Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

All cars will need some maintenance and repair in their lifetime, but the cost to repair can vary wildly depending on the car’s brand, model and age.

Buying a new car doesn’t have to lead to expensive maintenance. Our experts have gathered the cheapest cars to maintain in the UK to help you find a vehicle that aligns with your budget. Scroll down and start researching now.

The more popular a car is, the cheaper it is to fix, as the parts and knowledge are much more readily available. The Ford Fiesta is the most commonly seen car on UK roads. 

Ford parts have always been readily available and reasonably priced, contributing to the Fiesta's overall affordability. 

Another small compact car, the Nissan Micra, is extremely popular worldwide, including in the UK. With the latest cars being based on Renault chassis designs, it has an even wider pool of parts and expertise. 

Whilst other Nissan models (such as the Juke and Qashqai) have gained a reputation for untimely engine and 

, the Micra has remained high on the reliability lists.

 car, you can’t go far wrong with a Honda. Whilst the parts may be typically slightly higher in price than Ford or Vauxhall in the UK, their reliability and durability means they’re still a great choice. 

The generation from 2005 to 2012 has a good reputation for reliability, and the parts are relatively inexpensive. 

Mazda is another well-renowned Japanese manufacturer. While the 2.2 Diesel engines have been known to have issues, the 1.6 chain-driven petrol engine is regarded as a 

, meaning it’s both cheap to run and less likely to break.

Mazda parts can be expensive, especially from the main dealer, but with the sheer number of Mazda 3s on the road, picking up usable second-hand or refurbished parts shouldn’t be an issue. 

The Mazda 3 is loosely based on the Ford Focus platform, meaning they are a perfect-sized car for a small family, with five doors and a reasonably sized boot. They offer excellent safety and fuel consumption. 

Renault has always made great small cars. Following on from the extremely popular Renault 5 of the 1980s, the Clio has been a hit with people who need a compact car since its launch. 

Model years 2013 - 2016 are now reaching reasonable price points but are still crammed with great tech and safety features. The 1.5 petrol engine is a nice size, affording a reasonable amount of power - meaning motorway journeys aren’t an issue - but still returning more than 50 MPG when needed. 

Whilst French cars are often not as commended as Japanese ones for reliability, the Clio has always been a reasonably safe bet, as its internals have remained relatively simplistic and dependable. Renault parts are much more affordable, too. 

If you drive longer distances and need slightly more space than the cars listed so far, a Ford Focus might be just right for you. The focus is spacious enough for five adults and luggage but 

The 1.6 diesel engine would be perfect for commuting longer distances, delivering adequate power and fuel economy in excess of 60 MPG. Being a Ford, it’s easy to find the right parts at reasonable prices. 

Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty means even if you buy an i10 when it's a couple of years old, you’ll still have the peace of mind that if anything breaks, it’ll be covered. 

, boasting compact packaging, a very reliable powertrain and great economy. What's more, parts for Hyundai are not just reasonably priced, they are also easily accessible, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, it won't cost a fortune to repair. This further enhances the i10's appeal as a cost-effective and reliable choice. 

Toyota’s hybrid system has been around for quite a few years now, and the very high number of vehicles sold and the large number of model changes mean the Japanese manufacturer has refined the Prius’ drivetrain to be extremely reliable. 

While some hybrid parts can be expensive, they’re not known to fail regularly. Mechanical components such as brakes and suspension are reasonable in cost and also not prone to failure. 

If you’re looking for an economical city car, the Prius could be perfect, with its hybrid system enabling MPG figures over 70, even in the city. 

Like the Civic, the Honda Jazz has a great reputation for reliability, with the 1.4 chain-driven engine rarely giving fault and any components relating to suspension, braking and steering being relatively cheap. 

The Jazz also offers great practicality, as it sports four doors and enough room for four adults inside. If treated with care and serviced properly, a Honda Jazz can provide many years of cheap motoring. 

The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular cars in the UK. It’s tough to complete a journey without spotting one of these small but mighty motors.

While buying a Fiat 500 costs more than other cars on this list, they’re surprisingly cheap to maintain. The 

 for a Fiat 500 is £140, and an interim service sits around £100.

