How this calculator works
Ownership cost is broader than the loan payment. This page combines user-entered depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance assumptions over five years. The homepage version can also include financing interest, taxes, and fees.
Example
Cash expenses
Fuel, insurance, maintenance, taxes, fees, and interest.
Value loss
Depreciation is not a monthly bill, but it affects what the vehicle is worth when you sell or trade it.
What can change the answer?
Actual financing terms, taxes, fees, incentives, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, driving patterns, and vehicle condition can materially change the result. Use current transaction-specific inputs whenever possible.
Common questions
Why include depreciation?
Lost resale value can be one of the largest ownership costs.
Should repairs be included?
Yes. Fold expected repair expense into maintenance.
Does this include the purchase price?
The calculator focuses on ownership cost rather than counting purchase principal twice.
What mileage should I use?
Use your realistic annual driving estimate.
Can I compare two cars?
Run each scenario and save it locally on the homepage.