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I have never previously calculated the annual cost of my car ownership.
On returning to the UK recently, all my annual payments for The Compact Royce (Debi) arrived either by post or by Email. They have now all been paid.
Road Tax: £190
Insurance: £631.05
Annual Service and MOT: £255
Total: £1,076.05 (To which I should add another £230 for my recent pothole damage)
I hadn't realised that it cost so much. Add to that the cost of petrol, and any incidental repairs, and it becomes quite an expensive pleasure.
As long as I can afford it, I don't really mind; I would hate to be without my car.
Another cost you might factor in is depreciation.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought the current car, I imagined it would outlive me, so any thoughts of value seem unimportant. For a younger person it would certainly need to be considered.
DeleteThe things we learn as we grow older... I am just now going to get rid of things I am never going to use again. I am retired and plan on doing what I want now , not what I NEED to do.
DeleteIt is a very liberating feeling.
Considering they are the 3 constants forever and a day with running a car I am surprised you say you hadn't 'realised' by now.
ReplyDeleteI don't really look at the cost of anything. Either I pay by direct debit, or I simply buy what I want without looking at prices. As long as I'm solvent at the end of each year I'm happy.
DeleteLet's leave aside that I still live in hope that a man your age may weigh into the heavy questions of life [and death] rather than the daily mundane.
ReplyDeleteConsidering your preoccupation with the cost of living you may count yourself lucky that you ain't a youngster, just starting out on your driving career. Your yearly total cost wouldn't have begun to cover the Angel's insurance alone, never mind associated costs. I am not easily ruffled but insurance was eyewatering when he got his first car. Factor in age (young), gender (male) and you are basically eaten alive. Mind you, here is a trick your son Kimbo may well be aware of when his sons start driving: Get their dad's name (assuming Kimbo's driving history is more or less unblemished) onto his sons' insurance cover - second driver or some such - and they'll be able to visit Venice again without raiding the piggy bank.
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I don't think I'm preoccupied at all. In fact I tend to ignore such banalities. Yes, I'm pleased that I'm not starting out as a young driver, I've heard of some outrageous annual premiums.
DeleteIt's all relative. I can remember as a 17 year old car insurance costing more than a months wages and it only being third party and not fully comp.
DeleteI've only ever had third-party ins. I've only once clamed for a broken windscreen (not my fault), so the Ins Co's have done very well out of me.
DeleteThe amount you are paying sounds like fully comp.
DeleteAs long as you feel you can drive those costs are worth it. Having a road worthy car parked outside is a convenience you need as you grow older. It's there for your weekly shopping and emergencies. Does Lady M drive?
ReplyDeleteYes, she does drive, and is on my insurance. I really like having the car in the garage, it gives me a permanent feeling of liberty.
DeleteI used to look at the cost of everything, not so much now that I am in a better position. I get my insurance through a broker, same one for 50 years. They get me a good deal, mainly because I put an annual 6000 mile limit on my driving. Fully comp with one owner driver. Yours seems rather high. At last after years of scrimping, I am solvent.
ReplyDeleteWhen I moved back to Britain, my new ins Co wouldn't accept my French no claims bonus, even though it was from a UK owned ins Co. I'm still waiting for my premiums to fall a bit.
DeleteI can't imagine life without a car here, especially in a rural area when you have to travel for everything and ignore the prices I pay.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same. My car is my life-line.
DeleteMust admit to never having thought much about the costs involved in running my car. Living almost on the edge of town, a car is essential, even to get to the nearest bus stop!
ReplyDeleteAs long as one is solvent, there's little point in studying the prices of everything.
DeleteThe cost of vehicle insurance is getting to be prohibitive. When I was working it was two cars and a motocycle. Now it's just the one car that we have had for 10 years. No thoughts of changing it as it's served us well and only has 54000 miles on the clock. Tax,£30, insurance £260 and the running costs are pretty low.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds quite reasonable. When my no claims bonus kicks in again, my premium should come down a bit. It was much cheaper in France.
DeleteThat is about what I spend to keep my little VW on the road here in the United States. And I only drive it about 1,500 miles a year.
ReplyDeleteI don't do much milage. Here I do about 50 miles a week, and to get down to France and back is about 1,500 miles, plus about 100 miles a week. A full tank lasts a long time!
DeleteA car is essential. I can not imagine being without a car.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Being slightly immobile, it allows me freedom.
DeleteI’m worried I’m in need of a new car soon and can’t afford one
ReplyDeleteYou were criticised for being banal and not discussing things of a more profound nature. I think your posts are a great comfort to many who may not even comment on your posts friendly and neighbourl There are many who are alone, elderly, disabled, who value your intimate chats. A creative person knows that perfection and inspiration are found in the little things of life unknown to a person of limited sensibilities who label them mundane Thank you for sharing your life with us
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you R. My page may discuss subjects that others don't, but it's simply the way I think on any specific day. No subject is 'out of bounds'.
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