Car Ownership Costs Continue To Rise - How Are You Coping With The Costs?

Overall, the costs of car ownership have risen compared to last year, according to an annual study by AAA, which says it now costs 2% more to own a sedan than it did last year.

It costs $9,122 a year for the average sedan such as a Toyota Camry or Ford Fusion. That works out to 61 cents a mile, assuming the car is driven 15,000 miles a year.

The costs vary a lot according to the type and size of vehicle, though. It costs about $7,000 a year to own a small car in the United States but about $11,600 to own a four-wheel-drive SUV, according to AAA.

The study factored in costs such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, tires and depreciation.

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mrcassis - 4/16/2013 2:06:29 PM

-3 Boost

Cmon conservatives. Turn off Fox for a minute. Lets join hands again and BLAME OBAMA!!!!!!

vdiv - 4/16/2013 5:25:57 PM

0 Boost

These days 96k miles is not a ton of mileage for a Lexsux or any other car. The freaking alternator should last the life of the vehicle - USNA1999 got screwed :p

USNA1999 - 4/16/2013 6:07:29 PM

-3 Boost

vidv exactly but Clevelandflamer doesn't seem to understand that.

USNA1999 - 4/17/2013 6:11:38 AM

-3 Boost

@Cleveland I rather take it to the "stealership" as you say since I get a loaner (don't have to worry about someone picking me up), I have been taking cars to Brumos for over 8 years now including the MB C230 since both cars were purchased there and Yes, they might be slightly more expensive that the average shop but they seem to always do a good job. Just like Agent009 stated, you purchase a car at this level you have to be willing to pay for everything that comes with it even when the warranty run out which I don't mind except when it's for items that I believe should last the lifetime of the vehicle regardless of miles driven.

vdiv - 4/16/2013 5:20:39 PM

0 Boost

Bought an EREV, every month I spend about $24 for charging, $52 in car washes. In 15 months, 15,430 miles (12,583 all electric) have used 74 gallons of gas, have rotated the tires twice, have not had an oil/any filter change, or any other maintenance expense yet. Property taxes in VA are killing me though ($1,000 a year + the new $100 electrified vehicle fee).

USNA1999 - 4/16/2013 6:09:25 PM

-3 Boost

I know exactly what you are talking about concerning property taxes, I was stationed in Norfolk, VA years ago.

TehShibbs - 4/17/2013 5:39:11 PM

+1 Boost

Letting the fun car stay in the garage on the battery maintainer more often, and instead driving a disposable beater Monday - Friday.