March 26, 2007Average cost of driving a car: 52.2 cents a mile, AAA says
The Detroit News
It costs an average of 52.2 cents to drive a mile -- about the same as it did a year ago -- according to a study released today by AAA.
The automobile club said the cost of owning and operating anew vehicle this year is basically unchanged from a year ago, at $7,823 for 15,000 miles.
Fuel prices as measured in the study were actually down about half a cent from last year's survey, but the cost of insurance and financing has grown, AAA said.
Costs vary by size and type of vehicle. The expenses for a small sedan averaged $6,219 a year, compared to $9,373 for a large sedan. Driving 15,000 miles a year in a minivan costs $8,639 compared to $9,997 for the same distance in an SUV.
Expenses included in the gauge include fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, license, registration, taxes, depreciation and finance charges.