For many people, owning a car isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a rite of passage. But the financial costs of owning a car can’t be ignored. According to Newsweek, Americans spend nearly 20% of their monthly income on their vehicles.

Between insurance, interest rates, and gas prices, buying a car is a big financial decision. While you can reduce the cost of car ownership by paying with cash and shopping around for the best car insurance plan, your best bet is to buy a reliable car.

If you buy the right car and maintain it, you can likely drive it until the wheels fall off. (Hopefully, not while you’re actually driving it.) But which cars are the most reliable? Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers and asked if their cars experienced 20 common problems in the last year. The survey included more than 330,000 cars made between 2000 and 2024. Let’s look at the top four most reliable cars.

1. Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is known for its off-road capabilities and durability, making it a popular choice for folks who love the outdoors. The mid-size SUV offers more space than a sedan, powerful engine options, and advanced 4-wheel drive that is ideal for off-roading or driving the kids to school in the snow.

The price of a new 4Runner will run you between $40,000 and $50,000, but there are also plenty of used options available near me for under $20,000.

2. Toyota Camry Hybrid

While I wasn’t surprised to see a Camry on the most reliable car list, I was surprised to find the hybrid version. The first generation of the Camry Hybrid was released in 2007, so Toyota has had plenty of time to work out any issues. The hybrid Camry body is similar to the standard Camry, with a simple frame, four doors, and no fancy lines. Some models come with added features like a moonroof, spoilers, and sport mesh grilles.

What the hybrid lacks in excitement, though, it makes up for in reliability and gas mileage. The average Camry Hybrid gets between 40 and 50 miles per gallon, which means you’ll spend far less at the gas station. New Camry Hybrids will set you back around $30,000, while a used model averages around $20,000.

3. Toyota Camry

Ah, the reliable Toyota Camry. This car has been a staple on “drive it until it dies” lists for as long as I can remember. This midsize sedan has been around since the 1980s and can often last 200,000-plus miles with regular maintenance. The car features four full-sized doors, a large trunk, and plenty of legroom.

The price of a Camry can vary dramatically by model and year, with used cars averaging around $10,000 or less. While a Camry won’t turn heads, it will be kind to your wallet.

4. Toyota RAV4 Prime

The RAV4 Prime is a hybrid SUV known for balancing performance and efficiency. By combining an electric motor and a gasoline engine, it offers an eco-friendly but powerful driving experience. All models offer 4-wheel drive (hence the name) and some models come with added features like a sunroof, lane departure alerts, and touch screen navigation.

Cost-wise, however, this is one of the most expensive on our list. Since the Prime model was first released in 2021, most of the cars are newer. The RAV4 Prime will set you back around $43,000 new, while used versions start around $38,000.

Reduce car costs even more

Buying a reliable car that will last can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs over the years. Another way to reduce the cost of owning a car is to choose the most affordable car insurance. Just be careful not to sacrifice insurance coverage for cost or you may find yourself making car payments on a car you can’t drive after an accident.

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