The Toyota Yaris is by no means a new car, but it’s an old, reliable one that will get you from A to B without extreme cost. It’s also been high on car experts’ reliability ratings for years, meaning it’s a great purchase if you want a motor that’ll stand the test of time (and a few knocks on the way). 

Parts for the Yaris are plentiful, and most garages know how to repair them. The approximate yearly service cost is £180, which is below the Toyota Prius and Aygo models. However, the Yaris is a smaller and older car, which may disappoint some buyers. 

What cars are cheap to maintain? Factors to look for

If you’re looking for low-maintenance cars in the UK, you need to have these factors in mind. 

The cheapest car to maintain in the UK - Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a new car or are simply curious about the least expensive cars to maintain, we hope this blog has given you some insider insights into the best low-maintenance cars. From the Ford Fiesta to the Toyota Yaris, these eleven models are great picks for saving money on the go.

Alongside knowing the most reliable and cheap to maintain cars, it’s crucial to know who to call when facing costly repairs. 

 provider, you can split the cost of services and repairs into monthly payments, at no extra cost. Choose from 1,000s of Bumper partner dealerships and garages all over the UK already signed up to the network.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Top 11 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in the UK

 Tu guía para ahorrar en costes: Los 9 coches más económicos de reparar y mantener en España

Die 11 im Unterhalt günstigsten Autos in Deutschland 

Car insurance costs are climbing, and for new drivers especially, the premium can be just as painful as the car payment itself. But good news: not all cars cost the same to insure. If you're looking to cut your insurance bill in 2025, your choice of vehicle makes a big difference. 

We’ve rounded up 10 of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK this year, based on their insurance group, safety rating, and affordability when it comes to repairs. Whether you're after a compact city car, a smart first-time buy, or a reliable second-hand option, this guide will help you choose a model that won’t blow your insurance budget sky-high. 

What is the cheapest car to insure in 2025?

The Hyundai i10 is currently the cheapest car to insure in 2025. It consistently sits in insurance Group 1 – one of the lowest insurance groups, thanks to its small engine size, excellent safety features, and 

Cars in Group 1 insurance are usually the cheapest cars to insure. They tend to be smaller, slower, and safer cars with strong security features and fewer claims history. This means insurers see them as less risky, which is perfect for new drivers or anyone looking to lower their insurance premiums.

 assigns each car model to a group based on things like repair time, replacement costs, and safety systems. For low-cost car insurance, focus on models in groups 1 to 10 – they average around £442 a year.

These are the cheapest cars to insure in 2025, based on ratings, costs, and quotes, 

Compact, affordable, and consistently one of the cheapest cars to insure. The i10 is known for its reliability, low repair costs, and basic trims. It’s also packed with safety features and modern tech, even at entry level, making it perfect for new drivers or city-based commuters. 

The Picanto is a budget-friendly city car that still offers solid value for money. It’s consistently reliable, particularly when it comes to electrics, and even the base models come equipped with key features like air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen system.

A spacious, practical hatchback with the bones of a VW Polo but at a lower cost. The Fabia brings good fuel efficiency and a good driving record among owners. It also benefits from cheap insurance, affordable repair costs, and excellent safety systems. 

Growing families and young professionals 

This Toyota micro-crossover blends the look of a mini SUV with the footprint of a city car. The Aygo X includes an impressive infotainment system, better visibility, and smart safety features, making it affordable to run and insure. 

 Style-conscious drivers who want to keep their insurance quotes low. 

With a punchy, efficient engine, the SEAT Ibiza balances fun with function. It’s known for reliably carrying longer trips, with a solid engine and safety systems.

Drivers who want versatility without forking out too much on the insurance. 

The most affordable brand-new car in the UK also happens to be one of the cheapest cars to insure. While basic, the Sandero brings unbeatable value with durable build quality and reasonable security features, too. 

Drivers who want a no-frills drive and minimal running costs. 

