When it comes to buying a new ICE or BEV car, most shoppers consider reliability and long-term value just as much as style and performance. A recent study by the consumer group iSeeCars in the US analyzed new vehicle prices and projected life spans to determine which models offer the best value over time. The results make one thing clear: if you want to maximize your investment, buying a Japanese car is the best option. However, note that this study has not evaluated luxury cars, which is where German, Italian and British brands usually shine.
In this extensive study, Japanese automakers dominated the rankings, securing 14 of the top 15 spots. The only non-Japanese model to make the cut was the Kia Soul, representing South Korea. Surprisingly, the Soul is not the most stylish car out there and will not win any awards in the looks category. But it is a functional car, in both ICE and BEV form.
The study’s methodology combined pricing data for 2025 models with past studies on vehicle longevity, calculating an estimated cost per year of ownership. While newer models may have different engines and technology that could affect their actual lifespan, the data still offers a strong indication of which vehicles provide the best long-term value.
The 2025 Honda Civic earned the top spot as the best long-term investment for new car buyers. With an expected lifespan of 14 years, the Civic has long been known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs, making it a smart purchase for buyers looking to keep their car for the long haul. However, expect to pay around Rs.25 million for a new Civic, depending on the engine configuration.
Just behind the Civic is the perennial favourite Toyota Corolla, a vehicle equally renowned for its reliability. With a slightly shorter lifespan of 11.6 years, the Corolla’s annual costs are not all that high. It remains one of the best-selling cars in the world, thanks to its reputation for affordability and dependability. While the Civic edges it out in longevity, the Corolla still offers an exceptional return on investment. If you buy an ICE corolla brand new, expect to fork out around Rs.28 million.
Mazda has often been overshadowed by Honda and Toyota in reliability rankings, but the Mazda3 (sedan and hatch) took third place in the study. With a projected lifespan of 14.1 years, its low annual costs make it a competitive option. The Mazda3 has gained a reputation for being both fun to drive and long-lasting, making it an appealing choice for those who want a mix of practicality and sportiness. Expect prices to be marginally lower for the Mazda 3, compared to the offering from Honda and Toyota.
The Honda Accord, another mainstay in the long-term reliability conversation, came in fourth. With an average price of Rs.40 million plus and an expected lifespan of 13 years, the ownership costs are pretty reasonable. The Accord’s reputation for longevity, comfort, and fuel efficiency has made it a staple among full-size sedan buyers for decades. There are a lot of Accords on our roads, a testimony to its popularity especially among executive buyers.
In fifth place is the Subaru Impreza, admittedly not a very popular car here in Sri Lanka. Subaru’s reputation for all-wheel drive capability and long-lasting performance contributes to its placement on the list. While it does not have the same name recognition for reliability as Honda or Toyota, Subaru models frequently reach high mileage with proper maintenance. Incidentally, Subaru and Toyota jointly make an electric car, called Solterra by Subaru and BZ4X by Toyota.
While Honda may have taken the top spot, Toyota had the strongest overall presence, with four models in the top 15: the Corolla, RAV4, Prius, and Camry Hybrid. All these cars will soon be available in Sri Lanka, but you might already have seen the current RAV4 on our roads, as there are quite a few DPL cars. The RAV4, Corolla, and Prius continue Toyota’s legacy of producing efficient, long-lasting vehicles.
The Camry Hybrid, with its mix of fuel economy and reliability, also proved to be a solid value. Honda followed closely with three models: the Civic, Accord, and the all-new CR-V SUV (estimated price Rs.30 million), helping to cement its reputation as a brand that delivers cars built to last. The HR-V or the Vezel as most Sri Lankans know it was not included in this study.
