Get a free breakdown of fuel, tax, depreciation, MOT and servicing costs for any UK vehicle.
See your car's running costs
Enter any UK registration number on our homepage to get a personalised running costs breakdown instantly.
Look up a vehicleOur running costs breakdown covers the five major categories that make up the true cost of owning and running a car in the UK. Each estimate is tailored to your specific vehicle based on its fuel type, engine size, age, mileage and emissions.
Calculated using real-world MPG data for your vehicle and current UK fuel prices. We estimate your annual and monthly fuel spend based on average mileage, so you can see how much you are likely to spend at the pump.
Vehicle Excise Duty is calculated based on your car's CO2 emissions and age. We show both the annual rate and the six-month payment option, including any first-year surcharges for newer vehicles.
We estimate how much value your car is likely to lose over the next year using market-based depreciation curves. This is often the single largest cost of car ownership, especially for newer vehicles.
Average annual MOT and servicing costs based on your vehicle's segment. This includes the MOT test fee plus typical servicing costs for vehicles of similar size and type.
A segment-based insurance estimate based on typical premiums for vehicles in the same category. Personal quotes will vary based on your age, location and driving history, but this gives you a realistic ballpark figure.
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Enter your reg
Type any UK registration number into the search box on our homepage.
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We calculate the costs
We use your vehicle's real specs, fuel data, emissions and market values to build a personalised estimate.
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See the breakdown
Get a clear monthly and annual breakdown across fuel, tax, depreciation, servicing and insurance.
The purchase price of a car is only part of the story. Running costs can add thousands of pounds per year on top of what you paid, and they vary enormously between vehicles. A car that looks like a bargain to buy can turn out to be expensive to own if it drinks fuel, sits in a high insurance group, or depreciates quickly.
If you are buying a used car, understanding the full cost of ownership helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. A vehicle with slightly higher mileage but lower running costs could save you more in the long run than a low-mileage car with expensive fuel and servicing bills.
Our free running costs breakdown gives you the full picture before you commit, helping you compare vehicles on total cost rather than just the sticker price. You can also check a vehicle's valuation and MOT history to build a complete picture.
The average UK car costs between £300 and £600 per month to run, depending on the vehicle. This includes fuel, road tax, insurance, depreciation, MOT and servicing. Smaller, more efficient cars sit at the lower end, while larger SUVs and performance cars can exceed £700 per month. Enter your registration number to see an estimate tailored to your specific vehicle.
Depreciation is typically the single largest cost of car ownership, especially in the first three years. A new car can lose 40–60% of its value in that time. After depreciation, fuel and insurance are usually the next biggest expenses. Our running costs breakdown shows you how each category contributes to your vehicle's total cost of ownership.
Electric cars are generally cheaper to run day-to-day than petrol or diesel equivalents. Electricity costs roughly 3–5p per mile compared to 12–18p per mile for petrol. EVs also have lower servicing costs due to fewer moving parts and no ULEZ charges. However, higher purchase prices and faster depreciation can offset some of these savings.
You can reduce running costs by driving more efficiently (smooth acceleration, correct tyre pressure), shopping around for insurance at renewal, keeping up with servicing to avoid costly repairs, and checking whether a more fuel-efficient vehicle would save you money overall. Our free breakdown helps you identify which cost categories are highest for your car.
Yes, we include a segment-based insurance estimate in our running costs breakdown. This is based on typical insurance costs for vehicles in the same category as yours. For an accurate personal quote you should always compare prices from insurers directly, as premiums vary based on your age, location, driving history and other personal factors.
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