Sticker price is only 55% of what you will actually pay. Calculate 5-year depreciation, insurance spikes, financing interest, fuel economy, and hidden dealer fees with precision.
Avg 5-Yr Hidden Cost
In-Depth Cost Guides
Independent & Free
Calculate every dimension of your automotive investment with live adjustments for loan APR, depreciation curve, insurance, gas prices, and routine maintenance.
Select a quick preset or fine-tune your specific numbers below:
5-Year True Cost of Ownership
Calculate monthly EMI, interest load, and discover how extra principal payments slash interest.
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
TOTAL LOAN AMOUNT
TOTAL INTEREST
TOTAL PRINCIPAL + INTEREST
Compare energy and routine maintenance costs between internal combustion and electric drivetrains.
5-Year Net Operating Advantage (EV)
5-YR GAS VEHICLE RUNNING
5-YR EV CHARGING & MAINT
Real-world data averages based on 12,000 annual miles, average national insurance rates, and manufacturer maintenance schedules.
MSRP: $25,050 • Gas (35 MPG Comb)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
MSRP: $32,825 • Hybrid (39 MPG Comb)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
MSRP: $48,990 • Electric (122 MPGe)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
MSRP: $45,850 • Gas (21 MPG Comb)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
MSRP: $42,500 • Electric (114 MPGe)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
MSRP: $26,545 • Gas (30 MPG Comb)
Est. Insurance
5-Yr Depreciation
Smart vehicle shoppers look beyond sticker price and dissect the four recurring financial buckets that dictate the long-term cost.
Vehicles lose 15–20% in year one and ~40% over 5 years. Choosing high-retention models shields you from thousands in paper losses.
Gas prices fluctuate wildly while EV charging costs remain steady. Driving 15,000 miles/yr at 24 MPG costs ~$11,000 in fuel over 5 years.
Your age, credit score, vehicle type, and state registration taxes can swing monthly outlays by over $150/month per vehicle.
Tires, brake rotors, transmission flushes, and unexpected out-of-warranty repairs average $900–$1,400 annually for gas vehicles.
Before signing the sales contract in the F&I office, identify which dealer charges are mandatory government fees and which are pure profit add-ons you can decline.
Read Complete Negotiation Scripts →Dealer paperwork charge ($150–$900 depending on state).
Overpriced air dealer add-on with negligible consumer benefit.
Etching glass with vehicle serial number. DIY kits cost $20.
Direct pass-through fee collected for state DMV registration.
Expert automotive financial guides to help you make smarter purchase, financing, and maintenance decisions.
Car Buying
Learn the 20/4/10 rule and calculate how vehicle payments, fuel, and insurance should fit into your take-home pay.
Financing Math
See the exact mathematical differences in total interest between 48, 60, and 72-month financing contracts.
Insurance & Fees
Practical deductible strategies, telematics discounts, and multi-policy optimization tactics for lower monthly premiums.
Clear answers to common questions about car ownership costs, financing math, and budgeting rules.