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Ownership costs

Last updated: April 2012

When looking to buy a car, it’s not only the sale price that you look at. A less-expensive car can cost you more in the long run than a more-expensive alternative when you factor in our owner-cost estimates that include depreciation, fuel cost, loan interest, insurance, sales tax, and maintenance and repairs.  

See which models will cost you more in the long run in our list below. Vehicles are equipped with typical options and an automatic transmission except where noted.

Least expensive overall

Category Make & model Cost over first five years
Small cars Honda Fit $26,500
Family sedans Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 31,500
Luxury sedans Hyundai Genesis 4.6 54,250
Upscale sedans Buick Regal CXL (non turbo) 39,250
Sporty cars Mini Cooper (manual) 28,250
Small SUVs Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.) 34,500
Midsized SUVs Hyundai Santa Fe GLS (4-cyl.) 38,500
Luxury SUVs BMW X3 xDrive28i 50,000
Large SUVs Ford Flex SEL 50,500

Most expensive overall

Category Make & model Cost over first five years
Small cars Audi A3 2.0T 39,250
Family sedans Mazda6 s Grand Touring (V6) 44,250
Luxury sedans BMW 750Li 106,750
Upscale sedans Mercedes-Benz C300 49,750
Sporty cars Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (manual) 70,750
Small SUVs Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 47,000
Midsized SUVs Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) 61,750
Luxury SUVs Cadillac Escalade (base) 84,750
Large SUVs Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ (5.3) 73,750

Learn more about car ownership costs.

   

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