Something shoppers often overlook when considering their next car is that one may be cheaper to buy but more expensive to own. Why? Even if two cars cost about the same to buy, one might depreciate faster or cost more to insure and maintain.
Before you commit to a car, you should estimate its long-term ownership costs. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. Edmunds True Cost to Own® (TCO®) presents this information in an easy-to-read table. It can help you make a smart decision up front that can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the car.
by Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor at edmunds.com
