How It Compares
I've been researching long-term ownership costs for different vehicles, and the numbers are really eye-opening. The upfront price tag is just the beginning - you've got to factor in things like fuel, maintenance, and insurance over the life of the car. Take my situation, for example. I drive about 12,000 miles per year, mostly city driving.
Key Differences
When you use the Long Term Cost Of Ownership, when I crunched the numbers, I found that a compact sedan could cost me around $0. 40 per mile to own over 5 years, while a midsize SUV would be closer to $0. 55 per mile. That's a significant difference, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle for the long haul.
