Budget constraints? Experts recommend 5 budget-friendly and durable Japanese cars

Japanese cars have long been known for their reliability, durability, and affordability. Some top Japanese automotive brands are favored by savvy consumers for their low starting prices, low maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency.

In the current high cost-of-living environment, many people are choosing to live frugally. Buying a car is a significant expense in household spending. According to data from the automotive website Edmunds, the average price of new cars has risen by nearly $10,000 over the past five years. December 2024 data showed that the average price of new cars in the United States was close to $50,000.

Edmunds also found that the most affordable car models come from Japanese and South Korean automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Nissan.

For those looking to buy a new car, here are the best Japanese cars recommended by experts interviewed by Gobankingrates, which are suitable for budget-conscious buyers.

Starting price: $24,250

“The Civic is one of the most reliable models on the market,” AutoInsurance.org automotive industry expert Melanie Musson told Gobankingrates in an email. “For budget-conscious individuals, this is an excellent vehicle because it does not require high maintenance.”

Regular maintenance like oil changes and brake maintenance can help the vehicle last longer on the road and help owners avoid costly repair expenses. “The Civic depreciates slower than most other models, so it holds its value well when you purchase one,” Musson said.

Alex Black, Chief Marketing Officer at EpicVIN and an expert with over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry, stated that the Civic has low fuel consumption and is easy to maintain. “If the car is in good condition, older models can be easily purchased at affordable prices.”

Starting price: $23,950

The Mazda 3 comes in sedan and hatchback styles, has a turbocharged engine for quick acceleration, and is priced affordably. This car also uses high-quality materials that exceed expectations.

“They are fun to drive, have low fuel consumption, and overall are cheaper than the Civic or Toyota Corolla,” Black said. “Mazda’s Skyactiv engine is durable and has low maintenance costs.”

Starting price: $22,325

“The Corolla is reliable and can usually serve owners for over 200,000 miles,” Musson explained. “Due to its affordability and full safety features, the insurance premium for the Corolla is also affordable.”

Black highly recommends the Toyota Corolla because its parts are inexpensive, it has low fuel consumption, and is durable. “If you maintain it regularly, this car can keep going,” Black said. “If you need a car that won’t give you headaches, then this is a good choice.”

Starting price: $25,810

The Subaru Crosstrek is also a Japanese car that holds its value well and has few mechanical issues if well maintained. It is a compact SUV with all-wheel drive.

“For drivers looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle that performs well in harsh road conditions, the Crosstrek is the perfect choice,” Musson said.

Starting price: $17,190

“If you need an extremely affordable car, the Versa is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy,” Black said. “It has low fuel consumption and simple maintenance.”

Even the higher-priced Versa SR model is only around $22,000. The automotive resource website Edmunds wrote that the Nissan Versa has long been a good value. With other companies ceasing production of small, economical sedans, this value proposition has become even more attractive. There are few new cars priced below $20,000, and the Versa is one of them. Although this car may not evoke driving excitement or have a large fan base, the Versa is a low-priced quality car.