Cheapest Cars to Run in the UK (2026)
Ranked by estimated annual running costs, using 55,601,509 MOT tests. Fuel, road tax, MOT, and a repair allowance included.
Pass rates: DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included. Fuel at 174.57p a litre for petrol and 199.33p for diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026). Insurance and depreciation excluded.
£980
Cheapest per year
£2,160
Average in our list
£3,503
Most expensive per year
Check Any Car's Running Costs Instantly
Enter a reg plate to get a personalised cost breakdown for any specific car, not just model averages.
The difference between running the cheapest and most expensive cars in our list is staggering: £2,523 per year. That's the difference between a small, reliable car and a thirsty older model with a poor MOT record.
Most "cheapest cars to run" guides rely on manufacturer claims. Ours start from real MOT test data from the DVSA, combined with average pump prices, road tax rates, and a repair allowance based on each model's MOT pass rate. Fuel use is estimated from engine size and fuel type. A car with a 90%+ MOT pass rate will cost you far less in repairs than one that fails every other year.
Electric cars lead the list because we cost their charging at about £555 a year, which assumes you can charge at home.
Top 20 Cheapest Cars to Run in the UK
Lowest estimated annual running costs across all fuel types and ages. Road tax is the standard rate, without the £440 expensive car supplement.
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW i3(2016) | 88% | £980 | |
| 2 | Tesla Model S(2016) | 85% | £980 | |
| 3 | Tesla Model S(2015) | 82% | £980 | |
| 4 | Nissan Leaf(2016) | 80% | £980 | |
| 5 | Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 6 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium EV(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 7 | Lexus UX 300E(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 8 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate EV(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 9 | Jaguar I-Pace(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 10 | Porsche Taycan 4S 93KWH(2020) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 11 | Ford Mustang Mach-E Ext Range Awd(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 12 | Jaguar I-Pace Hse(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 13 | Mazda MX-30 GT Sport Tech EV(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 14 | Jaguar I-Pace Black(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 15 | Nissan Leaf(2021) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 16 | Jaguar I-Pace(2019) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 17 | Audi E-Tron Technik 50 Quattro(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 18 | Audi E-Tron Technik 50 Quattro(2021) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 19 | MINI Cooper S Electric Level 3(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 20 | Hyundai Kona Ultimate EV(2021) | 94% | £1,010 |
Considering buying one of these?
Check the specific car's MOT history before you buy. Our free check gives you a health score, mileage verification, and personalised running cost estimate.
Free Car CheckWhat Makes a Car Cheap to Run?
Fuel
The biggest variable. A small petrol car doing 50 mpg costs around £1,175/year at average mileage. A 3.0-litre doing 30 mpg costs £1,958. That's £783/year difference on fuel alone.
Road Tax (VED)
Cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat £200/year (plus £440 a year for five years if they cost over £40,000 new, or over £50,000 for electric cars). Cars registered from March 2001 to March 2017 pay by CO2 band, from £20 (up to 110 g/km) up to £790 for the highest emitters. Older cars pay £230 or £375, depending on engine size.
Repairs
This is where reliability data matters. We allow around £200/year for repairs on cars with 90%+ MOT pass rates, rising to £700 for cars below 70%.
MOT
Up to £54.85/year for a car (the maximum fee; some garages charge less). It barely varies by model. But failing the MOT triggers repair costs, which is why pass rate matters so much.
Cheapest Petrol Cars to Run
Small-engine petrol cars dominate this list, especially pre-2017 models with low tax bands.
Top 10 Cheapest Petrol Cars
Petrol models only, ranked by annual running cost
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suzuki Celerio(2016) | 91% | £1,450 | |
| 2 | Toyota iQ(2014) | 91% | £1,450 | |
| 3 | Mitsubishi Mirage(2016) | 90% | £1,600 | |
| 4 | Toyota Aygo(2016) | 89% | £1,600 | |
| 5 | Suzuki Celerio(2015) | 88% | £1,600 | |
| 6 | Toyota iQ(2013) | 88% | £1,600 | |
| 7 | Toyota Aygo(2015) | 87% | £1,600 | |
| 8 | Peugeot 108(2016) | 87% | £1,600 | |
| 9 | Hyundai i20(2016) | 87% | £1,600 | |
| 10 | Vauxhall Viva(2016) | 87% | £1,600 |
Cheapest Diesel Cars to Run
Diesel makes most sense for drivers who cover a lot of miles, where the better fuel economy can outweigh the higher price per litre.
