Total Car Cost Calculator

Calculate the true total cost of owning a car. See all costs including depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Purchase
Running Costs
Annual Costs
Ownership Period

How TCO is Calculated

This calculator includes all major costs of car ownership:

  1. Purchase costs: Down payment plus total loan payments including interest.
  2. Fuel costs: Based on your mileage, consumption, and fuel price.
  3. Fixed costs: Insurance, registration, taxes - paid regardless of mileage.
  4. Maintenance: Regular service, tires, repairs over ownership period.
  5. Depreciation: Purchase price minus expected resale value.

The net cost shows what you actually spend after selling the car.

Example: 5-Year Cost for $30,000 Car

FAQ

What is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
TCO includes all costs of owning a vehicle: purchase price, financing, fuel, insurance, taxes, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation. It gives you the true cost beyond just the sticker price, helping you make informed decisions.
What is the biggest cost of car ownership?
Depreciation is typically the largest cost, especially for new cars (losing 20-30% in the first year). For older cars, fuel and maintenance become more significant. A $30,000 new car might cost $6,000+ in depreciation alone in year one.
How much does a car really cost per month?
The average car costs $700-1,000/month including all expenses. This breaks down to roughly: loan payment ($400-500), fuel ($150-200), insurance ($100-150), maintenance ($50-100), and depreciation ($100-200).

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