Car True Cost of Ownership Calculator
New cars lose 15–25% of value in year one. See your full 5-year cost including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and financing — the numbers most dealers don't show.
Vehicle Details
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Operating Costs
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True 5-Year Cost of Ownership
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updates as you type
Full Cost Breakdown
Data sources & methodology: Depreciation curves from Carfax/iSeeCars 2024 averages by vehicle type. New gas: 20% yr1, 15% yr2-5. Used gas: 12%/yr. EV: 22% yr1, 16% yr2-5. Loan interest using standard amortization. Fuel cost = (miles/MPG) × fuel price/yr. Maintenance from AAA Your Driving Costs 2024. Disclaimer →
Frequently asked questions
What is the true cost of owning a car beyond the monthly payment?
The real cost includes depreciation, insurance, fuel or charging, maintenance and repairs, registration, and financing interest. Add these up and the per-mile cost is far higher than the loan payment alone.
What is the biggest cost of car ownership?
Depreciation — the value a car loses over time — is usually the largest expense, especially for new cars, which can lose 15–25% of their value in the first year alone.
Is a new car, used car, or EV cheapest to own?
A gently used car avoids the steepest first-year depreciation and is often cheapest overall. EVs have higher purchase prices but lower fuel and maintenance costs, so the winner depends on how long you keep it and your mileage.
🔒 Calculations run 100% in your browser — we never see your numbers 📊 Built on primary-source data (see sources above) 🔄 Reviewed 2026 · methodology · disclaimer