5-Year True Cost of Ownership Calculator
The sticker price is only the beginning. Depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and state fees add tens of thousands over 5 years, and they swing widely by vehicle type, location, and how you drive. Estimate one vehicle, or compare up to 3 cars in a downloadable true-cost report with cost per mile, residual estimate, and methodology.
Enter your vehicle details
Compare up to 3 vehicles
Build a 5-year report across two or three cars using the same annual miles, state fees, APR, and loan term above.
Vehicle A
Vehicle B
Vehicle C
Residual estimate uses CarOutlay's transparent depreciation curve, not KBB or dealer-proprietary values. Replace insurance estimates with quotes before relying on the report.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
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Enter your inputs to estimate the 5-year cost.
Cost breakdown
All figures are 5-year totals (estimates).
Show year-by-year breakdown
| Year | Depreciation | Interest | Fuel | Insurance | Maintenance | Fees & Tax |
|---|
These are estimates based on your inputs and standard assumptions (depreciation curve: ~20% year 1, ~15%/yr thereafter; maintenance flat annual). Actual costs vary by make, model, condition, location, driving behaviour, and market conditions. Use this tool for directional comparison only. Verify insurance with quotes and registration fees with your state DMV.
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual ownership costs vary by driving habits, vehicle condition, local rates, and market conditions. Figures are general information — not financial, legal, or tax advice. Confirm with your insurer, lender, or a qualified advisor before you buy.
Why the sticker price isn't the cost
Most car shoppers compare sticker prices. But a $35,000 SUV and a $35,000 sedan can cost $8,000+ more or less to own over 5 years depending on depreciation, insurance rates, fuel economy, and the state you live in. This calculator makes the full picture visible before you sign, and the comparison report lets you keep the 2-3 car shortlist you are actually deciding between.
To run the vehicle history on a car you're considering, check the VIN at VinSleuth — free NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data decoded from the VIN.
Tires are a recurring ownership cost most buyers underestimate. Before you replace a set, check fitment and sizing at TreadSize — free tire-size and plus-sizing math.
How to use this calculator
- 1 Enter the purchase price, down payment, and loan terms.
- 2 Choose your fuel type (gas, hybrid, or EV) and expected annual mileage.
- 3 Pick your state — registration, sales tax, and property-tax rules fill in automatically.
- 4 Read the 5-year total, the cost-per-mile, and the cost-per-month breakdown, or compare up to 3 vehicles in a PDF report.
Frequently asked questions
What is true cost of ownership (TCO)?
True cost of ownership (TCO) is the total you'll spend on a vehicle over a given period — not just the purchase price. It includes depreciation (the loss in value), financing interest, fuel or charging costs, insurance, routine maintenance, and state fees like registration and sales tax. Over 5 years, ownership costs can easily exceed the original purchase price.
What's the biggest cost in owning a car?
For most buyers, depreciation is the single largest cost — typically 40%–60% of a new vehicle's value is lost in the first 5 years. Insurance and fuel are the next-largest variable costs. State fees (registration, property tax) vary widely by location and can add hundreds to thousands per year.
Is the calculator accurate?
It's an estimate based on your inputs and the default parameters shown. Depreciation uses a standard curve (roughly 20% in year 1, then ~15%/year); actual depreciation varies significantly by make, model, and market. Insurance uses your entered estimate. Use this tool to compare vehicles directionally — always verify with insurance quotes and your state DMV for exact fees.
Does the tool collect my data?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded or stored. We don't collect personal information.
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