Total Cost of Ownership (Car)
Purchase + insurance + fuel + maintenance + depreciation over N years.
Result
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How to use this calculator
- Enter all line items.
- Estimate resale at end (KBB).
- Read total + per-year + per-mile costs.
About this calculator
Total cost of ownership is what cars actually cost — typically 1.5-2× the sticker price over a 5-year period when you include depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. AAA puts average TCO at $0.60-0.75 per mile for a typical mid-size sedan over 5 years. Trucks and SUVs run higher ($0.80-1.00/mi); compact economy cars lower ($0.45-0.55/mi). EVs save ~$1500/yr on fuel + maintenance but depreciate faster (currently).
Frequently asked
Excludes finance interest?+
Yes — this is "all cash" comparison. For financed: add total interest paid (see car-loan-payment).
Per-mile cost typical?+
Compact: $0.45-0.55. Mid-size: $0.60-0.75. Full-size SUV: $0.80-1.00. EV: $0.55-0.70 (lower fuel, higher depreciation).
Insurance for new car?+
New vehicles: $1500-3000/yr typical. Older cars (10+ years): drop comprehensive to save $500/yr.
How to reduce TCO?+
Buy 2-3 year old (skip biggest depreciation drop). Choose top-fuel-economy trim. Top-resale brand. DIY simple maintenance.
Includes parking/tolls?+
No — add separately if relevant. Urban TCO can add $2000-5000/yr in parking.
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