The essentials
- A car does not cost when you buy it, it costs while you keep it.
- Add up insurance, inspection, service, tyres and fuel before you buy.
- Fuel is usually the biggest item.
Add it up before you buy
A car does not cost when you buy it, it costs while you keep it. Before choosing a model, write these five items down and add them up.
The five items
- TPL insurance: the price depends on engine size and your bonus-malus; rates are approved by the Central Bank. Compare offers mainly for comprehensive cover.
- Registration every year (€75 plus municipal tax) and the inspection (€30 for a car; for new cars the first after four years).
- Service: oil and filters at least once a year, plus parts by mileage.
- Tyres: one winter set and one summer set last several years — spread the cost.
- Fuel: your annual kilometres times consumption times price. Usually the biggest item.
Parts availability matters more than the badge. For models common here parts are cheap and quick; for a rare model you wait weeks and pay double.