Projecting Long-Term Expenses of Car Ownership

In the modern, high-tech age, auto makers take advantage of online tools that could be used to optimize sales. Desktop and mobile applications are available for download for consumers who are seeking in-depth information about specific car models. For instance, digital brochures can be conveniently saved onto a hard drive or a smartphone’s internal memory. Such presentations could be viewed offline when there aren’t any reliable internet connections. The virtual brochures might have interactive features such as interior and exterior tours of a vehicle. Additionally, users could click on specific parts of a car in order to find out more information.

Auto manufacturers also develop mobile apps featuring a new car comparison guide. Users could find out some of the long-term costs of owning particular vehicle models. For example, the annual fuel expenses could be accurately calculated based on personalized driving habits. Cost-of-ownership calculators take into consideration the grade of fuel that is used to fill up the tank. Of course, the EPA fuel economy plays the most important role in determining annual expenses on gasoline or diesel. It’s also fun to compare and contrast fuel economy ratings between some of the leading vehicles within the same class and MSRP range.

Cost-of-ownership projections for cars also depend on extensive data that has been collected by auto dealers, makers and other entities in the industry. For example, it’s possible to accurately predict the fixed expenses on routine maintenance and service for a vehicle. Additionally, tire replacements and other minor repairs are also factored into the equation of long-term car ownership. Even auto insurance data is used to determine some of the fixed expenses that car owners could expect over the course of several years.

Most car owners would like to know the depreciation rates of their vehicles. Some reliable car models are well known for retaining their value over the course of several years. By contrast, other vehicles depreciate rapidly because of safety recalls or the release of other comparable models that are loaded with upgrades. Comparing these vehicles via digital displays can help consumers make smart choices.