Car Buying Calculators

What Does That Car Actually Cost You?

The sticker price is just the beginning. The true cost of owning a car in Australia includes registration, CTP insurance, comprehensive insurance, fuel, servicing, tyres, and — often the biggest factor of all — depreciation. Before you sign anything, run the numbers across the full ownership picture. These calculators help you do exactly that.

New vs Used: The Maths Behind the Decision

New cars come with manufacturer warranty, the latest safety features, and the peace of mind of knowing the vehicle's full history. The cost is rapid early depreciation — a new car typically loses 15–25% of its value in the first year and up to 50% in three years. If you buy a car that's 2–3 years old with low kilometres, someone else has absorbed that first depreciation hit. Use our Used Car Value Calculator to estimate what a vehicle should be worth based on age, kilometres, and make.

Finance vs Saving: What's the Real Cost of a Car Loan?

Dealer finance is convenient but often expensive. A $30,000 car on a 5-year loan at 9.99% interest (common for dealer-arranged finance) costs around $7,900 in interest — nearly the price of a second-hand car. Bank and credit union loans typically offer lower rates. Our Car Loan Calculator shows your repayments and total interest at any rate, and our Loan Comparison Calculator lets you see two loan options side by side.

Alternatively, saving for a year or two before buying means no interest at all. Use our Savings Goal Calculator to see how long it takes to reach your target at a realistic savings rate. The trade-off is time versus money — the right answer depends on your situation and how urgently you need the vehicle.

True Cost of Ownership: The Numbers Most Buyers Ignore

Beyond the purchase price, a typical Australian car owner pays annually for: registration ($300–1,000+ depending on state and vehicle), CTP insurance ($400–900 per year), comprehensive insurance ($800–2,000+), fuel (varies enormously by usage and vehicle), servicing and tyres ($500–2,000 per year), and depreciation ($2,000–6,000+ per year for most vehicles). Add all of these together and a $30,000 car can cost $7,000–$12,000 per year to run before you've made a single loan repayment. Budget for the full picture, not just the repayment.

Dealer vs Private Sale: What to Check Before You Buy

Buying privately is usually cheaper but comes with less protection. Key checks: run a PPSR search (Personal Property Securities Register, ppe.gov.au — costs around $2) to confirm the car isn't encumbered (still under finance) and hasn't been written off. Check the VIN against the registration papers. Use RedBook or similar for market value benchmarking. Have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic — spending $150–250 on an inspection can save you thousands on a car with hidden problems.

Buying from a licensed dealer gives you Australian Consumer Law protections including statutory warranties for used vehicles (the length varies by state and price). The vehicle must be fit for purpose and of acceptable quality — your rights exist regardless of what the dealer's contract says.

Registration and CTP: State by State

Car registration and CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance costs vary significantly by state. In NSW, CTP (called a Greenslip) is purchased separately from registration from a private insurer. In other states, CTP is bundled into the registration fee. Use our Car Registration Calculator and CTP Calculator to estimate costs in your state before you buy. These costs are not optional — you can't legally drive an unregistered or uninsured vehicle on Australian roads.