Car Maintenance Cost Calculator
How much should you set aside for car upkeep? Estimate annual maintenance and repairs by your mileage, the car’s age and its type.
Compare extended warranties and service plans
Learn moreBudget before it breaks
Maintenance and repair costs creep up with age and mileage, and vary a lot by vehicle — economy cars are cheapest to keep, trucks and European luxury cars the priciest. Setting aside a monthly amount turns surprise repairs into a planned expense.
How it’s calculated & sources
We apply a per-mile maintenance rate for your vehicle type, increased ~5% for each year of age beyond five, and multiply by annual miles. The monthly figure is what to reserve.
Benchmark: AAA estimates maintenance, repair and tires at roughly 9–10¢/mile for a typical vehicle; older and luxury cars run higher.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
An economy car driven 12,000 miles a year at age 6 costs about $1,060/year to maintain — roughly $88/month to set aside.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include tires?
It’s a blended maintenance-and-repair estimate that broadly covers wear items like tires and brakes. Big one-off repairs can spike a given year.
How can I cut maintenance costs?
Follow the service schedule, address small issues early, keep records, and get quotes — preventive care is far cheaper than major repairs.