What's the biggest cost of car ownership?

Usually depreciation (what the car loses in value), followed by finance costs, then fuel. For a new car, depreciation can be 40-50% of total cost over 5 years.

How much should I budget for car running costs?

A good estimate is $3,000-$6,000 per year for a typical car (fuel, insurance, rego, servicing). Larger or luxury cars can be $8,000-$12,000+.

Are some cars cheaper to own than others?

Yes, significantly. Small Japanese cars (Corolla, Mazda 3) are among the cheapest to run. Large SUVs, luxury, and performance cars cost much more in fuel, insurance, and servicing.

Total Cost of Ownership Calculator

Calculator

Calculate the true total cost of owning a car including finance, fuel, insurance, and maintenance

Free to useNo data storedAI insightsUpdated: February 2026

The sticker price is just the beginning. This calculator reveals the true total cost of car ownership including finance, fuel, insurance, registration, and maintenance over your ownership period.

Enter Your Details

Real-World Examples

Mid-Size SUV TCO

$45,000 SUV, $5,000 deposit, 8% over 5 years, 15,000km/year, 9L/100km.

Inputs Used:

price:45,000deposit:5,000rate:8kms:15,000fuel:9

Total 5-year cost: ~$75,000. Breakdown: Purchase $40,000 + Interest $8,500 + Fuel $12,150 + Insurance $7,500 + Rego $4,000 + Service $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The complete cost of buying and running a vehicle over your ownership period.

Running Costs

Ongoing expenses including fuel, insurance, registration, servicing, and repairs.

Fuel Efficiency

Measured in L/100km - how much fuel the car uses. Lower is better and cheaper.

Related Tools

Car Loan Calculator

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New vs Used Calculator

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EV Loan Calculator

Compare EV running cost savings

How to Use

1Enter the vehicle price and any deposit
2Add your loan details
3Set how long you'll own the car
4Enter your driving patterns and fuel costs
5Add insurance, registration, and maintenance costs

Key Information

A $40,000 car can cost $80,000+ over 5 years
Depreciation is often the biggest single cost
Fuel costs vary hugely based on car type and driving
Maintenance costs rise significantly after warranty ends

Pro Tips

Compare TCO between cars, not just purchase price
Smaller/efficient cars have much lower running costs
Consider EVs - higher purchase but lower running costs
Look up specific model reliability ratings for maintenance estimates

Avoid These Mistakes

Only budgeting for the loan payment
Forgetting depreciation when thinking about cost
Underestimating fuel costs for larger vehicles
Not budgeting for unexpected repairs

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Interest rates, fees, and policies change frequently. Always verify information with lenders directly. This is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider seeking advice from a licensed mortgage broker or financial advisor.

Last updated: February 2026