RACQ declares Alto the cheapest new car to own and run, but warns car buyers should do their research.
Car buyers are being warned to research the hidden costs involved in vehicle ownership.
Queensland motoring association – RACQ, has researched the true costs of car ownership and say often buyers are paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more each year than they expect.
The 2013 Vehicle Running Costs Survey compared the private operating costs of 110 cars from different classes and with different engine types, including LPG, petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric.
The Suzuki Alto was found to be the cheapest car to own and operate across all vehicle classes, with an operating cost of $113.82 per week or $5,918.50 a year. The petrol Nissan Patrol ST-L was the most expensive car, with owners forking out $402.21 per week, or $20,914.98 a year.
RACQ’s Steve Spalding said the report revealed that the real cost of owning similar-sized vehicles varies dramatically.
“The real cost of owning a car is much more than just the sticker price and the wrong choice could set you back thousands,” Mr Spalding said.
“Servicing, fuel consumption, spare parts, insurance and depreciation play a major role in how much a financial burden your vehicle will be.”
Joel Helmes
