AustinInDallas]

Probably the diesel, but both will continually hit your wallet randomly (as any German car does)

my mileage is pretty low, but it is nice to fill up my car and be like..."I cant remember the last time I had to do this..."

what about used cars?

 

[jagec]

I refuse to accept that a car that comes with standard 17" low profile wheels can be included in a "cheapest to own list". Compare the replacement costs on a 15" Fit or Corolla wheel to a Veloster and let me know which is going to run you less.

That's not the only thing that matters, but it certainly comes into play over the life of a car.

That's only over a 5-year period since new, which means that they may still be on the first set of tires.

Many of those "reliability" studies simply don't go far enough out. Any car made in the last decade is almost new IMHO, and shouldn't have any major problems unless it was a POS to begin with.

If you care about total cost of ownership, you start with a car that is already 5-15 years old.

 

[desy]

Buick!
Some ole guy kept up all the maintenance 3800 engine awesome.
Pretty good hw mileage midsize, you hardly drive anyway so fuel economy wouldn't be a concern

 

[kitatech]

Depreciation is the greatest "cost to own"....getting a used car recovers THAT cost more than (17") tires, and even the higher gas cost of an older car vs the latest new models.

 

[michal1980]

your own car.

how much will it cost to return it to stock height? with a proper alignment, and good tires that focus on comfort and mileage?

2-3 grand tops?

vs the 17-20k you spend on just the new car.

 

[Sureshot324]

your own car.

how much will it cost to return it to stock height? with a proper alignment, and good tires that focus on comfort and mileage?

2-3 grand tops?

vs the 17-20k you spend on just the new car.

Plus if you don't return this car to near stock it's going to be very hard to sell.

 

[michal1980]

Plus if you don't return this car to near stock it's going to be very hard to sell.

also smaller wheels. Being of that vintage they should be fairly cheap and plentiful.

 

[AustinInDallas]

Plus if you don't return this car to near stock it's going to be very hard to sell.

possibly, but the modded VW scene in DFW is quite robust. and having a low car isn't AS big a deal as it would be in canada I assume.