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Many people don’t realize that car ownership costs go beyond the sticker price. Regular maintenance costs can really add up over time. It’s essential to consider the inevitable costs of car ownership when selecting your next ride. If you’re considering a Chevrolet, here are five Chevys with the lowest maintenance costs.

1. Chevrolet Spark

A silver Chevy Spark, which is one of the vehicles with the lowest maintenance costs.
2021 Chevrolet Spark | Creative Commons

At $13,600 starting MSRP, the Chevy Spark’s low sticker price is just the beginning. This efficient mini vehicle also has some of the lowest maintenance costs. With only a few routine service checks each year, you can enjoy the fun of driving without breaking the bank.

Chevrolet encourages drivers to follow maintenance schedules properly and offers them a warrant for a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles. However, the warranty only covers defects but not the cost of regular maintenance.

According to CarEdge, the Chevy Spark will cost you about $5,893 in total maintenance and repairs over the first 10 years. The possibilities of having major repairs are very slim, with only 18.17% during a 10-year ownership period. An insurance policy for the Chevy Spark costs around $1,450 annually, but you can lower that cost by comparing different policies.

2. Chevrolet Sonic

Despite its discontinuation in 2020, this sporty hatchback remains an excellent option for budget-savvy drivers. Not only is the starting MSRP of $16,325 very reasonable, but it also offers one of the lowest maintenance costs on the market.

The main thing to keep in check when considering this vehicle is that regular oil changes and tire rotations are fundamental for its longevity and performance. Regularly checking your brakes for signs of wear and tear is also important to keep costs low.

CarEdge estimates total maintenance and repairs for the Sonic to be around $5,943 during a 10-year ownership period. Additionally, insurance premiums sit at an average of $1,613 per year. To get the best bang for your buck, shop around and compare different policies.

3. Chevrolet Malibu

According to Chevrolet, the Malibu happens to be the last Chevy sedan standing under the banner. It has become one of the most popular vehicles in its class, featuring a sleek exterior and plenty of space.

According to CarEdge, the Malibu has a total maintenance and repair cost of about $6,460 over a 10-year ownership period. Some common repairs for the Malibu include brake pad and rotor replacements, air filter replacements, and oil changes.

However, major repairs are rare, with only a 19.26% chance of having repairs during a 10-year ownership period. This is commendable for a car in its class that sells at a starting MSRP of $23,400. Malibu insurance premiums are around $1,811 annually, but you can lower that cost by comparing different policies.

4. Chevrolet Impala

In February 2020, Chevy announced that the Chevy Impala would roll off the production lines for good. But the Impala still remains an excellent option when looking for a luxurious, full-sized sedan with low maintenance costs. Even though the starting MSRP of $28,400 may be on the steep side, it appears that the Impala can provide excellent value in the long run.

According to CarEdge, total maintenance and repair costs for this large sedan sit at an estimated $6,524 over a 10-year ownership period. That’s over $500 less than the average sedan model in its class.

Some critical repairs for the Impala include transmission fluid service, lubricate steering and suspension, cabin air filter replacement, oil changes, and spark plugs replacement.

5. Chevrolet Camaro

According to Chevrolet, the iconic Camaro sports car combines aerodynamic performance and bold styling. With a starting MSRP of $26,100 and an estimated annual cost of $1,890 for insurance premiums, the Camaro can be surprisingly affordable to maintain over time.

CarEdge reports that the estimated total maintenance and repair cost of this Chevy over a 10-year ownership period is $7,015. This is impressive, considering the Camaro is a two-door sports car with an engine requiring frequent tune-ups and oil changes. Some essential repairs for this Chevy include replacements of brake pads, air filters, and spark plugs, along with transmission fluid service and suspension repairs.

In conclusion, while maintenance costs can add up over time, these Chevy models offer some of the lowest costs. A Chevy can meet your needs if you’re looking for a sporty hatchback, full-size sedan, or iconic sports car. Shop around and compare different policies to get the best bang for your buck.