Transportation is the second-largest household expense category in the United States, averaging $10,000–$12,000 per year per household. Most of that cost is car ownership — and most car ownership decisions are made without honest accounting.

The true cost of a car. Payment or depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and parking combine to a real number most owners never calculate. A $25,000 car owned for five years with average insurance and maintenance often costs $0.50–$0.65 per mile. At 15,000 miles per year, that is $7,500–$9,750 annually for one vehicle.