Top 10 Cheapest Diesel Cars
Diesel models only, ranked by annual running cost
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SEAT Ateca(2016) | 91% | £1,644 | |
| 2 | MINI Paceman(2016) | 91% | £1,644 | |
| 3 | Volkswagen Golf(2016) | 90% | £1,644 | |
| 4 | Audi A3(2016) | 90% | £1,644 | |
| 5 | Honda CR-V(2015) | 90% | £1,644 | |
| 6 | MINI One(2016) | 90% | £1,644 | |
| 7 | Smart (MCC) Fortwo(2014) | 87% | £1,644 | |
| 8 | Skoda Roomster(2015) | 85% | £1,644 | |
| 9 | Kia Rio(2015) | 84% | £1,644 | |
| 10 | Skoda Roomster(2014) | 84% | £1,644 |
Cheapest Cars to Run by Age
Your budget determines your car's age. Here are the cheapest options at each age bracket.
Cheapest to Run: Up to 5 Years Old
The newest cars in our MOT data, still affordable to run
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium EV(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 2 | Lexus UX 300E(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 3 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate EV(2021) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 4 | Jaguar I-Pace(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 5 | Ford Mustang Mach-E Ext Range Awd(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 6 | Jaguar I-Pace Hse(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 7 | Mazda MX-30 GT Sport Tech EV(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 8 | Jaguar I-Pace Black(2021) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 9 | Nissan Leaf(2021) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 10 | Audi E-Tron Technik 50 Quattro(2021) | 94% | £1,010 |
Cheapest to Run: 6 to 8 Years Old
The used car sweet spot: low price, reasonable reliability
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguar I-Pace(2020) | 96% | £1,010 | |
| 2 | Porsche Taycan 4S 93KWH(2020) | 95% | £1,010 | |
| 3 | Jaguar I-Pace(2019) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 4 | Audi E-Tron Technik 50 Quattro(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 5 | MINI Cooper S Electric Level 3(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 6 | Porsche Taycan Turbo(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 7 | Porsche Taycan 4S 79KWH(2020) | 94% | £1,010 | |
| 8 | BMW i3(2020) | 93% | £1,010 | |
| 9 | BMW i3(2019) | 93% | £1,010 | |
| 10 | Audi E-Tron(2020) | 93% | £1,010 |
Cheapest to Run: Over 8 Years Old
Bargain purchase prices, but reliability becomes critical
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW i3(2016) | 88% | £980 | |
| 2 | Tesla Model S(2016) | 85% | £980 | |
| 3 | Tesla Model S(2015) | 82% | £980 | |
| 4 | Nissan Leaf(2016) | 80% | £980 | |
| 5 | BMW i3(2017) | 90% | £1,010 | |
| 6 | Tesla Model S(2014) | 79% | £1,130 | |
| 7 | Nissan Leaf(2015) | 78% | £1,130 | |
| 8 | Renault Zoe(2015) | 76% | £1,130 | |
| 9 | Renault Zoe(2016) | 76% | £1,130 | |
| 10 | Nissan Leaf(2014) | 74% | £1,130 |
How Much Does Your Car Cost to Run?
These are model averages. The actual cost depends on the specific car's condition and history. Check any reg plate for a personalised breakdown.
Most Expensive Cars to Run in the UK
These come out as the most expensive to keep on the road in our estimates: large engines, poorer MOT pass rates and bigger repair allowances. Engine size and fuel come from the MOT records for each model and year, so where a model was sold with several engines, the one used here may not match the car you are looking at.
