Owing a car isn’t cheap. As of 2025, the average price of a new one is over $50,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. Between insurance, maintenance fees, gas prices, plus the total cost of the car, monthly expenses can add up quickly.
But there’s good news. Auto experts say some cars are surprisingly more affordable than you think.
“The average car will cost over $11,500 a year to own, which includes fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance,” said Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype. “However, if a car has good reliability, that number can be drastically lowered.”
Here are three brand-name vehicles easy to keep on the road without blowing your budget.
1. Lexus ES350
- Starting price: $43,435 (Lexus)
The Lexus ES350 is often assumed to be costly simply because it’s a luxury sedan, but mechanically, it’s one of the most economical long-term vehicles, according to Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida.
“The vehicle requires only basic maintenance throughout its lifespan.” That’s welcome news for drivers, especially since the annual maintenance costs are $468, according to RepairPal data, which is significantly lower than typical costs associated with luxury vehicles, per CarEdge.
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2. BMW 3 Series
- Starting price: $44,500 (BMW)
The BMW 3 Series looks good, feels good when driving and balances luxury with practicality. Plus, the sticker price is under what most new cars cost. According to Gelfand, it will go the extra mile if it’s properly maintained.
“A neglected 3 Series will cost more than its value, but a well-cared-for model with service records will prove more affordable than people expect,” he said.
Average annual maintenance costs are about $748 per RepairPal, “which is lower than many assume for a German luxury car,” Gelfand explained.
3. Mercedes-Benz E350
- Starting price: $63,900 (Mercedes-Benz)
For buyers who want a high-end luxury car but are worried about costs, the Mercedes-Benz E350 is not expensive to maintain when serviced regularly, said Gelfand.
“The E-Class uses mature, well-developed drivetrains that tend to be far more reliable than people expect,” he explained. “The vehicles will operate for longer periods when owners follow scheduled maintenance and identify problems at their onset, thereby preventing costly repairs.” Average yearly maintenance fees are around $788, per RepairPal.
Buying a nice car doesn’t have to break the bank, and doing your research ahead of time can help you stay within 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,” explained Gelfand.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Luxury Cars That Cost Less To Own Than Most Drivers Expect
