15 Classic Cars That Are Surprisingly Affordable to Maintain

Classic cars have a special place in many people’s hearts. They remind us of simpler times and bring back memories of our youth. But owning a classic car isn’t just for the rich and famous anymore. Many classic cars are actually quite affordable to maintain, making them a realistic option for everyday car enthusiasts.

In this blog post, I’ll share 15 classic cars that won’t break the bank when it comes to upkeep.

Ford Mustang

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The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car. It’s easy to find parts for this car because so many were made. Mechanics know how to work on Mustangs, which keeps repair costs down. The simple engine design makes it easy for owners to do some maintenance themselves. These early Mustangs are tough and can handle daily driving without much fuss.

Chevrolet Camaro

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Chevy’s answer to the Mustang is another affordable classic. Like the Mustang, Camaro parts are widely available. The straightforward V8 engine is easy to work on and doesn’t need fancy tools. Many Camaro owners enjoy doing their own basic maintenance, which saves money. These cars were built to last, so they don’t need constant repairs.

Volkswagen Beetle

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The VW Beetle is one of the most recognizable cars ever made. Its simple air-cooled engine has few parts that can break. Beetle parts are cheap and easy to find. Many mechanics know how to fix these cars, so labor costs are usually low. The Beetle’s design makes it easy for owners to do basic repairs themselves.

MGB

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This British sports car is fun to drive and easy to maintain. MGB parts are still made today and are affordable. The car’s simple design means less can go wrong. Many MGB owners do their own repairs, saving on mechanic costs. These cars are tough and can handle regular use without major issues.

Chevrolet C10 Pickup

Image Credit: “1980 GMC C10” by dave_7 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Classic trucks are becoming more popular, and the C10 is a great choice. Its simple design means fewer things to break. Parts for these trucks are cheap and easy to find. The roomy engine bay makes it easy to work on. Many C10 owners enjoy doing their own maintenance, which keeps costs down.

Datsun 240Z

Image Credit: “Datsun 240Z” by FotoSleuth is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This Japanese sports car is both stylish and affordable to maintain. The 240Z has a simple, reliable engine that doesn’t need much work. Parts are still available and reasonably priced. Many mechanics are familiar with these cars, so labor costs are usually fair. The car’s design makes basic maintenance easy for owners to do themselves.

Dodge Dart

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The Dodge Dart is a solid, dependable classic car. Its simple design means there’s less to go wrong. Parts for Darts are still widely available and affordable. Many mechanics know how to work on these cars, keeping labor costs down. Dart owners often do their own basic maintenance, which saves money in the long run.

Ford F-100

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This classic pickup truck is both stylish and practical. F-100 parts are easy to find and reasonably priced. The simple engine design makes repairs straightforward. Many F-100 owners enjoy working on their own trucks, which saves on mechanic costs. These trucks were built to last, so they don’t need constant repairs.

Chevrolet Nova

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The Nova is a classic American car that’s affordable to keep running. Parts for Novas are widely available and reasonably priced. The car’s simple design makes repairs easier and less expensive. Many Nova owners do their own basic maintenance, which saves money. These cars were built to be tough, so they can handle regular use without major issues.

Triumph Spitfire

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This small British sports car is fun to drive and easy to maintain. Spitfire parts are still made today and are affordable. The car’s simple design means less can go wrong. Many Spitfire owners enjoy doing their own repairs, saving on mechanic costs. These cars are surprisingly tough and can handle daily driving without much trouble.

Plymouth Valiant

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The Plymouth Valiant is a reliable and easy-to-maintain classic car. Its simple design means fewer things can break. Parts for Valiants are still available and reasonably priced. Many mechanics are familiar with these cars, so labor costs are usually fair. The car’s layout makes it easy for owners to do basic maintenance themselves.

MG Midget

Image Credit: “MG Midget Mk. III, 1972” by aldenjewell is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This tiny British sports car is both cute and affordable to keep running. Midget parts are still made and are reasonably priced. The car’s simple design makes repairs straightforward. Many Midget owners do their own maintenance, which saves on mechanic costs. These cars are tougher than they look and can handle regular use without major issues.

Ford Falcon

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The Ford Falcon is a practical classic car that’s easy on the wallet. Falcon parts are still widely available and affordable. The car’s simple engine design makes repairs less complicated. Many mechanics know how to work on these cars, keeping labor costs down. Falcon owners often do their own basic maintenance, which saves money in the long run.

Chevrolet Corvair

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The Corvair is a unique classic with a rear-mounted engine. Despite its unusual design, parts are still available and reasonably priced. Many mechanics are familiar with Corvairs, so labor costs are usually fair. The car’s layout makes some maintenance tasks easy for owners to do themselves. These cars were built to be durable, so they don’t need constant repairs.

Pontiac Firebird

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The Pontiac Firebird is a stylish muscle car that’s surprisingly affordable to maintain. Firebird parts are easy to find and reasonably priced. The car’s straightforward design makes repairs less complicated. Many Firebird owners enjoy working on their own cars, which saves on mechanic costs. These cars were built to be tough, so they can handle regular use without major issues.

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Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced writer and editor who enjoys researching topics related to lifestyle and creating content on gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. She spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries. Check out some of her works on Mastermind Quotes.