Cars That Are Easy To Work On: 12 Best Cars To Work On For Beginners

Smoothness, affordability, and ease of maintenance are some of the things we look for in a car before buying it The most accessible cars to work on for beginners are those that can be repaired by using simple tools. If a car requires expensive tools to be repaired, it is definitely not easy to work on for beginners.

Today, cars are made with more complexity with the aid of modern-day technology. This situation demands a car technician since every mechanic cannot work on vehicle electronics. As for beginners, old cars are the easiest to deal with since they were built with much easier mechanics.

Let us have a look at some cars that are easiest to work on for beginners.

easiest car to work on

Best Cars To Work On For Beginners

CarsBest For
Jeep WranglerWide engine compartment
Toyota CorollaSpare parts are cheap and readily available
Honda CivicParts are easier to find
Subaru BRZInterchangeable engine bolts
Toyota TacomaEasy to replace broken parts
Honda AccordExcellent engine spacing
Chevrolet CruzeWell organized engine
Mazda MiataThe engine is easily accessible
Chevrolet SilveradoCapacious car bonnet
Subaru OutbackOpen engine layout
Nissan FrontierIts parts can be found easily
Ford Crown VictoriaEasier to switch parts

Jeep Wrangler

White jeep wrangler on the field
White jeep wrangler on the field.

Jeep Wrangler tops the list as being one of the most straightforward cars to maintain. This car hit the road in the early 1990s for the very first time. Since then, it has retained the overall design. This car can be customized in any way a person wants. Easy fixing and maintenance for beginners make Jeep Wrangler a must-have in your garage.

The engine of this Jeep has been modified over the years; still, all its parts can be found anywhere in the world without any difficulty.

Talking about safety, firm chassis and strong steel frame gives it an ability to move smoothly on off-roads. Other than that, it is a spacious vehicle that will work great as a family car.

Having an extensive engine compartment, replacement and repairing will never be an issue. This car can be modified with a number of components that you see fit. Overall, the design is classic, with a straightforward engine layout. All these things make it a great fit for a beginner.


Toyota Corolla

A view of the backside of a white Toyota Corrola
A view of the backside of a white Toyota Corrola.

Toyota Corolla is the simplest and one of the easiest cars to work on. The car first hit the road in 1966. and since then, millions of cars have been sold. Corolla does need to be maintained; however, its parts are easily accessible.

Having an easy-to-access engine, its parts can be changed easily. Another thing that makes its maintenance straightforward is the use of a timing chain instead of the belt.

The overall body of Corolla did not change much over the years. However, modern technology is introduced in its latest versions. All this makes it one of the best cars for beginners. The engine of Corolla is so strong that it works with great efficiency years after years. You might the body wearing out. but the engine will work just fine till the end.

This car tops the list in fulfilling security parameters. With traction and safety control, you can rest assured about being in the safest car. Honda Civic

Just like Corolla, you can easily find parts of the Honda Civic. This car has gained immense popularity in the world since its release. It is both easy to drive and easy to work on for beginners.

Expert Tip: Honda Civic has the best fuel efficiency. With a compact and simple engine layout, it is quite easy to work on Honda Civic.

Those parts of the car that had a replacement period are removed by Honda. Thus, models released in 2006 have low maintenance.

The overall design of the Honda Civic has flattened many. With amazing tech features in new models and amazing fuel economy, it is the right car for beginners.

Apart from the 2001 Honda Civic that had some safety concerns, it is overall a good car to start with. You can get its parts from any part of the world. Beginners can effortlessly replace those parts.


Subaru BRZ

A Subaru car parked on the road
A Subaru car parked on the road.

Subaru BRZ is another amazing car to work on for beginners. Its parts are available everywhere. The simple engine layout of this car allows problems to be fixed easily.

One cannot reach the spark plugs easily, but the access to engine bolts makes it an amazing car to work on for beginners. Repairing and changing oil is all straightforward.

