5-year cost-to-own calculator
Estimate what a car really costs over five years — not just fuel. This adds the four big ownership costs: fuel/energy + maintenance + insurance + depreciation. Pick a model to prefill OwnRate's estimate (the fuel line is EPA data; the rest are typical assumptions by vehicle type), then replace any line with your own quote. Depreciation is usually the single biggest cost — often more than fuel and maintenance combined.
Data as of June 2026.
How the cost-to-own estimate is built
Total 5-year cost = fuel/energy + maintenance + insurance + depreciation. When you pick a model, OwnRate prefills the fuel line from the EPA's published annual fuel cost (× 5) and the other three from documented defaults that vary by body type and powertrain (EVs and hybrids get lower maintenance; trucks and SUVs get higher insurance and depreciation). These defaults are illustrative, not model-specific quotes — always swap in your own figures. Annual mileage default is 15,000 miles. Full assumptions on the methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in 5-year cost to own?
This calculator adds the four biggest ownership costs over five years: fuel/energy, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and depreciation (the value the car loses). It excludes financing interest, taxes/fees and parking, which vary a lot by buyer.
Why is depreciation usually the biggest cost?
A new car typically loses 40–60% of its value in five years, often more than you spend on fuel and maintenance combined. That's why two cars with similar MPG can have very different ownership costs — and why resale value matters.
How accurate is this estimate?
The fuel line uses real EPA data; the maintenance, insurance and depreciation defaults are typical ranges by vehicle type, not model-specific quotes. Treat the total as a ballpark and replace the defaults with your own quotes for accuracy. See the methodology.
Do EVs cost less to own?
EVs usually cost less to fuel and maintain, but historically depreciate faster and can cost more to insure. Whether they're cheaper overall depends on purchase price (after any incentives), how long you keep the car and your mileage. Use the EV-vs-gas calculator for the fuel-only payback.
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Last updated: 2026-06-20