Car running cost calculator

What does the car cost calculator include?

The calculator estimates the full cost of using a car, not just fuel or the monthly lease payment. You can select an owned car, finance lease or loan, operating lease, or long-term rental.

Owned car and finance lease

For an owned car, approximate depreciation is calculated from the car value, the ownership period and the annual depreciation percentage you choose. For finance or a loan, the calculation uses the down payment, monthly payments, any final payment and the expected value of the car at the end.

Operating lease and long-term rental

For an operating lease and long-term rental, vehicle depreciation is not added separately. The calculation uses the initial or administration fee, monthly payments and any expected excess-mileage charges.

What else should you include?

Fuel or electricity is calculated from annual distance, consumption and unit price. You can separately add maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, inspection, tyres, parking and other costs. If an item is already included in the lease or rental payment, enter 0.

Which option is theoretically cheaper?

There is no single option that is always the cheapest. Over a longer period, owning a car often results in lower total costs, especially when the car is already paid for, there is no large loan payment and it is kept for many years. The owner, however, carries the risk of repairs, depreciation and unexpected costs.

A finance lease or car loan usually adds interest and other financing costs, but the car remains your asset once the obligations are completed. An operating lease often gives more predictable costs and regular access to a newer car, but the vehicle usually does not belong to you at the end of the term. Long-term rental can cost more per kilometre, although maintenance, insurance or other services are often partly included in the rental price.

If you drive a lot and plan to keep the car for 5–10 years, owning it can often be more economical. If a newer car, a predictable monthly payment and fewer concerns about maintenance or resale matter more, an operating lease or long-term rental may be more practical. That is why it is useful to compare not only the monthly payment, but also the full annual cost and the cost per kilometre.

This calculation is indicative and is not a lease or rental offer. Actual costs depend on contract terms, interest, mileage, insurance and other expenses.