Compare Two Cars — Which Is Cheaper to Own?

A cheaper sticker doesn’t always mean a cheaper car. Put two options side by side — price, depreciation, and yearly running costs — to see which actually costs less to own over your ownership period.

How this calculator works

For each car we add the value it loses (price × depreciation %) to its running costs over the period (yearly cost × years). That’s the real cost of those years — the cheaper sticker often loses if it depreciates faster or costs more to run. Use the depreciation calculator to estimate each car’s percentage and cost-of-ownership for the running figure.

What changes the number

Depreciation is usually the deciding factor — a car that holds value can be cheaper to own even at a higher price.
“Running cost” should bundle fuel, insurance, and maintenance per year — get each from the relevant calculator.
A longer ownership period favors the car with lower running costs; a short one favors the one that depreciates less.

Frequently asked questions

Why can the pricier car be cheaper to own?

Because price is a one-time number while depreciation and running costs compound. A reliable, value-holding car can cost less over five years than a cheaper one that drops fast and costs more to run.

What counts as running cost?

Fuel, insurance, and routine maintenance per year. Estimate each with the cost-per-mile, insurance, and maintenance calculators, then total them here.

Does this include financing?

Not directly — it compares cash cost of ownership. If you finance both, add each loan’s yearly interest into its running cost for a fairer comparison.