New vs. used car — calculate cost of ownership
Purchase price is just one consideration. Also weigh depreciation and interest costs to determine the total cost of car ownership.
Get an auto insurance quote
Want to protect your car?
Using this calculator you can compare the cost of buying a new car vs used car. Factors such as depreciation, operating costs, and years of ownership are used to determine what the overall costs will likely be.
What factors will determine the results?
- Purchase price: Purchasing a new vehicle over a used vehicle of the same make and model will clearly cost more. The new vehicle will drop in value more than the used vehicle due to the depreciation rate. Our calculator allows you to select the rate as average, high or low.
- Depreciation: Some vehicles just depreciate faster than others do. The faster they depreciate the lower the value becomes. Likewise, if they depreciate slower, the resale value is higher.
- Operating costs: A new vehicle will need less maintenance than a used vehicle. Additionally, the fuel consumption of used vehicles may be more than their newer counterparts.
- Years of ownership: If you own a vehicle for a longer period of time, the average annual cost is lower since costs are spread out over the years of ownership.
- Financing costs: Generally, the interest rate for a newer car is less than a used car.
Buying a new or used car?
All fields are required. If something doesn't apply, place a 0 in the field.
Results
New car results
Monthly payment
Total interest paid
Depreciation
Other costs
Total costs
Average cost per year
Used car results
Monthly payment
Total interest paid
Depreciation
Other costs
Total costs
Average cost per year
A new car will cost, on average, $1 more per year.
Assumptions:
The first year's depreciation is 20% on the new car and 10% on the used car. Subsequent years were figured at 10% for both new and used.
The first year's depreciation is 20% on the new car and 10% on the used car. Subsequent years were figured at 10% for both new and used.
Loading result
