The True Cost Of Driving

   Most people have no idea of the cost of providing transportation from point "A" to point "B". I have assembled some statistics for you to consider; remembering that the average mid-size new car costs around $20,000 plus. Financing the average new car at 8% interest over 4 years runs $488.26 per month. The average full coverage insurance is around $90.00 per month. Average miles driven per year are 15,000 or 60,000 over 4 years. Average maintenance costs are $25.00 per month or $1,200 for 4 years. This comes to a total expense of $603.26 per month for 4 years, not counting tires or gas. Oh, by the way, that's after putting $1,000 down and paying $1,200 in sales tax. The total expense to drive from point "A" to point "B" is $7,239 per year or $28,956 for 4 years of transportation. And you wonder why money is tight! These figures will vary, depending on your individual transportation requirements. If you have more than one vehicle, multiply the above accordingly.

   When the time comes to perform maintenance and repairs and you need to spend $1,000 to prolong the useful life of your vehicle, take this into consideration. If by doing the maintenance and repairs gets you another 24 months and/or 30,000 miles; the average cost would be around $41.66 per month. You can't rent, lease, beg, borrow or buy a vehicle to use for $41.66 per month. Compare this to a $20,000 new car which will cost you $14,478 over 24 months, with an average cost around $603.26; not to mention $1,200 in Michigan Sales Tax which goes for nothing!! Which will it be? $1,200 to Michigan for nothing or a $1,000 for repairs and maintenance to get another 24 months and/or 30,000 miles. You tell me what makes sense! So, use the $14,478 you save by keeping your vehicle well maintained, safer and longer in order to realize your dreams, retirement or children's education. To fully maximize your transportation dollar you need to get 150,000 to 200,000 miles out of your vehicle. This is possible because today's vehicles are built better than ever before. By doing the manufacturers' recommended maintenance, you will help to insure the same level of reliability you have to come to know and expect