Car costs drop in 2009

02 July 2009

WA motorists are emerging as the big winners this year with the RAC’s annual vehicle operating costs survey revealing it’s cheaper to run a car today than the same time last year.
 
The drop in petrol prices in the past year and lower interest rates as a result of the global financial crisis are the main reasons why costs have dropped.
 
RAC General Manager Auto Services Steve Nickolai said drivers of large SUVs were the big winners, with their costs slashed by almost $1,000.
 
“This year, fuel costs have dropped by almost one third providing a significant saving, particularly for less fuel efficient vehicles,” Mr Nickolai said.
 
“However smaller cars are still a much cheaper option. The cheapest large SUV has operating costs more than double the most expensive light vehicle.”

Depreciation is again a big cost for motorists, making up about 40 per cent of the overall costs of running a vehicle and finance, based on a five year loan for the total cost of the car, makes up about 20 per cent.

On road costs such as registration, insurance and roadside assistance make up about 17.5 per cent of the total costs and fuel contributes approximately 15 per cent.

For the second year running, the Hyundai Getz has emerged as the cheapest car in Australia to run, costing $120 a week.

“This is very impressive, especially considering the Getz now has a 4 star safety rating according to ANCAP,” Mr Nickolai said.

“It’s important for people to look at all aspects of a vehicle’s costs before they purchase it because there are often hidden expenses like servicing, tyres and depreciation.”

The popular Hyundai i30 SX is the cheapest car in the small car class costing just over $150 a week to run while the Toyota Prius Hybrid is the most expensive largely due to its high depreciation costs.

In the large car class the Toyota Aurion V6 sedan comes in as the least expensive costing just under $230 a week; that’s $15 cheaper than the Ford Falcon XT Automatic. That constitutes an overall saving of nearly $800 a year.

In the SUV compact class the Hyundai Tuscon City SX costs the least to run while the Nissan X-Trail TS T31 diesel turbo is the most expensive.

In the Large SUV class the Nissan Patrol diesel turbo is $85 cheaper to run a week than the Toyota Landcruiser GLX diesel turbo, an annual saving of nearly $4,500. 

Download the release

Visit the web page on 2009 Running Costs