Owing on a car isn’t cheap. The average price of a new product will exceed $50,000 by 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. Between insurance, maintenance, gas prices, and the total cost of the car, the monthly expenses add up quickly.
But there is good news. Car experts say some cars are much cheaper than you think.
“The average cost of purchasing a car is over $11,500 per year, including fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance,” said Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype. “However, if the car has good reliability, this number can be significantly reduced.”
Here are three brands of cars you can easily hit the road without breaking your budget.
1. Lexus ES350
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Starting price: $43,435 (Lexus)
The Lexus ES350 is often considered expensive because it’s a luxury sedan, but from a mechanical standpoint it’s one of the most economical long-term vehicles, said Alan Gelfand, owner of German Auto Depot in Hollywood, Florida.
“The vehicle will require only basic maintenance throughout its life.” That’s good news for drivers, especially since annual maintenance costs are $468, according to RepairPal, which is significantly less than the typical cost of a luxury car, according to CarEdge.
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2. BMW 3 Series
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Starting price: $44,500 (BMW)
The BMW 3 Series has good looks and a good driving feel, striking a balance between luxury and practicality. Plus, the sticker price is lower than most new cars. According to Gelfand, if it’s properly cared for, it will perform more effectively.
“A neglected 3 Series will cost more than it’s worth, but a well-maintained 3 Series with a repair record will prove to be more affordable than people expected,” he said.
The average annual maintenance cost per RepairPal is about $748, “which is lower than many people expect for a German luxury car,” Gelfand explains.
3. Mercedes-Benz E350
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Starting price: $63,900 (Mercedes-Benz)
Gelfand said that for buyers who want a high-end luxury car but are worried about costs, regular maintenance on a Mercedes-Benz E350 is not expensive.
“The E-Class uses a mature, well-established powertrain that tends to be much more reliable than people expect,” he explains. “When owners follow regular maintenance and catch problems when they arise, vehicles will run longer, thus avoiding costly repairs.” According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance fee is about $788.
Buying a great car doesn’t have to cost a lot, and doing your research ahead of time can help you stay within your budget.
“The way people view brands leads them to believe maintenance costs exceed their actual value, but these models prove their value by analyzing detailed data and using real-world maintenance information,” Gelfand explains.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Luxury Cars That Cost Less to Own than Most Drivers Expect