Subaru BRZ can be customized according to one’s needs. You can easily get its components at affordable prices. If you know how to shop for your car’s parts, you can maintain your car without any effort.

The overall design of this car is very simple. Chains and timing belts can also be reached effortlessly. A lot of people love this model, which is why you will see a lot of these on the roads.

This car is equipped with good tech and has supportive front seats. The car has some amazing features making it a safe car.

Other than sparkplugs, there is no difficulty in working on this car.


Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma Truck parked on a field
Toyota Tacoma Truck parked on a field.

Are you thinking of starting out with trucks? You will love working on Tacoma. It is definitely a beginner’s thing. It is also a good truck if a person wants to try driving a truck for the first time. The performance of this car will definitely leave you stunned

High performance and a compact engine make it one of the best cars. There is no difficulty in maintaining this truck. Even repairing is very simple and straightforward.

Everything about this car is simple. Easy availability of parts, repairing, maintenance, engine layout; thus, you can consider it an ideal car to work on for beginners.

Toyota Tacoma has a plain yet beautiful body design. It is reliable and durable. Along with that, this car has some amazing safety features, including automatic braking and collision warning. The car can perform very well off-road.

The only drawback is its rear-seat space, which is quite compact. Other than that, it is the perfect car to work on for beginners.


Honda Accord

Toyota Accord in rocky road
Toyota Accord in the rocky road.

Honda Accord has a simple and beautiful design. Easy access to every part of this car makes it one of the easiest cars to work on. High performance and reliability are the important features of all Honda cars. This is exactly what you will find in Honda Accord.

This car is free of faults. You do not have to spend a lot on its maintenance. Spending a few bucks after several months on its maintenance is more than enough to keep it going.

This car is quite spacious. Every part is placed perfectly, allowing you to see the parts clearly, while you are working. There is little to no need for repairing.

On the whole, it is a spacious car ideal for families. Due to low maintenance and easy work, people loved this car. You will see this everywhere on the roads. As Accord was produced on a large scale you will find its parts everywhere.


Honda CR-V

Compact engine layout makes a car easier to work on; this is what you will get in Honda CR-V. This car does not disappoint with its performance, as it is quite efficient. The car has a beautiful design and offers good speed. It is efficient and reliable at the same time.

An experienced mechanic can find problems in CR-V just by looking at it. The arrangement of its parts and engine is very straightforward that allows this. Since a mechanic can readily have access to all its parts, it is easy to maintain and repair.

Unlike other cars. Honda CR-V will not bother you with so many small issues. It is an affordable car that requires only major repairs once or twice a year.


Nissan Altima

Nothing can beat Nissan Altima in strong engine and reliability. A robust engine is its asset that lets the car survive for years without any major repair. However, you need to maintain and repair a few things regularly.

The engine of Altima is compact, which makes it easier to access all the parts. Apart from headlight bulbs, all its parts are straightforward to replace. The bumper should be taken off if you want to replace the bulbs.

Another thing that makes Altima reliable is the presence of a timing chain instead of the timing belt. When the timing chain wears down, you will hear it making a loud noise. This is an indication that it needs to be repaired.

The compact engine layout makes it an easier car to work on for beginners.

A video showing how to repair a Nissan Altima with a faulty dash light.

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze first hit the road in 2009. but the initial models were not ideal for working on. With the passage of time. Cruze improved considerably. Now. the car is easier to repair and maintain.

The improvements in the car are all for good. A new and better engine layout makes everything visible. This makes it easier for both the owner and mechanic to check on things quickly.

Another important thing is you can effortlessly find all its important parts in the markets. Repairing and maintenance are straightforward and quite affordable.

It is one of the safest cars out there, with a very functional design. Cruze is indeed a car with a rare design and many amazing features that make it ideal for beginners.


Mazda Miata

A Mazda Miata parked in a garage
A Mazda Miata parked in a garage.

Mazda Miata is quite different from other cars as it is a sports car. For a bit different experience, beginners should try working on it. It is a complete package that offers excellent performance, reliability, and easy access to the engine.

