Continue your plan
Useful next calculations
Rates & sources
DVLA, HMRC fuel advisory rates and manufacturer-published figures. Real-world results vary by driving style.
Source: DVLA / HMRC fuel advisory rates — check the linked guidance and any live quote before acting.
When to use this calculator
- When you need a fast estimate before making a bigger decision.
- When you want to compare a few scenarios using the same assumptions.
- When you need a clearer starting point before using a detailed quote or formal document.
- When you want to sanity-check a figure you have seen elsewhere.
A realistic UK planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Car Value (£) | 15000 |
| Annual Miles | 10000 |
| MPG | 40 |
| Fuel Price (£/litre) | £0.30 |
After entering these figures, review annual cost, monthly and per mile together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.
How to read your results
Annual Cost
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Monthly
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Per Mile
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
This calculator aggregates the major components of annual car ownership cost in the UK: fuel, insurance, road tax (VED), servicing, MOT, tyres, and any financing payments. Enter your best estimate for each category based on your actual bills or quotes. The calculator then produces a total annual cost and, divided by your annual mileage, a cost per mile figure. This pence-per-mile metric is particularly useful for comparing ownership of different vehicles or for calculating mileage reimbursement. Note that depreciation — often the single largest cost of car ownership — is not included here; use the dedicated depreciation calculator alongside this tool for a complete financial picture.
Common mistakes
- !Using optimistic assumptions without testing a more cautious scenario.
- !Comparing outputs from different tools without checking that the inputs match.
- !Treating the result as a final quote instead of a planning estimate.
- !Rounding inputs too aggressively.
What to do next
- Try at least one more scenario so you can compare a realistic range.
- Use the related calculators below to cross-check the decision from another angle.
- Write down the key outputs from your best scenarios before you decide.
- If the result surprises you, change one input at a time to isolate the driver.
Frequently asked
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