Cheapest-to-Fix Cars When the 'Check Engine' Light Goes On
Image caption: Hyundai was found to have the lowest check-engine-related repair costs at an average $306 per visit. Here, the 2018 Elantra Sedan.
Buying a pre-owned car or truck tends to be punctuated with question marks, particularly with regard to a vehicle’s mechanical condition. While the prudent course of action when considering any used vehicle is to take it to a trusted mechanic for a proper inspection, it’s a fact of life that an older car will almost certainly require an occasional trip to the shop for repairs, with the expense coming directly out of an owner’s pocket.
But as many motorists can attest, some cars inherently cost more than others to keep running. To that end, the statisticians are the auto-service website CarMD.com just compiled their annual Vehicle Health Index that highlights the cars and trucks from previous model years that are the least-expensive to repair when the “check engine” light on the instrument panel illuminates. The results are based upon reported repairs from Oct. 1, 2016 – Sept. 30, 2017 for 4.2 million cars and trucks from the 1996 through 2017 model years,
We’re featuring the 10 cheapest-to-fix used cars, noting average “check engine” repair costs in the accompanying box.
Among vehicle brands, Hyundai was found to exact the lowest check-engine-related repair costs at an average $306 per visit, followed by Mazda ($310), Kia ($317), Chrysler ($336), and Dodge ($341).
The vehicle CarMD.com determined has the lowest repair costs when the check engine light flashes on is the (since discontinued) 2012 Mazda5 compact minivan, with an average cost per visit of just $109. In addition to a field of otherwise more-sedate sedans and SUVs, one bona fide sports car made the list, namely the Chevrolet Camaro with an average repair cost of $172.
It should be noted, however, that check-engine-light repairs are generally related to a vehicle’s emissions system, with the most common symptom being a loose gas cap. Vehicles that have a high percentage of finicky gas caps often have lower average repair costs, simply because the issue is so cheap to resolve, either by simply tightening a loose gas cap (free) or having a defective one replaced for around $10.
On the other hand, among the costliest common repairs is to replace the car’s catalytic converter at an estimated $1,190 or more, says CarMD.com But the highest-cost (though extremely rare) check-engine fixes include replacing the cylinder head assembly and spark plugs at an average $2,493, and the budget busting full engine replacement at a whopping $7,124.
Of course, labor costs may be higher or lower where you live, given the local prevailing wages for auto mechanics and other factors. According to CarMD.com, those living in the Northeast U.S. pay the most for check engine fixes, while Midwestern motorists enjoy the cheapest average repairs. Costs can also vary according to a vehicle’s age and how well or poorly it’s otherwise been maintained. The full 2017 Vehicle Health Index with year-over-year scores and top 100 vehicle rankings, along with other valuable information, can be found at CarMD.com.
10 Cheapest-To-Fix Used Cars
Average check-engine-light-related repair costs:
1. 2012 Mazda5 compact minivan: $109.
2. 2014 Kia Forte compact sedan: $150.
3. 2015 Chevrolet Traverse midsize SUV: $153.
4. 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan: $155.
5. 2015 GMC Acadia midsize SUV: $156.
6. 2014 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan: $167
7. 2015 Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan: $167.
8. 2014 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan: $167.
9. 2011 Kia Sportage compact SUV: $172.
10. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe: $172.
Source: CarMD.com.
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