True Cost of Car Ownership

Have you ever wondered just how much a car reallyCost of Fuel
cost you from the time of purchase until the timeEstimate your Gas costs based on the EPA mileage
you trade it in?numbers listed on the vehicles window sticker, you
Let's examine some facts and figures that just mightwill need to take into account how much City driving
amaze you to find out just what it's going to costcompared to Highway driving you do. Figure your fuel
you over the long haul. Lets face it purchasing a newcost per gallon at $2.96 for unleaded regular, $3.07
car is expensive, but the real spending comes intofor unleaded mid-grade, $3.17 for premium and $2.90
the picture when we start looking at the cost offor diesel. These are the numbers in Orlando during
ownership over the years to come and not just atJune 2007 you can visit to see the average prices in
the monthly payment.your area.
See how to calculate your costs below:Cost of Maintenance
Cost of FinancingAssume services are performed at manufacturer's
Estimate your costs based on the amount your goingsuggested intervals with additional service done when
to use for a down payment and include in the termneeded. Estimate labor rates at $80 per hour for
and interest rate.non-luxury vehicles and $95 per hour for luxury
Cost of Insurancevehicles.
Insurance is going to be dependent on your age andCost of Repairs
driving record. Some insurance agencies also chargeHow long is the manufacturers bumper to bumper
more for people with poor credit.and are you going to get an extended warranty? Are
Cost of Depreciationyou going to keep the vehicle past the warranty?
This is had to estimate since no one can predictWhat is the vehicles reliability report look like from
resale value but if you visit Kelley Blue Book and lookConsumer Guide?
at your make and model over the last 3 yearsSo now that we have included all the real
compared to what it cost new you can good aconsiderations that are needed, you can now
general idea.consider and calculate most any new car that you
Cost of State feespurchase and see just what it will really cost you on
How much will it be to register your vehicle everyaverage over the next couple years. And we can
year? If your state requires an inspection your alsothese figures into consideration when negotiating the
need to figure in those costsprice of the new car.