True running costs of cars revealed by nrma consulting

Motorists can save more than $10,000 a year driving a small car rather than a heavy duty 4WD, according to new research released by the National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) today.
Speaking at today's launch of NRMA Consulting, NRMA CEO, Mr Rob
Carter, said NRMA's motoring experts had examined the 30
best-selling models in each of the main vehicle categories to
calculate the true weekly running costs of cars."Most people would be surprised to learn that their car probably
costs them between $100 and $300 per week to run," Mr Carter
said."Our annual research calculates all the forgotten costs - such
as depreciation, registration, interest on loans, insurance,
servicing and repairs - to provide the real cost of car ownership
which people can use when budgeting or as a tool when buying a new
car," Mr Carter said."The most economical vehicle we assessed was the Hyundai Accent,
winner of Australia's Best Small Car award in 2001. The Accent
costs $108.70 to run each week," Mr Carter said."The most expensive vehicle to run was the Toyota's
petrol-driven LandCruiser GXL at $313.74 each week - or around
$10,000 per year more than the Accent."Australia's top selling family car, the Holden Commodore
Executive, was the most economical of the large cars assessed."While most people think that petrol is their biggest expense -
because it is the most obvious out of the hip pocket on a weekly
basis - it is actually depreciation."Depreciation accounts for 40 to 45 percent of the total weekly
cost of running a small car and up to 50 percent of running larger
family cars in the first three years. Fuel expenses comprise about
20 percent of weekly running costs on average, if driving 15,000
kms per year," Mr Carter said.Mr Carter said NRMA Consulting examined the top selling vehicles
across nine different categories. The results were based on the
first three years of private ownership, driving an average distance
of 15,000 km per year and a March 2002 purchase price."Overall motoring costs have remained steady compared to 2001
with new car price increases in 2002 offset by fuel savings
compared to 2001," Mr Carter said."Since 1982 the average weekly vehicle operating costs have
increased by 100% but the average weekly wage has increased by
165%."NRMA members can contact NRMA on 1300 655 443 for car buying
advice and comparative costs for models they may be considering to
purchase," Mr Carter said.NRMA Consulting can assist fleet operators and businesses
calculate costs associated with running business vehicles and
provide recommendations on optimum ownership cycles. NRMA
Consulting also specialises in independent testing of products,
vehicle components, fault tracing and diagnosis, and vehicle road
test reports on all popular new models.The NRMA Consulting team draws on the combined knowledge and
expertise from 27 trade mechanics, mechanical engineers, business
consultants, finance experts and research staff with up to 30 years
industry experience.-->Light CarsAv Wkly CostHyundai Accent 3 door Manual Hatchback 1.5 litre$108.70Holden Barina 3 door Hatchback 1.4 litre Manual$115.99Toyota Echo 3 door 1.3 litre Hatchback manual$116.57Mitsubishi Mirage 1.5 litre Manual 3 door Hatchback$124.80Small CarsAv Wkly CostMitsubishi Lancer GLXi 4 door sedan Manual$147.38Nissan Pulsar Q 4 door Sedan 1.8 litre automatic$152.00Toyota Corolla Conquest 1.8 litre Auto 4 door sedan$155.67Holden Astra CD Manual 4 door Sedan 1.8 litre$156.44Ford Laser GLXi 1.8 litre 4 door automatic sedan$158.27Medium CarsAv Wkly CostToyota Camry Csi 4 door Sedan 2.2 litre automatic$160.30Subaru Liberty GX AWD 4 door Sedan 2.0 litre Automatic$165.33Holden Vectra GL 2.2 litre GL 4 door sedan manual$167.00Large CarsAv Wkly CostHolden Commodore Executive Auto 3.8 litre 4 door sedan$187.74Toyota Avalon Conquest Auto 4 door Sedan 3.8 Litre$189.91Mitsubishi Magna Executive 3.5 litre automatic 4 door
sedan$192.80Ford Falcon Forte Auto 4.0 litre 4 door sedan$200.61Prestige CarsAv Wkly CostHolden Statesman 5.7 litre Auto 4 door sedan$276.47Ford Fairlane Ghia 4 door Sedan 5.0 litre V8$291.71People MoversAv Wkly CostMitsubishi Nimbus Wagon 2.4 litre Automatic$195.24Honda Odyssey 7 seater 2.2 litre Automatic 5 door Wagon$227.31Toyota Tarago Gli Auto 4 door Wagon 2.4 litre automatic$244.21Compact 4WDsAv Wkly CostToyota RAV 4 Edge 4X4 3 door Wagon manual$172.15Honda CRV Sport 4 door Wagon manual$188.33Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL 3.4 litre Wagon Manual$192.68Medium 4WDsAv Wkly CostMitsubishi Pajero GLX 4x4 4 door Wagon Automatic
"Sequential"$230.29Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL 3.4 litre Wagon Manual$244.75Large 4WDsAv Wkly CostNissan Patrol ST 4.2 litre turbo Diesel Wagon 4X4 Manual$290.40Nissan Patrol ST 4.8 litre Petrol Manual$299.02Toyota Landcruiser GXL 4.2 litre Diesel 4 door Wagon$310.30Toyota Landcruiser GXL 4.5 litre Petrol 4 door Wagon$313.74