Private Vehicle Running Costs 2011
How much does it cost to run your car? Private Vehicle Running Costs 2011 is a guide to the average cost of owning and operating a private vehicle in Australia, with costings for 95 popular vehicles.
Updated 27 June 2011Download PDF (167KB)
Introduction
This Schedule is a guide to the average cost of owning and operating vehicles for private purposes. It is based on typical vehicles in various sizes available in Australia and provides an indication of the likely areas of expense. The tables provide costings for 98 vehicles. Models chosen are generally the top three selling vehicles in each class. This year we have again included four popular Prestige models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
All costs used in these calculations were current as at 20th April 2011, unless otherwise noted.
We have again included Commodore models running on petrol and also on dual fuel LPG / Petrol. A number of diesel and hybrid sedan and hatch models have also been included*.
Please note that standing costs are shown in the tables as dollars per week and running costs as cents per kilometre amounts. The totals are shown as cents per km and as total dollars per week, total dollars annually and total dollars over 5 years.
Calculation Periods and Distances
Private Motoring
Calculations have been made for an annual distance of 15,000 km in line with Australian Bureau of Statistics surveys of Australian vehicle use. They are based on buying a new vehicle and operating it for 5 years.
Depreciation
Annual depreciation for private vehicles is calculated using the market rates for each manufacturer as taken from reputable pricing and vehicle data guides. On-road costs including statutory charges and average dealer delivery fee of $2182 are not included in the purchase price and are factored into the relevant indicated line of the standing costs.
The purchase price includes air conditioning and on cab chassis light commercial models, an optional tray from the manufacturer#*.
#Purchase prices are list prices as at 11th May 2011.
*Purchase prices include LPG equipment where shown. The Government $2000 gas rebate on purchase of new gas vehicles, currently available at time of compilation, has been included where applicable in calculations.
Interest
We have assumed 100% of the total cost (including statutory and other on-road costs) of the new vehicle has been financed. The loan through RACQ Finance is secured, has a 5-year term with monthly repayments and an assumed market-competitive fixed interest rate of 9.25%. A $260.00 loan application fee and $8.80 registration of interest fee have been included.
RACQ Finance details shown are indicative only; actual rates, terms, conditions and fees may vary.
Registration and Insurance
Registration costs and Compulsory Third Party insurance costs are current as at 1st July 2011. Calculations include CTP cover (Classes 1 and 6, private use) provided by RACQ Insurance. See note† below.
RACQ comprehensive insurance rates are based on the assumption that the driver is male, 35 years of age, carries a $500 basic excess, has an average no claims bonus, the car will be garaged at an average risk postcode, the vehicle is financially encumbered and that market value cover applies. Rates are for private use.
Registration Fees - Queensland
| Cylinders | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total $ Payable- Class 1† (as at 1/7/11) | $654.45 | $812.20 | $983.50 |
| Total $ Payable- Class 6† (as at 1/7/11) | $693.45 | $851.20 | $1,022.50 |
Note: There is a plate charge for new registration of $24.30.
Class 1 = Cars; Class 6 = Utilities
† Total fee includes CTP cover provided by RACQ Insurance. Total fee may vary slightly from those shown depending on CTP insurance provider actually chosen. Registration costs also include a traffic improvement fee.
The average running costs shown in the Vehicle Reimbursement Rates on the following page are developed from the averages for the combined vehicles in the respective categories as listed in this brochure’s ‘New to 5 years’ ownership cost tables.
Also shown is a table of the rates allowed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) when claiming a deduction for the use of a private motor vehicle in conjunction with your employment. The rates shown are for the previous financial year (2009/2010) as the new rates were not available at time of compilation.
For persons using their own car for business purposes, the actual amount reimbursed by their employer may be dependent on the particular award or other employment conditions under which they are employed.
