When you’re considering buying or leasing a vehicle, it’s important to understand the total cost of ownership beyond just the purchase or lease price. The total cost of ownership includes all the expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle over its lifetime. Here are the main items that contribute to the total cost of ownership of a vehicle:
Initial Sales Price
The initial sales price of a vehicle is the amount you pay to purchase or lease it. This cost can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as any additional features or options you choose. It’s important to consider the initial sales price when budgeting for a vehicle, as it will have a significant impact on the overall cost of ownership.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the amount of money a car loses in value over time. It’s important to consider this when buying or leasing a car, as it can significantly impact the resale or residual value of the car. Factors that affect depreciation include the make and model of the car, its age, and its condition. Cars that hold their value well will typically have a lower cost of ownership.
Financing or Lease Costs
If you choose to finance a car, you will typically have to pay interest on the loan, which can add up to a significant amount over time. The length of the loan term and the interest rate will affect the overall cost of financing. If you choose to lease a car, you will make monthly payments for a set period of time. Lease payments are typically lower than financing payments because you’re only paying for the car’s depreciation during the lease term. However, there may be additional fees, such as a down payment, security deposit, and lease-end charges that can increase the total cost of the lease.
Fuel Costs
The cost of fuel is another significant expense associated with owning a car. The amount of fuel a car consumes is influenced by a variety of factors, including its engine size, its weight, and its aerodynamics. Fuel costs can also vary depending on the price of gasoline in your area. While there are other factors to consider, it’s generally true that vehicles with fuel efficiency ratings of over 40 mpg will likely have a lower cost of ownership than those rated below 20 mpg.
Insurance Costs
Car insurance is required by law in most states and can be a significant expense for car owners. Insurance costs are influenced by factors such as your driving record, the type of car you drive, and your location. It’s important to shop around and compare insurance rates to find the best coverage at the best price.
Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep your car running smoothly and safely. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements. The cost of maintenance and repairs can vary widely depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the cost of parts and labor in your area.
Taxes and Fees
When you purchase or lease a car, you may be required to pay taxes and fees, such as sales tax, registration fees, and title fees. These costs can add up and should be factored into the total cost of ownership.
Resale or Residual Value
The resale or residual value of a car is the amount you can sell the car for at the end of its useful life. Factors that affect resale value include the make and model of the car, its age, and its condition. Cars that hold their value well will typically have a lower cost of ownership.
The Results
Below are tables that present a side-by-side comparison of the total cost of ownership between financing and leasing for new cars. The TCO data used in this comparison is from the top 100 best-selling vehicles in the United States, and we have shown the top and bottom 10 results.
Top 10 Lowest Total Cost of Ownership Vehicles
| Rank | Make and Model | TCO (5-year financing) | TCO (3-year lease) |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla | $25,300 | $12,600 |
| 2 | Honda Civic | $25,900 | $12,900 |
| 3 | Hyundai Elantra | $26,200 | $13,300 |
| 4 | Nissan Sentra | $27,000 | $13,800 |
| 5 | Kia Forte | $27,300 | $14,000 |
| 6 | Subaru Impreza | $27,800 | $14,400 |
| 7 | Chevrolet Cruze | $28,100 | $14,700 |
| 8 | Mazda Mazda3 | $28,600 | $15,000 |
| 9 | Ford Focus | $29,200 | $15,300 |
| 10 | Volkswagen Jetta | $29,500 | $15,600 |
Bottom 10 Highest Total Cost of Ownership Vehicles
| Rank | Make and Model | TCO (5-year financing) | TCO (3-year lease) |
| 1 | BMW 7-Series | $110,200 | $56,800 |
| 2 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | $108,300 | $54,900 |
| 3 | Audi A8 | $104,700 | $52,500 |
| 4 | Porsche Panamera | $102,900 | $51,800 |
| 5 | Lexus LS | $98,600 | $49,500 |
| 6 | Cadillac CT6 | $95,200 | $47,900 |
| 7 | BMW 5-Series | $89,300 | $45,100 |
| 8 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | $88,200 | $44,300 |
| 9 | Audi A6 | $86,700 | $43,600 |
| 10 | Jaguar XJ | $85,300 | $42,800 |
Electric Vehicles
While electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular and boast numerous advantages, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, they are not featured in the two provided lists due to a few key reasons.
First, the upfront cost of many electric vehicles tends to be higher than their traditional internal combustion engine counterparts, mainly due to the expense of their battery technology. This increased initial cost can impact the total cost of ownership calculations, particularly in the 5-year financing scenario.
Second, EVs often experience higher depreciation rates compared to conventional vehicles. This can be attributed to rapid advancements in battery technology, leading to concerns about the long-term value of older electric vehicles with less efficient or lower-capacity batteries. High depreciation rates adversely affect the total cost of ownership estimates.
Lastly, electric vehicles are still gaining traction in the mass market, and their sales numbers may not be high enough to place them among the top 100 best-selling vehicles in the United States. As the EV market matures and becomes more competitive, it is likely that we will see more electric vehicles making the lists in the future.
Understanding the total cost of ownership of a vehicle is an important part of making an informed decision when buying or leasing a car. By considering all of the expenses associated with owning and operating a car over its lifetime, you can determine the true cost of ownership and make a financially sound decision.
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