These five ‘affordable’ cars will drain your wallet for the next decade, study revealsDriving one of America's most affordable new cars may have a downside: several can cost drivers as much as half the sticker price again in repairs in the first decade of ownership, according to new study.The research looked at 19 of the most affordable, new vehicles that cost under $30,000, roughly half the average cost of a new car."Every car in the top five worst performers here is a subcompact SUV - that's not a coincidence," the study noted. " Most of these vehicles run more complex drivetrains than basic sedans: turbocharged engines, CVTs, and optional AWD systems. That complexity tends to show up in the maintenance figures over time."AdvertisementAdvertisementRepairs for a Chevrolet Trax SUV, which costs $21,700, can cost as much as $9,000 during its first decade on the road - or 41.5 percent of its original retail price, according to findings from California-based Aghnami Law Group, which focuses on personal injury, auto and truck accidents lawsuits.The Hyundai Venue ($20,550); Chevrolet Trailblazer ($23,300); Nissan Kicks ($22,730); and Hyundai Kona ($25,350) followed the Trax, with all four vehicles projected to cost owners at least $7,600 in repairs over 10 years.The Hyundai Kona's starting price is $25,350, but repairs can cost drivers more than 30 percent of that in the first 10 years of ownership (Hyundai Motor Company)The study found that Chevrolet's Trax and Trailblazer had the highest probability of a major repair in the first 10 years at 26.9 percent."Major repairs" can include transmission or engine replacement, brake system overhaul or suspension system repairs, according to Texas-based Round Rock Auto CenterAdvertisementAdvertisementThe study uses data from several sources to project the cost of repairs, the probability of major repairs, miles per gallon and vehicle crashes over the past five years.The average American may not be able to afford those repairs when they're needed. Consumers have spent an extra $59 billion on gas between March and May due to the impact of President Donald Trump's war with Iran on fuel prices, according to an analysis by risk management firm Moody's.Gas prices fell to $3.91 Thursday but remain around 70 cents a gallon more expensive than a year ago, according to motor club AAA.Higher prices at the pump have forced 27 percent of Americans to put off necessary vehicle maintenance, such as brake checks and tire servicing, because of gas prices, a recent study commissioned by The G Law Group found.AdvertisementAdvertisementDelaying maintenance can lead to major repairs such as an engine rebuild, that cost drivers as much as $6,935 more than the $35-$75 average charge for an oil change, according to Massachusetts-based Sullivan Tire and Auto Service.Putting off an oil change can lead to serious engine damage that could cost as much as $7,000. If a car's repairs cost more than 50 percent of what the car is worth, experts say it might be a good time to sell the car (Getty)In the event a major repair is needed, consumers should compare the cost of the repairs to their vehicle's value.If that ratio is more than 50 percent, it may be time to buy a car instead of repairing the existing one, financial advisory group MJT & Associates pointed out in an October 2024 analysis of auto repair versus replacement."As a general rule of thumb, if the repair costs exceed 50% of your vehicle's value, it might be more financially prudent to consider replacement," the firm wrote. "However, this isn't a hard and fast rule, and your individual circumstances should always be taken into account."