What you pay at the showroom is only the start. A realistic yearly budget avoids unpleasant surprises.
Recurring costs
- Fuel or electricity — based on kilometres driven and real-world efficiency.
- Insurance — renewed every year.
- Servicing and maintenance — regular services plus wear items such as brake pads and wipers.
- Tyres and battery — replaced every few years.
- Parking, tolls and taxes where applicable.
- Loan interest if the vehicle is financed.
The hidden one: depreciation
Vehicles lose value every year, and the biggest drop typically happens early. Brands with strong resale demand and well-maintained service history hold value better.
How to keep costs down
- Follow the service schedule and keep every invoice — it supports resale value.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure and drive smoothly to improve efficiency.
- Compare insurance at renewal and protect your No Claim Bonus.
- Fix small problems before they become big ones.
Plan with numbers
Use the ownership-cost calculator to compare vehicles over five years with your own kilometres, fuel price and maintenance assumptions.