How to Use the Used Car 5-Year Cost Calculator
A used car's sticker price is just the beginning. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, and registration add up significantly over five years. Enter all annual costs to see the true total — then subtract the expected resale value for the net cost of ownership.
This calculator helps you compare a used car vs. a new car, a lease, or a different used vehicle by putting all costs on equal footing. The monthly average makes it easy to budget and compare options side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for 3–8% of the purchase price per year. A $12,000 car = $360–$960/year baseline. Older vehicles or those with high mileage may need more. A pre-purchase inspection helps identify immediate costs.
Look up the current price of the same make, model, and year that is 5 years older on sites like CarGurus or KBB. That gives a realistic estimate of what you'll get when you sell.
Not always. High repair bills, lower fuel efficiency, and expensive financing on an older vehicle can close the gap or even make a new car cheaper depending on circumstances.