The Fiesta is a household name for a reason – it blends great handling with a comfortable ride, solid safety features, and widespread garage support, which helps to keep your 

Stylish and well-equipped, the Clio pairs strong safety ratings with an excellent dependability track record. Many insurers associate it with responsible driving and lower claims history, which helps to keep insurance premiums in check for Clio drivers. 

 Anyone wanting a bit of style without sacrificing affordability. 

The Polo brings a premium feel in a compact, cost-effective package. Highly rated by experts for safety and reliability, its build quality and modest engine size make it easy to insure, especially in lower trim levels and with optional black box policies. 

 Those who want a built-to-last car at a cheap insurance premium. 

A regular fixture in the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars, and for good reason. The Corsa is now better equipped, more efficient, and cheaper to run than ever, thanks to updated engines and a lighter design. 

 New drivers who want efficiency and a ride whose premiums won’t break the bank. 

 from Bumper allow you to split the cost into 0% interest monthly payments. 

There are a number of things you can do to get the cheapest car insurance, including:

Are there cars to avoid for cheap car insurance?

If it’s cheap car insurance you’re after, avoid the following cars:

It may be compact, but the Mini Cooper is known for its engine/exhaust modifications. This can push it into a higher insurance bracket as it increases the risk of serious accidents, becomes less cost-effective to replace, and more attractive to thieves, raising overall 

 – all of which insurers factor into their pricing.

The Ford Focus is known for dependability, but higher-end trims come with larger engines and more advanced features, which can lead to a larger premium. Larger engines = more power and more risk – insurers don’t like too much risk. Add to that rising 

 for certain trims, and your insurance quote can quickly climb compared to entry-level models.

The Nissan Juke or Ford Puma may seem like reliable choices, but they’re surprisingly expensive to insure. High repair costs, especially in the case of

, can be above average for parts and labour. If your car costs more to fix, your insurer will have to pay more in the event of an accident, so they pass that cost to you in their premiums. 

It’s a similar case for electric vehicles – expensive battery packs, longer repair times, and limited availability for parts cost insurers more to cover, so their premiums are higher as a result.

Bumper Finance: Save money without cutting corners

Even with the best insurance, unexpected repairs still crop up out of nowhere – that’s where Bumper helps. If you're hit with a repair bill you weren’t expecting, Bumper offers a stress-free way to cover it. 

 splits the cost into manageable monthly payments. There are no hidden fees and no impact on your credit to check your eligibility. Most approvals take minutes, and you can 

 across the country. Get back on the road without breaking the bank – 

What’s the cheapest car to insure for a 16-year-old?

The Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and Skoda Fabia are some of the cheapest cars to insure for 16-year-olds. Remember: In the UK, you can’t legally drive on public roads until you turn 17. However, if you’re planning ahead, these makes and models are usually a solid choice for new, young drivers.

The lowest car insurance group in the UK is Group 1. Cars in Group 1 are usually the cheapest to insure, and are often small, safe, and cheap to repair. 

Are older or newer vehicles cheaper to insure? 

It depends on the car, but generally, newer vehicles with modern safety systems and security features can be cheaper to insure than older models. However, older cars may have lower value, which can reduce your insurance premium. That said, older cars include fewer features like parking sensors and immobilisers, which could affect premium pricing.

10 cheapest cars to insure in 2025

Whilst it may seem fairly innocuous, the fuel cap on your car serves a few very important roles. Even though they are a simple device they can still become worn or work less effectively over time, and in some cases stop functioning altogether. We’ll explain their main uses and what to do if your fuel cap is loose and what problems it can cause. 

The main purpose of a fuel filler cap is to prevent the fuel from spilling as well as evaporating from the tank. 

Petrol, if left open to the air, will evaporate all its volatile chemicals within hours, causing the fuel to become stale and much less energy dense. The fuel filler cap prevents the liquid from evaporating and therefore retains the fuel's energy. 

If your fuel cap is broken or worn out, and the rubber seal is not making good contact with the filler neck, 

your fuel will evaporate from the tank much faster than normal.

The more obvious consequence is that the 

You may notice that if you don’t drive many miles, and your fuel cap is loose, the engine runs rough after a month or so, or fails to start at all. 