10 Most Expensive Cars to Run
Highest estimated annual running costs
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kia Sorento(2004) | 65% | £3,503 | |
| 2 | Kia Sorento(2005) | 66% | £3,503 | |
| 3 | Rover 75(2004) | 69% | £3,503 | |
| 4 | Land Rover Freelander(2006) | 70% | £3,303 | |
| 5 | Chrysler Grand Voyager(2006) | 71% | £3,303 | |
| 6 | Chrysler Grand Voyager(2005) | 73% | £3,303 | |
| 7 | Volkswagen Caravelle(2006) | 73% | £3,303 | |
| 8 | Volkswagen Caravelle(2005) | 73% | £3,303 | |
| 9 | Mitsubishi Shogun(2003) | 73% | £3,303 | |
| 10 | Volvo XC90(2006) | 73% | £3,303 |
How to Keep Your Running Costs Down
Buy a car with a high MOT pass rate
This is the single biggest factor you can control. In our estimates, a car with a 90%+ pass rate costs hundreds less in repairs than one at 70%. See our reliability rankings.
Check the MOT history before buying
A car's individual history matters more than the model average. Two identical cars can have wildly different maintenance records. Run a free check here.
Consider pre-2017 small cars for low tax
Cars registered between March 2001 and March 2017 with low CO2 emissions can pay as little as £20/year in road tax, compared to the flat £200 for newer cars.
Match fuel type to your mileage
Low mileage? Petrol is usually the cheaper choice. Diesel only starts to pay off for drivers who cover a lot of miles. Electric is cheapest for fuel if you can charge at home.
Watch for mileage clocking
A clocked car will have hidden wear and higher repair costs than its odometer suggests. Our free check flags mileage discrepancies automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car to run in the UK?
In our data, the BMW i3 (2016) is one of 4 cars level at the top of the list, at an estimated £980 a year for fuel, road tax, MOT and repairs (insurance and depreciation not included). The repair allowance is based on its 88% MOT pass rate. Electric cars lead because we cost their charging at about £555 a year, which assumes you can charge at home.
How much does the average car cost to run per year?
The average car in our list costs about £2,160 a year to run, excluding insurance and depreciation. The cheapest cost around £980, while the most expensive come to about £3,503.
Are diesel cars cheaper to run than petrol?
It depends on your mileage. Diesel cars usually go further on a litre, but diesel costs more per litre (199.33p against 174.57p a litre, GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices for the week of 19 October 2026). For average mileage (7,400 miles a year), small petrol cars are usually cheaper overall. Drivers who cover a lot of miles may save with diesel.
Are electric cars cheap to run?
Electric cars have the lowest fuel costs if you can charge at home: we estimate around £555 a year. Since April 2025 they pay road tax too: the £200 standard rate for cars registered from April 2017, and £20 a year for most older ones. In our data they also tend to have high MOT pass rates, which keeps the repair allowance low. The main barrier is the higher purchase price.
How do you calculate running costs?
We estimate fuel from engine size, fuel type and average UK mileage (7,400 miles a year) with petrol at 174.57p and diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026). Electric cars get a flat £555 a year for charging, and hybrids are costed as petrol cars, so their real fuel bill is usually lower. Road tax is estimated from the registration year and engine size. Repairs are an allowance based on the model's MOT pass rate: higher pass rates mean fewer faults and lower repair bills. The MOT is counted at £55 (the maximum fee for a car is £54.85). Insurance is excluded as it varies too much by driver.
Can I check the running costs of a specific car?
Yes. Enter any UK reg plate into our free car check to get a personalised running cost estimate based on that specific vehicle's MOT history, engine size, and fuel type, rather than just model averages.
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The most and least reliable cars ranked by MOT pass rate
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Browse running cost estimates for every make and model
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Methodology
Running costs are estimated from DVSA MOT test data (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included) combined with GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices for the week of 19 October 2026 (petrol 174.57p/L, diesel 199.33p/L), estimated road tax (VED) at GOV.UK rates, the MOT fee (up to £54.85; we use £55), and a repair allowance based on each model's MOT pass rate. Annual mileage is assumed at 7,400 miles (UK average). Fuel use is estimated from engine size and fuel type, which come from the MOT records for each model year and may not match every car of that model. Electric cars are costed at a flat £555 a year for charging and hybrids as petrol cars. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars). That supplement is not included here. Only cars with 1,000+ MOT tests that were old enough for a routine MOT in 2024 are included; vans, motorhomes and taxis are left out, as are model years whose electric label does not fit the model. Insurance and depreciation are excluded as they vary significantly by driver circumstances and purchase price. Data sourced from the DVSA under the Open Government Licence v3.0.