🚗 Smart Car Ownership Calculator
Calculate Your TrueCar Ownership Cost
Calculate Ownership Cost
How long do you plan to own the vehicle?
Average: 12,000 miles/year
Popular Vehicles
See ownership costs for the most popular vehicles
Comprehensive Cost Analysis
Calculate purchase price, taxes, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and registration fees all in one place.
State-Specific Data
Accurate tax rates, insurance costs, and registration fees for all 50 US states.
Long-term Projections
See 5-year and 10-year ownership costs, including depreciation and maintenance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about calculating car ownership costs
Our calculations are based on the latest data from trusted sources including manufacturer MSRPs, state DMV records, industry-standard insurance rates, and current fuel prices. We update our data regularly to ensure accuracy. However, individual costs may vary based on personal factors like credit score, driving history, and specific vehicle options.
Our comprehensive calculator includes: purchase price (MSRP), sales tax, registration fees, annual insurance premiums, fuel costs, routine maintenance, depreciation, and state-specific fees. We provide detailed breakdowns so you understand exactly where your money goes.
Costs can vary significantly by state due to differences in sales tax rates (0-10%), registration fees ($20-$1,000+), average insurance premiums ($800-$3,000+/year), and fuel prices. States like California and New York typically have higher costs, while states like Montana and New Hampshire have lower overall ownership costs.
Yes! Our calculator fully supports electric vehicles (EVs). For EVs, we calculate electricity costs instead of gas costs, include potential tax credits and rebates, and account for lower maintenance costs since EVs have fewer moving parts and don't require oil changes.
Absolutely! You can calculate costs for any vehicle in our database and compare results side-by-side. This helps you make informed decisions by seeing exactly how much you'll save (or spend) with different vehicle choices.
We update gas prices monthly, insurance rates quarterly, and vehicle pricing whenever manufacturers announce changes. State tax and fee data is reviewed quarterly and updated as needed. This ensures you always get the most current and accurate cost estimates.
No account required! Our calculator is 100% free and doesn't require any sign-up. Simply select your vehicle and state to get instant results. We respect your privacy and don't collect personal information.
Many states offer incentives for electric vehicles, including tax credits, rebates, HOV lane access, and reduced registration fees. Our calculator includes federal tax credits, and we note when state incentives are available. Check your state's DMV or energy office website for the most current local incentives.