About TrueCarCost

TrueCarCost was built because buying a used car is one of the largest financial decisions most people make — and most buyers only see the sticker price.

The truth is that the purchase price is often less than half the story. Two cars with the same sticker price can have wildly different total costs of ownership over five years, depending on fuel efficiency, reliability, insurance costs, and how fast they depreciate.

How we calculate costs

Our tool uses a combination of real-world data sources to estimate each cost category:

• Fuel: EPA MPG data combined with regional gas price estimates
• Maintenance: Manufacturer-recommended service schedules
• Repairs: Historical reliability data by make and model
• Depreciation: Market value decline curves by vehicle category
• Insurance: Your own quote — we use what you tell us
• Financing: Standard amortization based on your loan terms

Accuracy disclaimer

Cost estimates are for informational purposes only. Real-world costs vary based on driving habits, location, vehicle condition, and many other factors. Always get quotes from qualified mechanics and insurance providers before making a purchasing decision.

Affiliate disclosure

TrueCarCost may earn a commission if you click on affiliate links on this site, such as insurance quote links or auto loan comparison tools. These commissions help keep the tool free. Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate relationships.