cost of running a car australia

Running a car in Australia costs more than just fuel and a dash of optimism. For an average commuter doing about 15,000 km a year, fuel alone is roughly $2,100–$3,000 (think 7–10 L/100 km at around $2/L). Rego and CTP typically land between $600 and $1,200 depending on your state and vehicle, insurance often sits around $600–$1,500, and routine servicing can add $300–$900 a year, with tyres averaged out at roughly $150–$400 annually. Depreciation is the silent assassin—often 10–20% of the car’s value in the early years, easily dwarfing the rest.

Add it up and you’re looking at roughly $4,000–$7,000 per year excluding depreciation, or $6,000–$12,000+ with it baked in—before parking, tolls, and the occasional speeding “donation.” Want to trim the pain? Choose a thrifty car, shop around for insurance, keep tyres inflated, and don’t skip services; it’s cheaper than pretending warning lights are decorative.