Analysis finds car costs rising with hybrids offering relief

RAC’s latest car running costs analysis has found Western Australians are spending an extra $70 per week to operate their vehicles – but affordable hybrids can ease car cost pain.

The analysis examined the purchase price of 87 cars along with the cost of fuel, registration, insurance, servicing, and tyre replacement.

Major factors driving up costs were last year’s higher fuel prices and a trend that saw manufacturers dropping petrol variants in favour of hybrids, which attract a higher upfront cost.

Despite hybrids costing more than petrol-only cars, they ranked as the cheapest to run in two categories, with higher costs able to be offset in around two to three years.

The Suzuki Swift hybrid came in as the cheapest car to own, costing $227 per week – shaped by a sharp starting price and low fuel costs – with the ANCAP safety rating yet to be determined.

RAC’s Manager of Vehicle and Fuels Alex Forrest said the results show hybrids can be a good financial choice for car-buyers.

“Hybrids have become popular for drivers who aren’t ready for a full electric vehicle but want the benefits of lower running costs and reduced emissions,” Mr Forrest said.

“A hybrid on average may be an extra $2,000 to $3,000 compared to a petrol car, but those upfront costs can easily be recouped in just a few years.”

While EVs dominated the medium size category with models like the BYD Seal, Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3, the cheapest in the category was the Toyota Camry Hybrid at $309 per week.

The cheapest electric vehicle in that category – factoring in the State Government’s $3,500 rebate – was the BYD Atto at $325 per week.

In the small car category, the MG5 was the cheapest; however, it received a 0-star safety rating in a 2023 ANCAP test.

For less than $10 more a week, the BYD Dolphin and Kia Cerato had higher safety ratings in the same category.

“We always encourage consumers to check the safety rating and choose the safest car they can afford,” Mr Forrest said.

ENDS