As I approached the 10-year mark of owning my trusty Toyota Corolla, I decided to take a closer look at the data. I’d been tracking my car expenses and mileage since buying it new in 2015, and I was curious to see what the numbers would reveal.
What I found was surprising. The total cost of ownership over the past decade came out to a whopping $43,529. That’s a lot of money, but it’s not just about the sticker price.
Breaking Down the Costs
Let’s take a closer look at where all that money went:
- Purchase price: $18,888 (the initial cost of buying the car)
- Insurance: $11,453 (premiums over the past 10 years)
- Gas: $8,122 (filling up the tank all those times)
- Fees: $2,279 (registration renewals and smog checks)
- Maintenance: $1,954 (keeping the car in good shape)
- Repairs: $833 (the occasional fix-it job)
The Mileage Story
But it’s not just about the money. I also tracked my mileage over the years, and the data tells an interesting story. As I changed jobs and commutes, my driving habits shifted. I went from a long commute to a shorter one, and eventually to working from home full-time.
The result? A decline in cumulative MPG over the years, reflecting the change in my driving habits. It’s a reminder that our cars are only as efficient as we are.
The Takeaway
So what’s the lesson here? Owning a car comes with a lot of hidden costs, but tracking those expenses can help us make more informed decisions. Whether you’re a data nerd or just a curious car owner, taking a closer look at your own expenses and mileage can be a real eye-opener.
*Further reading: The True Cost of Car Ownership*