Total Cost of Ownership Calculator

Based on AAA and industry surveys, 5-year TCO for a mainstream midsize sedan or compact SUV typically runs $35,000-$50,000 including depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and financing. Per-mile this is roughly $0.55-$0.75. Luxury vehicles, trucks, and high-depreciation models can push $60,000-$80,000 over 5 years.

A $35,000 loan at 6% APR for 60 months adds approximately $5,600 in interest over 5 years - about 14% more than the purchase price paid in interest. Higher rates or longer terms magnify this. Paying cash eliminates this cost; pre-paying extra principal reduces it proportionally.

Yes, for a complete picture. This calculator includes insurance and lets you customize it. Registration and property taxes vary widely by state and vehicle value - they are typically $100-$500/year for a mainstream vehicle but can reach $1,500+ for a luxury or high-value car in certain states. Add these to your maintenance/other field if you want a complete figure.

Enter each vehicle separately with its respective price, depreciation rate, fuel type, fuel economy, and operating costs. The EV will typically show lower fuel and maintenance costs but a higher depreciation rate (for most models) and potentially higher insurance. The cost-per-mile output is the fairest single comparison point.