Buying Guides FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Estimate the cost of ownership
Compare vehicles with the same distance and time assumptions.
Separate purchase and operating costs.
Use the full upfront amount. Include registration, insurance, maintenance, tyres and energy in the operating budget. List parking, tolls or other costs separately when they are material to your choice.
Use the way you actually drive.
Estimate kilometres per year from your own trips. For fuel, use litres per 100 kilometres and a local price per litre. For an electric vehicle, estimate kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres and use a blended price when you expect a mix of home and public charging.
Treat resale as an assumption.
Compare at least two resale outcomes and check whether a different energy price changes the result. This tool excludes interest, tax, parking, tolls and inflation. Add material excluded costs before making your decision.
Official references
- ASIC MoneysmartBuying and running a car