This year vs. the past

NRMA Motoring & Services Motoring Research Engineer David Carr says after requests from Members an expanded number of models are included in the 2011 Private Operating Costs Survey going from just over 600 in 2010 to more than 1,200 this year.

As well as the increase in the number of vehicles included our improved forecasting model estimates Whole of Life Vehicle Operating Costs, including estimated Drive Away Prices.

The calculator now also includes ANCAP and greenhouse gas emission ratings and identifies if the car has Electronic Stability Control.

The calculator is designed so you can:

• Enter your Comprehensive Insurance Policy cost
• Change the fuel price and
• Replace our estimated 'Drive Away Price' with your own

All the costs will be re-calculated giving you WOL Costs tailored to your circumstances.

With many light and small cars continuing to offer Drive Away Pricing there will be little change between 2010 and 2011 estimates. However where manufacturers add Dealer Delivery, Stamp Duty, Registration and Luxury Car Tax to the manufacturer's recommended retail price (MRRP) you will notice a significant jump, meaning direct analysis between 2010 and 2011 is not easily done by examining the final figures.

So NRMA have done the hard work for you when analyzing the change between the Least Expensive vehicle in each class from 2010 and 2011 and have highlighted the following.

Light Class Operating Costs

The whole of life running costs for the 2010 light car class winner the Suzuki Alto have risen slightly thanks to higher fuel and registration prices, heavy discounting and market competition have held any increases to a minimum.

Small Class Operating Costs

The Hyundai i30, the 2010 least expensive small car, is still the cheapest 5 Star ANCAP rated small vehicle on the market with Electronic Stability Control as standard. However increases to the average cost for fuel and Registration have contributed to its costs increaing by just over $6.00 per week.

In its first appearance in the Survey it was beaten by the Proton Persona but the Persona's minimal safety equipment, lack of Electronic Stability Control and limited dealer network may reduce its popularity with buyers.

As of April 2011 year-to-date nationwide sales show over 9,000 i30 sales compared to less than 100 for the Persona.

Medium Class Operating Costs

The 2011 class winner Skoda Octavia is another new model to the Operating Costs survey. Its excellent fuel economy and value for money features made it a clear leader.

The Kia Magentis, the 2010 winner has been discontinued. The Camry increased in Whole of Life Costs by about $15 with half of this due to the increased cost of fuel and the rest being registration and other costs.

Large Class Operating Costs

The Toyota Aurion has again proven to be the least expensive large car. It did creep up in costs with increases in fuel, registration and other factors but it still represents the most economical large Australian family car on the market. 

SUV Compact Class Operating Costs

The Suzuki Jimny has again taken the title of least expensive compact SUV with cost increases being confined mainly to the increase in fuel prices. Its minimal safety equipment with Electronic Stability Control not being available may be reason enough for many buyers to opt up to the larger Suzuki Grand Vitara.   

SUV Medium Class Operating Costs

The Class leading Hyundai Santa Fe has grown up and is now a well appointed Medium class vehicle offering high levels of standard equipment and 5 Star safety with Electronic Stability Control as Standard.

Costs for the medium SUV Class increased due to fuel and registration charge increases but still represent great value for money for anyone looking for a multipurpose vehicle that is Goldie Locks sixe just right.

SUV Large Class Operating Costs

This year NRMA has combined the SUV Large and Luxury vehicles into one category. The category winner of the SUV Large Vehicle Category this year as the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6. The Jeep offers all the standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control and a Host of other equipment and its 4 Star ANCAP Safety Rating while not the highest is still very good.

Last years winner the Nissan Patrol DX did well compared with 2010 increasing in costs by about $14 overall with this increase being shared about evenly between fuel and registration charges. The costs for all SUV Large class vehicles increased due mainly to increased Standing Costs. These eroded much of the savings compared to the previous survey. Patrols' minimal safety equipment and lack of Electronic Stability Control may steer buyers toward other models.

Sports Class Operating Costs

This is a new Class for 2011. It combines true sports cars - convertibles and coupes with hot hatches and sedans, such as the Impreza WRX and Lancer Evolution, that stand out due to their sporting performance and design.

The Volkswagen Polo was the standout winner. It will be interesting to see how it fares again next year.