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Cost of OwnershipCar Maintenance Cost Calculator
Budget for upkeep, not just payments. Enter your annual mileage, a per-mile maintenance estimate, and how many years you’ll keep the car.
How this calculator works
We multiply your annual mileage by a per-mile maintenance rate for the yearly figure, then by your ownership years for the total. A common rule of thumb is roughly 8–12 cents per mile for routine maintenance and wear items on an out-of-warranty car — more for luxury and performance vehicles.
What changes the number
- Maintenance climbs with age — budget more in years 4–6 as tires, brakes, and fluids come due and the warranty ends.
- Luxury, European, and performance cars cost more per mile; mainstream economy cars cost less.
- This is routine upkeep — set aside a separate cushion for unexpected repairs, especially on older cars.
Frequently asked questions
What per-mile rate should I use?
For routine maintenance on a typical out-of-warranty car, 8–12 cents per mile is a reasonable starting point. Bump it up for luxury or high-performance vehicles.
Does this include big repairs?
No — it estimates routine maintenance and wear items. Keep a separate emergency fund for major repairs like transmissions or timing components.
How can I lower maintenance costs?
Follow the service schedule (prevention is cheaper than repair), keep records, learn simple jobs, and choose a model with a reputation for reliability and cheap parts.