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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car?

Thinking about buying a car? Before you do, it’s important to know that the real cost of owning a car is more than just the monthly payment. But where do you start and what should you include? Look no further. The AAA Your Driving Costs calculator will do the work for you. Whether that’s for your current vehicle or one you’re considering buying. The AAA Your Driving Cost tool estimates your total annual costs of vehicle ownership for five years. It does this by adding up the estimated costs of gas/electricity, maintenance and repair, depreciation, taxes and fees, insurance, and finance costs for your specific vehicle for five years. You can also compare the ownership costs of different vehicles, plus customize the results for where you live and your personal driving tendencies.
  • CALCULATE FOR BOTH NEW AND USED VEHICLES
  • CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR VEHICLE, LOCATION & DRIVING TENDENCIES
  • OWNERSHIP COSTS PROVIDED AS A TOTAL & BY COST CATEGORY
  • ADJUST GAS & ELECTRICITY PRICES TO TEST DIFFERENT SCENARIOS
  • COMPARE DIFFERENT VEHICLES TO DECIDE WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU


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This page provides general information about vehicle ownership costs and is intended for comparative purposes. All numbers provided are estimates based on the selections made by the user. Actual ownership costs will vary.
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©2022 Vincentric, LLC. The data provided by Vincentric is provided AS IS without warranty or guarantee of any kind, and Vincentric disclaims all warranties or conditions of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such data, including the implied warranties of merchantable quality and fitness for a particular purpose.

Auto Repair Articles

112 Total Articles

8 Ways to Love Your Vehicle Battery

When you think of romance, your car battery probably doesn’t come to mind. But it’s worth showing your battery some love! You don’t realize how much you need it until it dies! Here are some ways to give your battery some TLC.
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All the Electric Vehicle Perks That Come with a AAA membership!

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not new to AAA. Over the past decade, we have committed to learning, developing, and servicing EVs as their popularity has grown. We offer a variety of benefits specifically for those interested in EVs.
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How Much Does It Cost To Replace Brake Pads?

Brakes can wear down quickly. Learn how much it costs to replace brake pads, as well as warning signs to look for so you can continue driving with confidence.
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Bad Alternator vs. Bad Battery: A Quick Guide

If your car doesn’t start, it could be a bad alternator or a bad battery. AAA explains the different signs for each so you can get it fixed and back on the road.
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What To Do When You Lose Your Car Keys

Wondering what to do when you lose your car keys? AAA tells you exactly what to do so you can find your keys or get a replacement and get back on the road ASAP.
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Your Driving Costs

For over 70 years, AAA’s Your Driving Costs has provided members, consumers, and the media with information on the average costs of owning and operating a new automobile.
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Helping Others is the Family Business

Helping people is something Kevin’s family has done for years – through his own towing company rescuing stranded drivers and his work with this local community. So it was no surprise to Kevin when one of his drivers, Scott, went above and beyond when he witnessed a horrific accident.
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Tow Providers Never Give Up

Roland, of Arrowhead Services, received a call for a vehicle stranded in very remote area. He was determined to find him no matter how long it took. He is someone’s father, husband and he wanted to be sure he made it home okay.
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Your Car is a Big Investment...
and maintenance is key to keeping it running well and on the road for many miles to come. AAA recommends timely service checkups to ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, all systems perform optimally and that all parts, from spark plugs to windshield wipers, work effectively.

To know more about the services your car needs and when they should be completed, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. It will include a routine maintenance checklist and the time points for completing recommended services. Note that maintenance schedules do differ depending on the make and model of the car, so it is important to follow the manual specific to your vehicle.

While timely maintenance is important and a way to avert unnecessary auto repairs down the road, as an informed vehicle owner, you should also be aware of over maintenance. See the Avoid over Maintenance article.
An auto repair facility recommending additional non-scheduled maintenance services without completing a professional diagnostic inspection and validating why the work should be done may be selling you something your car does not necessarily need.

AAA recommends taking your vehicle to a reliable auto repair shop with skilled technicians qualified to perform all the needed services your owner’s manual recommends. For trusted service, use the search feature to find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility near you. Each of the more than 7,000 auto repair shops in the AAA network undergoes a comprehensive investigation and meets AAA’s stringent standards. Skilled mechanics will evaluate and service your vehicle with quality auto parts and products, and AAA members receive money-saving benefits.

Even when the unexpected happens on the road and you need a tow truck, do not go to just any garage. Direct the driver to tow your vehicle to a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair shop.

For more tips about car maintenance and care, read the articles available on this site and view the videos posted to the AAA YouTube channel.

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago. The AAA Car Guide is part of AAA's ongoing efforts to help you better understand and make use of your vehicle. For more information, check out AAA.com/carguide.