Cheapest Car to Own Over 5 Years

The cheapest car to own over 5 years in the U.S. is the one with the lowest total cost of ownership—depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs—not necessarily the lowest sticker price. Here’s how to find the cheapest car to own over 5 years.

TL;DR Cheapest to own = lowest 5-year total cost. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to compare cars by real cost. Often: reliable compacts and midsize sedans (new or lightly used), lower depreciation, good fuel economy. Check fair value with autopremo.com price checker so you don’t overpay. Get total cost at autopremo.com.

Why Total Cost, Not Sticker

Sticker price is one part of cost. Over 5 years you pay: depreciation (biggest for many cars), fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs. A cheaper car with high depreciation or poor reliability can cost more than a higher-priced car with lower total cost. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to see 5-year cost for any make, model, and trim. See total cost at autopremo.com.

What Usually Wins

Often the cheapest to own over 5 years: reliable compact and midsize sedans (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Mazda), sometimes lightly used to reduce depreciation hit; good fuel economy; lower insurance and maintenance. EVs can be cheap on fuel but depreciation and insurance vary. Run the numbers for your ZIP and usage. Use autopremo.com to compare. Check total cost at autopremo.com.

Don’t Overpay at Purchase

Even the “cheapest to own” car can be expensive if you overpay. Buy at or below fair value. Use autopremo.com price checker to see comps and fair value. Get your comps at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Cheapest car to own over 5 years = lowest total cost (depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance). Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to compare and autopremo.com price checker to buy at fair value so you actually get the cheapest car to own over 5 years.