Question 1

How accurate are these cost estimates?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance and repair estimates are based on aggregated data from CarEdge, RepairPal, Edmunds TCO, and OEM maintenance schedules. They represent typical costs - your actual costs may vary based on local labor rates, driving habits, and specific trim level. Fuel uses the EPA combined mpg of the model year and engine shown, so mostly-city driving, towing, or a different engine will move it. The estimates are designed to give you a reliable relative comparison between vehicles, not a guaranteed dollar amount.

Question 2

What's included in the true cost to own?

Accepted Answer

Three things. Maintenance and repairs: scheduled maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, filters, spark plugs, fluid flushes), brake service, and a probability-weighted estimate for major repairs based on each vehicle's known failure patterns. Fuel: your annual mileage divided by the vehicle's EPA combined mpg, times the gas price for your state. Insurance, if you switch it on: your state's average full-coverage premium. Registration fees, taxes, financing and depreciation are not included - they depend too heavily on the individual purchase to estimate reliably.

Question 3

How is the fuel cost calculated?

Accepted Answer

Miles per year divided by the EPA combined mpg, times the price per gallon. A 2022 Toyota Corolla 1.8L (EPA 33 mpg combined) driven 12,000 miles a year at the U.S. average of $4.35 a gallon (EIA, week of Oct 5, 2026) burns about $1,583 of gas a year. The price starts at EIA's weekly average for your state and you can type your own. EIA publishes weekly prices for only nine states; every other state uses its EIA regional average, and the calculator says so. It is today's price for every year - not inflated over the years you own the car.

Question 4

Where does the insurance figure come from?

Accepted Answer

It is your state's average full-coverage premium (liability, collision and comprehensive) from the NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report, 2023 data, updated to 2026 with the BLS consumer price index for car insurance and rounded to the nearest $10 - $1,700 a year for the U.S. as a whole. NAIC cautions that a state average does not account for the driver, the vehicle, coverage limits or deductibles - individual quotes vary widely. Treat it as a placeholder until you have a real quote.

Question 5

How does DIY maintenance affect total costs?

Accepted Answer

Choosing "I DIY some work" applies a 25% reduction to your maintenance estimate, reflecting the labor savings on routine tasks like oil changes, air filters, and brake pads. The dealership option adds 20% to reflect premium labor rates. Keep in mind that complex repairs - like transmission work or timing chain replacements - typically require shop service regardless of your DIY level. Fuel and insurance are not affected by this setting.

Question 6

Can I track my actual costs against these estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes - ServiceSage lets you log every maintenance record and receipt, then compares your actual spend against your vehicle's expected cost curve. Over time, you get a personalized view of whether you're running under or over budget. Logging is free for up to 3 vehicles or machines; the cost comparison is part of Pro, and every new account gets 14 days of Pro free.

True Cost to Own Calculator