NRMA Motoring & Services has made it easier for motorists to compare car running costs and plan budgets with the launch of its free online car operating and fuel costs calculator – located at www.mynrma.com.au/runningcosts.
NRMA operating costs expert Brad O’Hara said the online tool contains over 500 popular car models and takes into account variables such as fuel prices and depreciation.
“The benefit of the calculator is that it can be used in real-time, reflecting the most up-to-date petrol prices,” Mr O’Hara said.
Costs are calculated using average retail prices and take into account depreciation, opportunity interest, registration, comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, maintenance and repairs and fuel. Mr O’Hara said the report contains comprehensive operating costs across eight popular categories.
Motorists may be surprised to learn that the average whole of life cost for a light car is over $130 a week, while owners of an average large Sports Utility Vehicle will be looking at almost $300 a week. These figures are more than ten percent higher than 2007 survey costs*.
*Calculations are for private ownership in New South Wales, based on an annual distance of 15,000 kilometres travelled over an ownership period of five years. The figures used in the car operating and fuel costs calculator are taken from the NRMA’s 2008 Private Vehicle Operating Costs Report.
The online tool is available at www.mynrma.com.au/runningcosts. In addition to the NRMA website, NRMA Members can contact NRMA Motoring Advice on 1300 655 443 for free running costs and motoring advice.