This would be due to the volatile compounds evaporating and the petrol becoming stale. 

If you notice your fuel cap is loose, the only real way to fix it is to buy another one. The mechanism that locks the fuel cap in place, and that seals the fuel from spilling, is all built into the cap itself, so there should be no issue with the filler neck or tank. 

The best place to source a filler cap would be the main dealer parts department, they will be able to supply an exact replacement of the original, ensuring there are no issues with sealing for years to come. 

It’s strongly recommended that you don't drive if your car is missing its fuel filler cap, 

not only would your fuel evaporate, but spills onto the road can be dangerous for multiple reasons. 

Other than the obvious flammable dangers of petrol spilling from your car, fuel on the road can be very dangerous for road users such as motorcyclists or cyclists, as it can make the surface slick as ice. 

If you're in a position where you’ve lost your fuel filler cap, and cannot get home without driving your car, you could try a couple of short-term solutions. 

Buy a universal filler cap in a garage or supermarket - lots of petrol station shops sell ‘universal’ fuel filler caps. Borrow one from another car - ask your friends and family if they have a similar car or make. 

Don’t use a rag or item of clothing (socks are quite common!) as a makeshift cap. 

The porous material can allow the vapour to still pass through, and petrol can still seep out when the fuel sloshes around.

Most of us will have some supermarket bags stowed away in the boot, in a pinch these can be used as a cap, but make sure they don't fall into the tank, fall out or allow dirt into the system. 

Most fuel filler caps are inexpensive, between £15 - £30.

 If however, your fuel cap has a lock built into it, you may find it can cost upwards of £100 to get one that will work with your car key. 

In the event you lose your locking fuel filler cap, an alternative is to buy a universal locking cap, or one from a different car with the key supplied. 

This may mean you need to keep the fuel cap key in your car separately (don't lose it!) but will be cheaper than getting one made to suit your key.

Most manufacturers have their own variation of filler caps, the main differences being the way the devices lock into the filler neck, with some using a half turn, some by the key and so on. 

However as many manufacturers are sharing parts nowadays, you may find some brands fit others, common ones include Volkswagen, Seat and Audi - BMW and Mini - Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rovers - and more! 

You can buy universal fuel caps, usually, each one will be advertised at a specific set of car makes so make sure you’re getting the right one! 

Modern rubber seals and tough plastics mean most drivers will never need to replace a fuel cap in their car’s lifetime. 

Exceptions may be if the cap is damaged by yourself or a previous owner or if you notice fuel leaking from the cap after filing. 

If you’ve noticed petrol around the filler cap of your car after filling, it might be leaking from the fuel cap or from the tank itself: 

Noticing petrol on the floor underneath your car can be indicative of a serious issue, as a leaking tank can be extremely dangerous. 

Firstly, check the location of the leak, if it’s to the rear, on the same side as the petrol cap, there’s a good chance it's from the petrol tank itself. 

Modern cars often use plastic fuel tanks, and there are a few failure points, one being the connection between the filler neck, the tube that runs from the filler cap to the tank, and another being the tank itself. Sometimes the metal straps that hold it in place can wear through the plastic. 

Issues with the fuel filler neck can sometimes be rectified by removing and refitting the connection with new fasteners. However, issues with the main fuel tank will most likely require a new tank assembly. 

If you notice fuel running down the side of your car, particularly shortly after filling up, it may be a sign your fuel cap is not sealing properly. 

Open the fuel filler door and inspect the area for signs of fuel leaking. 

It may be hard to detect leaking fuel in anything but very cold weather, as petrol evaporates readily above freezing temperatures. The best solution may be to buy a new fuel cap and so if that resolves the problem. 

As car issues can quickly get expensive, try Bumper for zero-interest car repair financing, and choose from hundreds of approved partners across the country. Find your nearest approved partner. 

What Happens if your Fuel Cap is Loose?

Was passiert, wenn Ihr Tankdeckel locker ist?

Owning a car gives you freedom, but when something breaks, that freedom can quickly turn into a financial headache.