The spark plugs are also easily accessible as they are on the top. All these make Mazda Miata an excellent car for mechanics to work on.

The parts of this car can be interchanged smoothly. The newer models of Miata are free of any complexities. Maintenance and repairing of this car are so easy.

Anyone can drive this car. as it is light and small. It is also equipped with modern technology and designed minimally. These cars are also very cheap and are best for the job they have to do.


Chevrolet Silverado

A white Chevrolet Silverado is seen on the road near a road sign in Las Vegas.
A white Chevrolet Silverado is seen on the road near a road sign in Las Vegas.

Pickups are American’s love that can be figured out just by roaming on the roads. As they are commercial vehicles, they have spacious engine compartments that help in the maintenance of the car.

Pickups are easy to repair. Their parts are also easily accessible. Since so many people love these, so many mechanics are skilled in treating these vehicles.

All the earlier models of Silverado have simple and straightforward parts. However, models between 2003 and 2007 are ideal for working on for beginners.

Silverado gives an amazing performance and has a roomy interior. The addition of modern-day tech adds more to its beauty. Still, any mediocre mechanic can work efficiently on this truck.


Subaru Outback

There were so many issues with the head gasket of Subaru. But since the issue has been resolved, this car is now among the best cars to work on for beginners. Cylinders have a horizontal configuration in this car that allows the engine to have an open layout.

Due to this reason. Subaru Outback is the most loved among mechanics as they can figure out the issue with a single glance. The open layout allows them to reach all the parts of the car easily. The replacement and maintenance have been made a lot easier this way.

Outback is a spacious car perfect for people who love adventurous rides. It is one of those reliable cars that can be repaired easily.

Newer models are equipped with some amazing modern-day tech. It includes a rearview camera. LED headlights, rear seat reminder forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, and so much more.

Not to forget, this car is more expensive to repair than many other similar cars.


Nissan Frontier

A close up view of a red Nissan Frontier parked outdoors
A close-up view of a red Nissan Frontier parked outdoors.

Nissan Frontier was found on the roads in 2005 for the very first time. It is again a very strong pickup truck with some amazing features. The design of this car has been the same since the very first release. This clearly means it is not for those who want something different and lavish every time.

Expert Tip: Apart from design, there are so many good things with the Frontier that cannot be ignored. It is an inexpensive pickup that is easier to maintain, as it does not empty your pockets.

Since there has been no apparent change in its design over the years, you can easily find its part anywhere in the world. You do not have to look at the other part of the world to look for its parts as it is in the case of so many other cars.

It has those manual door locks with crank windows. With so much simplicity, Frontier is easier to maintain and is not heavy on your pockets.

However, all these features are restricted to 2020 and earlier models. New Nissan Frontier will be modernized and even better than the current models.


Ford Crown Victoria

Parts replacement of crown Victoria has become a lot simple than it was in the past. This is majorly because the cars have doubled on the roads in the form of taxis and police cars.

Since switching the parts of Victoria has become easier than ever, it is really easy to repair and maintain.

It is overall a good passenger car with an excellent body design. Good fuel efficiency and amazing engine layout make it a good car for beginners to work on.


Lada Niva

White Lada Niva on road near mountain
White Lada Niva on road near the mountain.

Lada Niva is an off-road car with an integrated body running on the roads for about 40 years. It can run better on off-roads than so many other expensive vehicles. The design of this car is another plus as it is simple and goes well with the work vehicle has to perform.

The bonnet of this car carries a spare wheel. Remove it and reach the engine for any sort of repair and maintenance.

This car is quite affordable and provides the owner with great value for money.

Beginners love working on this car as it is easily accessible, and all parts can still be found effortlessly.

Simple design, easy access, compact engine layout, and off-road efficacy make it one of the best cars to work on.


Easiest Car to Work on

For many years, we have been driving cars that we love. Unfortunately, there are times that car breakdown might occur. If possible you can work on it with your own car given that you have the necessary tools and skills needed. But if it is much needed, shops would probably take place. Though, what is the easiest car to work on?

