About the Total Cost of Car Ownership Calculator
The purchase price is only part of what a car costs. This totals depreciation, financing interest, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and fees over the years you own it, then breaks down where the money goes.
How it’s calculated
Total = depreciation (price − resale) + financing interest + (fuel + insurance + maintenance + fees) × years.
Example calculation
A $35,000 car kept five years can cost around $48,000 to own once depreciation, fuel, insurance, and upkeep are added and resale is subtracted.
Frequently asked questions
Why compare ownership cost instead of price?
Two cars with the same price can cost very different amounts to own once depreciation, fuel economy, insurance, and reliability are counted. Total cost reveals the cheaper car to live with.
What's usually the biggest cost?
Depreciation, for most cars — the value lost while you own it — often exceeds fuel and maintenance combined. Buying a slower-depreciating or used car is the main lever.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Your actual figures may vary with lender terms, fees, and market conditions.