Private Vehicle Reimbursement Rates
Rate per kilometre allowed by the Australian Taxation Office for the 2009 / 2010 year
| Engine Capacity | Rate per kilometre | |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary cars | Rotary engine cars | |
| Up to 1600 cc | Up to 800 cc | 63.0 cents |
| 1601 - 2600 cc | 801 - 1300 cc | 74.0 cents |
| over 2600 cc | over 1300 cc | 75.0 cents |
Average running costs
| Vehicle Category | Cents/km | Average $ per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 46.9 | 135.39 |
| Small | 61.2 | 176.43 |
| Medium | 75.1 | 216.69 |
| Prestige | 99.7 | 287.61 |
| Large | 98.2 | 254.80 |
| People Movers | 89.6 | 258.49 |
| Compact 4WD | 72.9 | 210.37 |
| Medium 4WD | 84.7 | 244.37 |
| All Terrain 4WD | 114.2 | 329.46 |
| Lt. Commercial 4x2 | 74.0 | 213.81 |
| Lt. Commercial 4x4 | 96.7 | 279.02 |
These rates are allowable for vehicles travelling less than 5,000 business km/yr and are the latest available at the time of printing.
For distances greater than this, we recommend that you seek advice from your accountant or the Australian Tax Office.
Roadside Assistance and Driver’s Licence Fee
Club membership is based on basic RACQ Club Care at the fee applicable as at July 1st, 2011. The fee for a 5-year Queensland Smartcard driver’s licence has been used. Smartcards will be progressively rolled out through the state from the later part of 2010 and as licence renewal is required.
Fuel
Fuel costs of 131.58 cents/litre (ULP), 139.73 cents/litre (PULP), 132.50 cents/litre (diesel) and 65.10 cents/litre (LPG) are based on the average price in Brisbane for the last six months prior to the time of calculation.
Fuel consumption data was based on the Australian Design Rule 81/01 standard fuel consumption test.
Tyres
We assume replacement of tyres on the following basis:
- 4 tyres every 45,000 kms
- Plus 1 tyre during the 5 year period due to puncture damage beyond repair
Replacement costs include fitting and balancing and in conjunction with replacing the four tyres the cost of a wheel alignment. Costs are at retail pricing. Tyre selection is based on the most suitable replacement for the original equipment branded tyre or a tyre of equivalent specification of a different brand suitable for the vehicle.
Service and repairs
Maintenance costs include servicing according to the manufacturer’s schedule plus repairs and spare parts that are likely to be required for normal driving conditions and assumed annual distances. A labour rate of $134.22 per hour including GST has been used.
Technical Advice
Free technical advice for RACQ members
- Are you having a problem with a repairer?
- Would you like a second opinion?
Ask us anything about cars: Specifications, performance, regulations, repairs, fuel, costs... no matter what the problem, we are at your service.
We also run Car Care Courses in Brisbane for people interested in learning more about their vehicles.
- Brisbane area phone: 3666 9148
- Outside the Brisbane area: 13 1905
- Car Care Course enquiries: 3666 9760
- E-mail: techadvice@racq.com.au
Vehicle Inspection Bookings
For Vehicle Inspection bookings call 13 1905.
Locations include:
- Brisbane Metro Centres
- Brisbane On-site
- Gold Coast
- Toowoomba
- Sunshine Coast
- Bundaberg
- Rockhampton
- Mackay
- Townsville
- Cairns
Approved Repairers
We support a network of RACQ Approved Repairers who carry our recommendation. They are committed to living up to the trust and confidence placed in their business by RACQ and maximising the member service experience.
The directory of RACQ Approved Repairers is available from any RACQ office, online, or look for the RACQ Approved Repairer Sign.
We trust this information has been helpful. You’ll be pleased to know it’s just one of a wide range of Fact Sheets on technical, safety and motoring topics that will help you make the most of your car. They are available at racq.com/motoring.
Contact Us
For further information contact RACQ Technical Advisory Service on 3666 9148 or 13 1905.
This brochure has been prepared as a guide only. Individuals should carry out their own investigations to satisfy specific requirements or situations.
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