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Most and least expensive cars to own
It's important, of course, to get a good deal when you buy a car. But it's just as critical to look down the road at how much a vehicle will cost you to own.
Here are the models we've tested that have the lowest and highest owner-cost estimates, per category, over the first five years. The estimates factor in depreciation, fuel cost, loan interest, insurance premiums, sales tax, and maintenance and repairs. These vehicles are equipped with typical options and an automatic transmission unless noted otherwise.
See our full best and worst lists to help you narrow down your choices based on what matters most.
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| Least expensive |
5-year owner cost |
Most expensive |
5-year owner cost |
| Subcompact cars |
Toyota Prius C Two |
$24,600 |
Hyundai Veloster (base, manual)
|
$32,400 |
| Compact cars |
Toyota Prius Four |
$28,200 |
Dodge Dart Aero (1.4T) |
$37,200 |
| Midsized sedans |
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE |
$31,800 |
Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium (V6) |
$45,600 |
Large cars
|
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited |
$41,400 |
Chrysler 300C |
$55,800 |
| Upscale sedans |
Buick Verano Leather (2.4) &
Lexus CT 200h Premium
|
$37,800 |
Lexus IS 250 (AWD) |
$54,000 |
| Luxury sedan |
Lexus ES300h |
$42,000 |
BMW 750Li |
$106,200 |
| Sporty cars |
Honda Civic Si (manual)
|
$34,800 |
Porsche Boxster 2.7 (manual) |
$64,200 |
| Small SUVs |
Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium |
$34,200 |
Volkswagen Tiguan SEL |
$48,000 |
| Midsized SUVs |
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4 |
$36,600 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) |
$57,000 |
| Large SUVs |
Chevrolet Traverse |
$51,000 |
Nissan Armada Platinum |
$72,000 |
| Compact luxury SUVs |
Mini Cooper Countryman S |
$37,800 |
Cadillac SRX Luxury & Mercedes-Benz GLK350 |
$57,000 |
Midsized & large luxury SUVs
|
Buick Enclave CXL |
$54,600 |
Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec |
$78,000 |
2014 Autos Spotlight
Visit our 2014 Autos Spotlight special section to find all of our new and updated articles, including Top Picks 2014, Who makes the best cars, Best & worst new cars, Best & worst used cars, Used car reliability, and New car Ratings & road tests.
Stay on top of the automotive news by signing up now for our free cars e-newsletter!
This article also appears in the April 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.
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