Suddenly, you’re facing a hefty repair bill and the tricky question: 

is it worth fixing, or is it time to move on?

This ‘repair or sell car’ dilemma is even more common with older cars or those with high mileage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through when it makes sense to repair — and when cutting your losses might be the smarter choice.

How to know if repair bills are too expensive

Depending on what the issue is, there may be quite a bit of information online that can give you an idea of how much your car would cost to fix. This is the first step to establishing if your car is worth keeping or not. 

Here’s how to know if you should repair or sell your car:

There are plenty of online resources that can give you a ballpark figure for common repair jobs. Just remember to factor in local differences. For example, labour costs in London are usually higher than in other parts of the UK. 

You can also check car owner forums for real-world experiences and advice. Sites like Honest John are especially useful for impartial, first-hand insights.

The most reliable way to estimate your car repair costs is to contact local garages directly. Most will want to see the car in person and may even take it for a short test drive before giving advice. 

It’s also important to get more than one quote to make sure you’re getting a competitive price. Remember to check whether VAT is included and factor in the cost of being without your vehicle while it’s being repaired.

Car repairs can add up quickly. Consider 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

If the cost to repair your car is likely to exceed its value, it’s usually not worth fixing. This can change depending on how easy it is to find a comparable replacement.

Deciding whether to repair or sell is tricky because it’s not just about repair costs versus your car’s worth. You also need to consider what you could realistically buy as a replacement. These days, the second-hand market is booming, and you may not be able to get as much for your money as before.

To make an informed decision, take the following factors into account:

Unless priced very competitively, a damaged or broken car is difficult to sell because the market for non-driving vehicles is significantly smaller than that for ones on the road. 

Some buyers may ‘break’ the car for parts, which works best for rare or speciality vehicles like sports or luxury cars. 

Likewise, garages or mechanics may buy a broken car to repair it, but they will offer less if the fault is unknown or hard to diagnose.

Should I repair my car before selling it? 

If you’re struggling to sell a broken or damaged car, it may be worth repairing it first. A working car attracts more buyers and can fetch a higher price. 

Once repaired, it’s a good idea to get a new MOT to reassure the buyer that the car has no outstanding faults.

While selling a car is simple these days, it involves more than just putting it online. 

There are a few key steps beforehand that can help you get the best price and avoid problems down the line, such as:

If your car requires significant repairs and is not worth trying to sell while broken, there could be another option available to you.

Car repair finance can help spread the cost of the work, making it easier to get your vehicle back on the road without paying the full amount upfront. That’s where Bumper comes in! Learn about our 

If a car can’t be fixed, you have a few options. Owners may sell it for parts, scrap it at a licensed facility, or use car recycling services to recover value and dispose of it responsibly. As always, research these three options before choosing one.

Knowing your car’s value is essential before selling or repairing it. If you don’t, you might undersell and not get a reasonable price!

To determine how much it’s worth, check online price guides, compare listings for similar models, consider mileage, condition, and service history, and get quotes from dealers or car buying services.

No matter your vehicle, deciding whether to repair or sell a broken car isn’t always straightforward, but weighing the costs and potential resale value can help you make the right choice.

With careful planning, you can minimise losses and get the best outcome for your situation — so, make sure you think carefully before you make the all-important decision!

Repairing your car can be expensive. However, you don’t have to pay the fee in one go. 

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

Should You Fix Your Broken Car or Buy a New One?

Whilst very small, and hidden away out of sight, the fuel filter is a component present in every petrol or diesel-engined car, which contributes a significant amount to the smooth running and reliability of modern vehicles. 

This article will go into the ins and outs of fuel filters, including how they work, when to change them, how much a replacement fuel filter costs and more. 

It may seem self-explanatory, but it's important to understand the role of fuel filtration in modern cars, which is more vital than ever. 

Once refined from crude oil, the petrol or diesel may well travel thousands of miles to get to your tank. During this time it will travel through ageing pipes, tanks and valves. 

All this results in an end product that is often quite far from perfect, with sediment, dirt and other impurities being present. Due to the traditional usage and production diesel tends to contain more impurities than petrol. 

How much do fuel filters cost to replace?

