What’s Covered
AAA’s analysis covers vehicles equipped with standard
features and optional equipment including automatic
transmission, air conditioning, power steering, antilock
brakes and cruise control, to name a few.
Depreciation — Depreciation is based on the difference
between new-vehicle purchase price and estimated
trade-in value at the end of five years and 75,000 miles.
Finance — Costs are based on a five-year loan, with 10
percent down, at the national average interest rate for five
credit rating categories weighted by market share. The
loan amount includes taxes and the first year’s license fees,
both computed on a national average basis.
Fuel — Fuel costs are based on average prices for the 12
months ending May 31, 2019, as reported by AAA Gas Prices
at www.GasPrices.AAA.com. During this period, regular
grade gasoline averaged $2.679 per gallon. Fuel economy
is based on Environmental Protection Agency ratings for
55 percent city and 45 percent highway driving. Electric
vehicle charging costs are based on a rate of 12.6 cents per
kilowatt hour.
Insurance — Costs are based on a full-coverage policy
for personal use of a vehicle by a driver who is under 65
years of age, has more than six years of driving experience, no accidents and lives in a suburban/urban location. The policy includes discounts for passive restraints and an anti-theft system, and provides $100,000/$300,000
personal liability, $25,000 medical, $100,000 property and
$25,000/$50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A $500 deductible applies to all collision and comprehensive claims.
License, Registration and Taxes — Costs include all governmental taxes and fees payable at time of purchase, as well as fees due each year to keep the vehicle licensed and registered. Costs are computed on a national average basis.
Maintenance, Repair and Tires — These costs include
retail parts and labor for routine maintenance specified
by the vehicle manufacturer, a comprehensive extended
warranty, repairs to wear-and-tear items that require
service during five years of operation and one set of
replacement tires of the same quality, size and rating as
those that came with the car. Sales tax is included on a
national average basis.
Read the full brochure here: AAA-Your-Driving-Costs-2019
Thank you.