10 Cheapest Cars To Buy, Maintain and Keep in 2024

Acquiring a car involves careful consideration, particularly when aiming to find one within your budget. Unfortunately, opting for cheaper cars can sometimes lead to unexpected burdens due to high maintenance costs. Some vehicles may demand frequent maintenance, lacking the durability needed for long-term use. In this article, we’ll delve into ten affordable cars that not only fit your budget but also offer ease of maintenance and longevity in 2024.

1. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a favourite among Nigerian drivers because it’s popular, affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It has comfortable seats and safety features to keep you safe on the road. Plus, it is very fuel-efficient, so you don’t have to spend too much. It has a fuel efficiency of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway, delivering about 9.8 km/L to 13.6 m/L. With different versions to choose from, like all-wheel-drive and hybrid models, the Camry gives you a reliable ride without breaking the bank. Depending on the model, the price of a new Camry ranges from 5 million naira to 18 million naira, 1 million to 10 million naira for Tokunbo (foreign used ones), and 400 thousand to 5 million naira for locally used ones.

 2. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a standout option for those seeking a fuel-efficient, budget-friendly, and durable ride. Equipped with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, it achieves an average of 30 miles per gallon (mpg), ensuring cost-effective operations for drivers. It also doesn’t guzzle fuel, delivering around 10 to 13.7 kilometres per litre. Toyota Corolla has low maintenance costs, too, and spare parts are readily available in Nigeria when you need them. With prices ranging from 1.6 million to 2.5 million Naira for a foreign-used one, it’s an affordable choice that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

3. Honda Accord

Next on our list is the Honda Accord. The Accord is the least expensive Honda model to maintain in Nigeria, which is one of the reasons it is quite dominant on Nigerian roads. The car’s basic routine maintenance doesn’t cost much money. It is a recommended car because it saves fuel, is durable, has a low maintenance cost, and has swift control. Depending on its condition, you can get a used Honda Accord for less than N2 million in Nigeria. 

4. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is another car known for its reliability, practicality, and strong resale value. It has a powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine with 296 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission for stability and precision on the road. Despite its size, the Sienna remains fuel-efficient, with a consumption rate of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, ensuring cost-effectiveness for daily commutes or long trips. Inside, the Sienna offers a modern interior design with spacious seating for up to eight passengers, including premium materials and adjustable configurations for comfort.

Infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities, with higher trims offering a larger touch screen, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Moreover, its maintenance cost remains reasonable, enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious buyers. You can get a foreign used Toyota for 1. 6 million naira 

5. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is stylish, comfortable, cheap, easy to maintain, and keep. A reliable four-cylinder engine with variable automatic CVT transmission powers it. The Honda Civic has impressive performance. It has a good fuel efficiency, ranging from 12.3 Km/L to 13.9 Km/L. The Honda Civic also requires low maintenance. You can get a used Honda Civic for 1 million to 1.3 million naira.

6. Lexus RX 300

The Lexus RX 300 is another durable car that is easy to maintain and budget-friendly. The Lexus RX300 stands out as a symbol of luxury and affordability in Nigeria’s car market. Do you need a car that’s cheap and classy? This is it. Its plush interior, advanced features, and smooth ride quality redefine comfort on the road. While traditionally associated with luxury, the RX300’s reliability, affordability and efficiency make it a great choice. It can be bought for as little as 1.5 million naira.

7. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is another good option for budget-friendly and easy-to-maintain cars in Nigeria. Despite its small size, its 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine has an impressive average fuel consumption of 32 mpg, surpassing that of many larger vehicles. While its acceleration may not be the quickest, it’s more than adequate for city journeys. With its reliability and manageable maintenance costs, the Yaris ensures cost-effectiveness over time. It is actually spacious inside, thanks to its compact engine and short bonnet. In Nigeria, the price of a foreign-used Toyota Yaris typically ranges from 2 million to 7 million Naira, depending on the model year and condition. Meanwhile, Nigerian-used Yaris models can be found for as low as 1 million Naira and up to 4 million Naira. 

8. Toyota RAV4 

Another car that is cheap, easy to maintain, and easy to keep is the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 has robust construction and versatile performance to meet your needs. It is equipped with a high clearance and smooth suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rugged terrain. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the RAV4 excels. With its efficient engines and innovative technology, it saves on fuel costs while delivering ample power. The RAV4 achieves an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, making it a fuel-efficient choice. Additionally, it offers all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in slippery conditions. Moreover, the Toyota RAV4 is easy to maintain due to the availability of its parts in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the price of a foreign-used Toyota RAV4 ranges from 3 million to 18 million Naira, while Nigerian-used models can be purchased for approximately 1.5 million to 5 million Naira. 

9. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a compact car with unique features. It’s available in sedan or hatchback variants. It seamlessly blends durability with efficiency. With an estimated fuel economy ranging from approximately 10.6 km/L to 13.9 km/L, it excels in both performance and cost-effectiveness. With prices starting at 1.2 million Naira, the Mazda 3 presents an attractive option for drivers seeking a blend of elegance, versatility, and affordability in their vehicle selection. Additionally, the Mazda 3 has a low maintenance cost, further enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious drivers.

10. Honda CR-V

Last but definitely not least is the Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V is another car that is also quite cheap. It is also easy to maintain and has good fuel efficiency. It has built-in safety features, an interior that’s easy to clean, and a spacious cabin. It is very durable, and its’ spare parts are readily available in the Nigerian market. Even though it has an SUV feel, the CR-V is quite affordable. You can get used models ranging from around N2,000,000 to N3,500,000 in Nigeria.