Easy-to-work-on cars don’t only favor a buyer; it is also advantageous to mechanics, especially beginners. Opting for such cars not only saves time but reduces your trip to the mechanic. Which also translates to minimal repair costs.
So whether you’re starting as a mechanic or opting to get a ride, it’s expedient to know what awaits you. Here, we’ve outlined the easiest car to work on as well as a number of other easy-to-work-on cars. As this will help narrow down your choices on which car to buy or accept into your garage as a mechanic.
What qualifies a car as an easy-to-work-on on car?
How do you know a car that is so easy to work on, considering there are other options with complex repairs? The first thing to look at is the accessibility and cost of replacement parts. If the parts are cheap and readily available, then getting such a car is a good buy.
The second to look at is how easy it is to access certain components of the vehicle, which most times has to do with the vehicle size. Generally, cars with bigger space under the hood make it easier to access damaged components or parts needing replacement.
With smaller rooms under the hood, the repair process becomes tedious and time-consuming, invariably heightening the repair cost as well, especially if you’re opting for a mechanic. With this knowledge, let’s look at the easiest car to work on as well as other options.
Easiest cars to work on
Here are cars you will find very easy to work on.
1. Toyota Tacoma
Generally, the easiest car to work on is a pickup truck. Most pickup trucks are easy to work on due to their designs. Typically, these cars come with larger engine bay sizes, providing enough room to access certain components at ease.
So, it’s safe to say pickup trucks are the easiest cars to work on in the world. Thankfully, the Toyota Tacoma falls under this category. Aside from having enough space under the hood to work on, the Toyota Tacoma parts are readily available on the market.
This is possible as they’ve been manufacturing this model for over four decades without any serious changes to its design. Even more interesting is its alluring design, strong performance and use of safety features keeping drivers’ minds at peace.
2. Jeep Wrangler
Another powerful yet easy-to-repair car is the Jeep Wrangler. This off-roader not only comes with easy-to-access internal components, but it also has a beautiful body design and powerful engine. Its parts are affordable and readily available, as you can get them at any Jeep (part or auto repair) shop.
Beautifully, this car is very reliable, so even if repairs come, it will be low. The estimated annual maintenance cost for a Jeep Wrangler is totaled at $200. Unfortunately, only Jeep Wranglers made before 2005 with the 4.0L inline are this easy to work on. Later years with the 3.6 and 3.7L engines are hard to work on.
3. Subaru
Almost all Subarus are easy to work on, thanks to the manufacturer’s design layout. In Subaru, like the BRZ and Outback, each component under the hood is carefully color-coded, making it very easy to identify parts during repairs or replacements.
In most Subaru, you will find the oil filter mounted on the engine top; this not only grants easy access, but you also don’t need to go under the hood. Whether you’re a mechanic or intend to buy a car, if you’re scouting for the easiest car brands to work on, you might want to consider a Subaru.
However, some models are plagued with head gaskets and oil consumption issues. If you ever need a used car, stay away from those models. More so, most of them are equipped with AWD which can be difficult to fix compared to rear or front wheel drive.
4. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is one very popular option in the market, so its replacement parts are readily available. However, it’s worth noting that this car, instead of a belt, uses a timing chain as well as a four-speed automatic transmission instead of 6 or 8-speed, so repairs are somewhat complicated to do.
Moreso, while its design has not changed much over the years, modern technologies in some models may hamper the ease of repairs.
5. Lada Niva
The Lada Niva, launched in 1977, is the first-ever unibody off-road car produced in mass worldwide. While it has been in production for so long, this elegantly classic car still remains a favorite to many users. Thanks to its friendly and easy-to-work design.
Replacement parts are inexpensive and very accessible as you can find them in any auto parts shop. Generally, Lada vehicles do not need any special skill to fix; literally, anyone can learn how to fix it themselves. Hence, making it the easiest car to work on for beginners.
If you’re also looking for the easiest old cars to work on as well as the easiest SUV to work on yourself, you may want to consider the Lada Niva or any Lada cars.
6. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord features a design that allows experts easy access to almost every component in the vehicle, allowing for more straightforward forward repairs. Honda also ensures there are various service centers which allows for low repair costs and easy access to replacement parts.
7. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra/Cruze
These options from Chevrolet featured a simple design with mind-blowing functions, yet easy to repair. The large bonnets of the Silverado and GMC give owners or professionals enough room to work, invariably hastening the repair process.
With the carefully arranged items in the Cruze, accessibility to the car’s internal components is made easy. These vehicles’ spare parts are also readily available.
Ford Crown Victoria
Early Fords, which were used for taxis and police officials, were difficult to work on. However, Ford decided to make it easy by releasing the Ford Crown Victoria. This model features a simple design making replacement of parts an easy task.
Why opting for an easy to work on car is important
Opting for easy to repair vehicles allows you to do repairs yourself in case something comes up, saving you lots of money. Even if you’re not working on them yourself, repair costs will be minimal.
Generally, mechanics charge based on estimated repair time. An easy-to-repair car may take one hour depending on what you are damaged component, whereas a difficult to repair car can take more hours which translates to more cost.
Final words
The easiest car to work on is the Toyota Tacoma, and we picked it because of its ample space under the hood like other pickup trucks. Others with ease of repairs include Chevrolet Silverado, Lada Niva, Toyota Corolla and a host of others. While these cars listed here are not the only easy- -to-work-on vehicles, they sure top the list.
