About this calculator
The purchase price is only the beginning. Once you add loan payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, tires and depreciation, the real cost of a car is often much higher than people expect. This calculator brings every expense together into one clear monthly and yearly figure so you can budget honestly or compare two vehicles.
How it works
Every expense is broken into a monthly figure, then added up. Financing uses standard loan amortization on the amount borrowed (purchase price minus down payment). Fuel is calculated from your distance and efficiency — metric uses L/100km, imperial uses MPG. Depreciation is applied as a flat percentage of the purchase price each year, and cost per distance divides the total yearly cost by how far you drive.
Frequently asked questions
What does this calculator include?
Financing, fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance, tires and depreciation — the full monthly cost of owning the car, not just the loan.
Can I use miles and MPG?
Yes. Switch the toggle to Imperial and the fuel fields change to miles and MPG automatically.
What if I pay cash?
Set the down payment to the full price, or the loan term low, and the financing portion drops toward zero.
Is the depreciation figure exact?
No — it is an estimate based on a flat yearly percentage. Real resale value varies by make, model, mileage and condition.