The easiest car to work on would probably be older cars. These cars are less complicated than modern cars. They require less effort, no computers or sensors needed, simplier wirings, more spacious, fewer parts, and intuition on mechanical aspects is all you need.

Cars that are easy to work on include Ford Mustang, 1967 to 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, 1964 to 70 Pontiac GTO, 1957 Fuel Injected Chevy, 1970 to 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle, and 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger / Plymouth Barracud. You can easily work on these cars all by yourself.

What is the easiest car to repair yourself?

Volkswagen Golfs are the easiest cars to repair yourself. The car is fairly simplistic and easy to work with, making it one of the most popular choices for people who like to do their repairs.

The Volkswagen Golf has a few different types available, but all models are economical and reliable. They also offer great gas mileage! Volkswagen Golf is one of the easiest cars to fix on your own.

The engines are usually easy to access, and it’s not too difficult for a novice mechanic with basic tools to replace things like spark plugs, belts, hoses, etc. It doesn’t take much more than a socket set and some wrenches. Below are reasons why it’s the easiest to repair yourself.

volkswagen golf during daytime
Volkswagen golf during daytime.

1. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PARTS ARE EASY TO FIND

Another reason why Volkswagen golfs are one of the easiest cars to repair yourself is because Volkswagon beetle parts are relatively easy to find. For example, Volkswagen wants car owners to replace Volkswagen beetle parts easily, so Volkswagen keeps the Volkswagen beetle parts list readily available on Volkswagen websites.

2. MOST COMMON REPAIRS CAN BE DONE AT HOME WITH BASIC TOOLS

The Volkswagen Golf is well known for being simple enough to repair at home thanks to its use of simple components, which are accessible enough for most owners to replace without too much hassle.

3. LOWER INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

One of the reasons why Volkswagen golf is one of the easiest cars to repair yourself is because its insurance premiums are lower than other Volkswagen models and those from other car manufacturers. ” Volkswagen golf tends to be cheaper to insure compared to Volkswagen beetles.

4. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PARTS ARE CHEAP TO BUY

Replacement parts for the Volkswagen Golf are relatively cheap compared to other vehicles, and many can be bought online or from a specialist car spares supplier. This means that even if you have to pay for labor costs, you won’t be out of pocket as much as you would be on a more expensive car.

5. REPAIRS ARE RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD

The Volkswagen Golf is relatively simple to repair if there are any problems. The most common faults have an easy DIY solution that can save you money and avoid the inconvenience of being without your vehicle for too long.

OLDER CARS TO WORK ON

Red & White vintage car parked in a garage for repair
Red & White vintage car parked in a garage for repair.

Vintage or classic cars are awesome to have. Despite their unique features, having older cars are considered a good investment for their value increase as time goes by. Are older cars easier to work on?

Definitely yes, older cars are easier to work on. Old engines are more durable than new ones, making them easier to work on. It is because of its acres of access and simplicity that could be done in just a day.

Expert Tip: Working on older cars require lesser skills than working with modern cars. They are easier to work on for it is less complicated, no computers needed, fewer parts, more spacious, lack of electronics, simpler wirings, and all you need is mechanical intuition. Therefore, older cars are easier to understand.

Older cars are built to last. They have unique designs and features that are built for workability. Working on older cars is so much easy that you can do it by yourself.

The Volkswagen Golf is a great car to own and easy to maintain. It’s also one of the least expensive cars on the market, so you can save money by doing your repairs instead of paying someone else for them.

In Conclusion

Toyota and Honda have produced some of the best cars over the years that are efficient and safe at the same time. Their strong engines and simple layouts make them easier to work on. Any beginner can have easy access to their parts while learning all the basics.

There are so many other companies making and selling some amazing models with extraordinary parts. Easily accessible parts make any car ideal to work on.

Which car attracted you the most? Let us know in the comments below. We will be there for you in case of any queries.

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About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!