The average cost to replace a fuel filter is £105, with prices ranging from £70 on older/simpler cars, and up to £150 on premium/luxury brands. 

Split the cost of car repairs into monthly payments at 1000s of garages and dealerships. 

Often fitted in line with the fuel line, between the fuel tank and the fuel system in the engine bay, all fuel flow is routed through the filter, and subsequently through the filter elements. Any pieces of debris or dirt are captured in the filter elements, preventing them from entering the fuel system or engine. 

Almost all fuel filters fall into one of two categories; inline and cartridge. 

 is a plastic or metal unit with tube connectors in each end, a flexible fuel hose is connected to these, with the fuel line passing through the unit from one end to another. 

 use a plastic housing with a removable ‘bowl’, inside the bowl sits the filter element. To replace the filter element, the bowl is unscrewed, the filter replaced and the bowl re-attached. 

There is no inherent benefit to either type, and the type of replacement filter you need to buy will depend entirely on the manufacturer’s design - it’s important to note the two types are not interchangeable - most garages or auto parts stores will be able to search up which part you need.

How often should you replace a fuel filter?

Fuel filters should be replaced every 30,000 miles or two years of use

, but check your car’s manual for more precise information. 

As the fuel filter is not an overly expensive service item, it’s not worth neglecting to change it as part of your bi-yearly service schedule. 

Major services will typically include a fuel filter as standard.

 While the car is on a lift, it would be a relatively simple job for a mechanic to replace it. 

For more information on what services include, check out our 

Over time the elements become fully saturated with debris, and will both allow some contaminants to pass through, as well as restricting fuel flow to the engine, causing starting and running issues. 

Some cars have larger filters that can last longer between changes, but even these will need replacing after they’ve been functioning as intended for a long period of time. 

What happens if you don't change your fuel filter?

Naturally, a good uninhibited supply of fuel is vital to an internal combustion engine, but there are various problems that can indicate you may benefit from replacing your fuel filter: 

Will a new fuel filter improve performance?

Yes, if your fuel filter is very old, there is a good chance a replacement one will improve engine performance. In modern cars, engine fueling is adjusted to take account for the quality and pressure of the fuel supply. A new fuel filter will allow a better fuel flow to the engine, meaning improved performance may be noticed. 

Changing a fuel filter is a relatively simple process. As many inline filters are near the fuel tank, you’ll likely need to get underneath the car - which requires extreme caution and attention. 

If you have the space, tools and expertise to safely jack up and support your vehicle, the only other tools needed are basic hand tools including screwdrivers and pliers to pull off the fuel lines. 

If you are at all unsure about jacking and supporting your vehicle, and your fuel filter is underneath the car, do not attempt to change it yourself, we’d suggest including it as part of your service via one of our 

Split the cost with Bumper at 1000s of approved partners. 

Fuel Filters: Everything You Need To Know 

With many people changing their cars every 2-3 years, getting the best deal on a car can save some serious cash. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the cheapest way to buy a new car and the best places to look. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading now to secure your next deal!

Cheapest way to buy a car - the top 9 strategies 

From cash transactions to buying at the right time, these are the cheapest ways to get a car in the UK. 

If you can afford to, buying a car with cash is always the most cost-effective option. It can avoid the downsides of the above finance options and work out considerably cheaper, but there are still points to consider. 

The finance vs cash decision is something that can take quite a bit of deliberation. Whilst financing can allow you to purchase a more expensive car without needing to outlay a large chunk of cash, it can end up costing significantly more in interest. 

Cars grow older and out of fashion and their prices drop significantly. This might not be the best option if you’re looking for a new, shiny car. However, it's a great way to get a good deal if you’re not fussed about brand names or car age.

Advice

Top 11 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in the UK

10 cheapest cars to insure in 2025

What Happens if your Fuel Cap is Loose?

Should You Fix Your Broken Car or Buy a New One?

Fuel Filters: Everything You Need To Know

Most Cost Effective Ways To Buy A Car

How Long Can You Leave A Car Without Starting It?

The Average Car Running Costs & How To Budget Them