Indonesia is one of the most important automobile market in Southeast Asia, thus having various types of vehicles for different needs. With the continuous increase in fuel prices and the cost of living, most Indonesians prefer cars that can provide lower maintenance costs. As a matter of fact, it is not only repair costs that are minimized when you select a car with minimal upkeep but also ownership satisfaction in the long run. In this article, we will show Indonesia’s top 10 low-maintenance cars: brand, model, engine specification, price, and an approximation of yearly maintenance costs.
Any car can get you where you need to go, but a reliable, low-maintenance car gets you there with peace of mind.
Henry Ford
1. Toyota Avanza

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 4.5 million
Price: Starting from IDR 233 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
The Toyota Avanza is one of Indonesia’s best-selling MPVs, comes with spacious interior and reliability. Avanza engines are designed to be tough and fuel-efficient, and require less frequent servicing. With the strong service network that Toyota has across Indonesia, supported by relatively inexpensive spare parts, the Avanza tends to be more cost-effective in terms of long-term ownership.
Also Read: Top 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars in Indonesia
2. Daihatsu Sigra

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 3.5 million
Price: Starting from IDR 148 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.0-liter 3-cylinder or 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
The Daihatsu Sigra is an affordable MPV that has a capacity to carry seven passengers, happens to be the best fuel efficiency in its class, and makes sure maintenance is a breeze. With the number of parts in common with the Toyota Calya, this means spare parts are very easy to find and cheaply. The Daihatsu Sigra is indeed one of the most affordable cars to maintain in the MPV category, considering that the balance between price and practicality goes well with this kind of car.
3. Honda Brio

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 3.8 million
Price: Starting from IDR 165 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The Honda Brio is one of those compact city cars which have become really popular in Indonesia owing to their reliability and somewhat low maintenance cost. It is a perfect solution for daily urban mobility, thanks to its small yet powerful engine, promising efficient fuel consumption, hence making it economical to use. Honda’s strong service network also extends to a more economical ownership cost for the Brio.
4. Suzuki Ertiga

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 4.2 million
Price: Starting from IDR 225 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
The Suzuki Ertiga is an all-rounded MPV with ample interior space and economic performance courtesy of its engine. The Ertiga is also easy on the pocket as it boasts great fuel efficiency-an attribute that most Indonesian car owners have grown to love. It also possesses cheaper spare parts with less complexity in its mechanics that keep costs minimal when repairs are needed. All this makes the Xpander an excellent choice for budget-conscious families.
5. Mitsubishi Xpander

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 4.8 million
Price: Starting from IDR 270 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
The Mitsubishi Xpander is one of the favored MPVs due to its toughness and inexpensive maintenance cost. This model provides a smooth ride, practical design, and comprehensive service networks from Mitsubishi in Indonesia. The long-term maintenance cost of the Xpander is considered relatively low as it has a fuel-efficient engine and easily available spare parts.
6. Toyota Rush

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 4.6 million
Price: Starting from IDR 278 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
The Toyota Rush is the more reliable compact SUVs, which bears a good name for being solid and with low maintenance costs. Sharing many of its parts with the Toyota Avanza means spare parts are easy to source and pretty cheap. It’s simple and efficient engine is less prone to breakdowns and may last longer, giving a cut in maintenance cost over time.
7. Daihatsu Ayla

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 3.2 million
Price: Starting from IDR 140 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.0-liter 3-cylinder or 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
In general, the Daihatsu Ayla is one of the cheapest cars in Indonesia. It carries the lowest running costs possible due to its simple engine design. The car is frugal, the smaller-sized engine requires fewer repairs, and servicing is less frequent. For Daihatsu, the service network is very extensive, so maintaining this car will not be a burden or expensive at all.
8. Suzuki Karimun Wagon R

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 3 million
Price: Starting from IDR 125 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.0-liter 3-cylinder
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or AGS (Auto Gear Shift)
Suzuki Karimun Wagon R – A hatchback city car, designed with the purpose of thriftiness and ease of usage in the consumer’s mind. This small and efficient engine of the car combined with spare parts at very low cost makes this Wagon R pretty cheap to maintain. Simplicity in the car also contributes to a decrease in frequency of repairs, therefore enhancing its attraction quotient for any penny-pinching buyer.
9. Honda Mobilio

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 4.5 million
Price: Starting from IDR 225 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.5-liter 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The Honda Mobilio is one of the practical MPVs, famous for its fuel-economical engine and its reliable performance. Due to the established service network of Honda and relatively cheap spare parts, maintaining this car is affordable. With ample interior space and long-term lower ownership costs, this model is a favorite among families.
10. Wuling Confero

Yearly Maintenance Cost (Approx): IDR 3.8 million
Price: Starting from IDR 170 million
Engine Specs:
- 1.5-liter 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
Wuling is a relatively new player in the Indonesian market, which has made quite an instant impression with the Confero. The Wuling Confero stands out from its competitors in class due to its highly affordable price tag; the low service costs make it excellent value for money. Because of the straightforward mechanical design and easily sourced spare parts, the Wuling Confero keeps being relatively inexpensive to keep on the road, even considering the reasonably new brand that bears it.
KEY FEATURES of Low Maintenance Cars
- Fuel Efficiency Consumes less fuel, reducing overall operating and maintenance costs.
- Reliable Engine Durable engine design ensures fewer breakdowns and repairs.
- Affordable Spare Parts Inexpensive, easily available parts keep repair costs low.
- Simple Mechanical Design Fewer complex systems lead to easier, cheaper maintenance.
- Extensive Service Network Wide service center availability ensures convenient, affordable repairs.
- Durable Build Quality Sturdy construction increases longevity and reduces maintenance frequency.
- Minimal Electronic Components Fewer electronics lower the risk of expensive failures.
- Proven Brand Reputation Trusted brands offer reliable vehicles with lower long-term costs.
Also Read: Most Underrated Cars in Indonesia
Conclusion
The options listed above will make driving around Indonesia less stressful, and by opting to own a low-maintenance car, you will save not only time but money as well. Above are some of the most popular cars that stay reliable, affordable, and easy to maintain; hence, they range from compact city cars through spacious family MPVs. Whether you want to consider the budget-friendly Daihatsu Ayla or the versatile Mitsubishi Xpander, all of these vehicles have been developed to minimize any maintenance cost while delivering good performance. Owning any of these car models enables you to enjoy hassle-free ownership with minimum visits to the mechanics and reduced overall cost in the long run.