Edmunds estimates the repair and maintenance costs are similar for the Accord, Camry, and Malibu. Drive them all, and any other mid-size sedan you like, and compare the purchase price. Pick the one you like best. If your favorite is more expensive than others on your list, ask yourself whether it is worth the extra cost. Remember that an extra $1000 is just $100 per year. I narrow my sedan choices down to two, then do the price comparison.