Discussion Board

A report on the Edmunds "True Cost to Own" study. True cost to buy and operate a new 2008 car over a 5 yr. period.

Interesting report.

No Hybrids Rank in Top Ten

Excerpts:
"Unlike some other analyses that look only at fuel economy and sticker price, including one released by "Consumer Reports" last week, the True Cost to OwnSM study incorporates projected model-specific average vehicle ownership costs, consisting of depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs. When all of the factors are considered, some popular vehicles look considerably less appealing on a cost-per-mile basis than their fuel economy would suggest...."

"Many consumers neglect to consider total ownership costs when deciding which vehicle to buy," said Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds.com.

"Shoppers should look beyond fuel economy and consider the big picture when determining how a vehicle purchase will fit into their household budget...."

Complete article, and additional links, here:

http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/press ... ticle.html

Interesting. I did all the calculations by hand several years ago when I read Divorce Your Car! I remember being stunned at the cost.

Nowadays, just the cost of the gas/mile is pretty shocking. I've used it to help push me to bike and walk more instead of driving, or simply eliminate errands altogether. For instance, driving to the post office and bank yesterday would have cost me $1.72 in gas alone. I biked, got exercise, and found a dime on the road.