
Depreciation: The Biggest Cost of Owning a Car
Fuel and servicing get the attention. The money that actually disappears is the value falling out of the car while it sits on the drive.
Running costs, resale values and the dealership tactics that quietly add thousands to the price.

Fuel and servicing get the attention. The money that actually disappears is the value falling out of the car while it sits on the drive.

Diesel still makes sense for a narrow set of drivers and has become a poor choice for most others.

The group rating is decided before you ever get a quote, and choosing a car one or two groups lower saves money every year you own it.

The repair bill against the car's value is only part of it. What matters is cost per remaining mile.

Cold weather exposes weaknesses that were tolerable in summer. Most winter breakdowns are predictable and preventable.

Prices are lower because protections are fewer. Knowing exactly what you give up makes it manageable.

Aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed, which is why a roof box costs more at motorway pace than anywhere else.

The comparison turns on tax treatment, mileage patterns and who carries the depreciation risk.

Cheaper than a car on fuel and tax, and more expensive than new riders expect on gear, tyres and training.

The cheapest motoring available, provided you budget for the maintenance rather than reacting to it.