Lifetime Car Cost Calculator
Discover the true cost of vehicle ownership. From purchase to fuel, insurance to depreciation—calculate every expense over your car's lifetime and make smarter buying decisions.
Vehicle Specifications
Total Ownership Cost
The Hidden Costs of Car Ownership
When most people think about buying a car, they focus solely on the sticker price. But the purchase price is just the beginning of your financial commitment. The true cost of car ownership extends far beyond that initial transaction, encompassing years of ongoing expenses that can easily exceed the original purchase price.
Depreciation is the single largest cost of ownership, yet it's invisible. The moment you drive off the lot, your new car loses 10-20% of its value. Over the first five years, most vehicles depreciate by 50-60%. A $30,000 car becomes a $15,000 car, and that $15,000 simply evaporates—it's money you'll never see again.
Fuel costs accumulate relentlessly. Driving 12,000 miles per year in a vehicle that gets 28 MPG at $3.50 per gallon costs $1,500 annually—$15,000 over a decade. Small differences in fuel economy create massive differences in lifetime cost. A 35 MPG car versus a 28 MPG car saves you $2,700 over 10 years at those same rates.
Insurance, maintenance, registration, and repairs add thousands more each year. Insurance alone averages $1,200-$2,000 annually. Maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes) costs $800-$1,500 per year depending on the vehicle. Add registration fees, inspections, and unexpected repairs, and these "small" costs balloon into a five-figure burden over a decade.
Our calculator reveals the full picture. It shows you exactly how much that car will cost you over its entire lifespan in your hands. Use it to compare vehicles, justify spending more on better fuel economy, or decide between new and used. The cheapest car to buy is rarely the cheapest car to own. Make an informed decision—calculate the real cost before you commit.