One of the best things you can do before buying a new car (or even “new to you”) is to research the reoccurring costs such as fuel and maintenance. Because the last thing you want to have happen is end up with a lemon whose scheduled (or unscheduled) maintenance services sucks the money out of your pockets. So here’s the top ten lowest maintenance cars to help keep your money safe in your hands, and not the hands of the mechanic.

Top 10 Lowest Maintenance Cars

10. 2010 Nissan Frontier
    Sticker price: $20,690 – $26,840
    5-year maintenance cost: $1,350
    Fuel economy: 14 MPG city/ 19 MPG highway

 

9. 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche
   Sticker price: $35,725 – $48,865
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,343
   Fuel economy: 11 MPG city/ 16 MPG highway

 

8. 2010 Saab 9-3X
   Sticker price: $36,975
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,326
   Fuel economy: 19 MPG city/ 27 MPG highway

 

7. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
   Sticker price: $21,825 – $26,955
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,319
   Fuel economy: 22 MPG city/ 30 MPG highway

 

6. 2010 Honda Civic
   Sticker price: $16,255 – $23,800
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,270
   Fuel economy: 26 MPG city/ 34 MPG highway

 

5. 2010 Honda Fit
   Sticker price: $15,700 – $17,260
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,245
   Fuel economy: 28 MPG city/ 35 MPG highway

 

4. 2009 Saab 9-7x
   Sticker price: $42,615 – $49,105
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,214
   Fuel economy: 14 MPG city/ 20 MPG highway

 

3. 2009 Saab 9-3
   Sticker price: $30,360 – $51,330
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,183
   Fuel economy: 19 MPG city/ 29 MPG highway

 

2. 2010 Saab 9-3
   Sticker price: $28,900 – $45,080
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,182
   Fuel economy: 21 MPG city/ 31 MPG highway

 

1. 2010 MINI Cooper
   Sticker price: $18,800 – $34,000
   5-year maintenance cost: $1,160
   Fuel economy: 28 MPG city/ 36 MPG highway

You can see the full report here.