ALTO IS AUSTRALIA’S CHEAPEST CAR TO RUN: NRMA RUNNING COSTS

NRMA Motoring & Services has used its custom made running costs calculator to analyse 620 new vehicles and found the Suzuki Alto GL is Australia’s cheapest vehicle to operate at just $89 per week.

By contrast, the most expensive new cars to run are the Toyota Landcruiser Sahara and Holden Caprice at around $360 per week.

The NRMA’s running costs calculator is Australia’s most accurate cost calculator for anyone buying a new car and wanting to compare the running costs of different models.

Motorists who want a comprehensive breakdown of what it costs to run a car week to week should go to www.mynrma.com.au/runningcosts.

NRMA Head of Member Motoring Brad O’Hara said new car buyers should choose carefully as models in the same class of car could vary in cost by as much as $185 per week.

“The least expensive car in the people mover class, the Kia Rondo LX costs around $150 per week to run, while the Chrysler Grand Voyager costs around $335 per week to run,” Mr O’Hara said.

“New car buyers should also consider vehicle safety as well as operating costs.

“The NRMA recommends 5-star ANCAP rated passenger vehicles – the Alto scored four.”

The 2010 operating cost calculator provides consumers with data for 620 new vehicle models – 100 more than last year.

“Insurance costs can have a major impact on the costs of operating a car,” Mr O’Hara said.

“Allowing motorists to enter their own insurance amount is fundamental in creating an accurate running costs figure.”

The volatility of fuel prices is a major factor for families trying to run a weekly budget, with prices able to fluctuate as much as 70 cents per litre within six months.

Mr O’Hara said the running costs calculator also provides the 620 vehicles with a greenhouse rating out of 10 from the Australian Government’s green vehicle guide.

“It will help environmentally-conscious motorists make a greener choice when they buy their next car,” Mr O’Hara said.

“It came as no surprise that the Toyota Prius Hybrid had the highest greenhouse rating at 9.0-out-of-10, beating some more fuel efficient diesel vehicles.

“We’ve found that generally, the bigger the car, the poorer the greenhouse rating, with the exception of hybrid vehicles.

“The lowest rating vehicle in the small vehicle class scored 6.5-out-of-10 while the highest rated vehicle in the SUV large class scored just 4.5-out-of-10.

“Motorists want to know dollar for dollar exactly what their car will cost them to run and with these added features, the running costs calculator is the most comprehensive analysis tool available in Australia.”

Calculations are for private ownership in New South Wales, based on 15,000 kilometres travelled annually over an ownership period of five years. The formula takes into account the negotiated vehicle price, depreciation, opportunity interest, registration, comprehensive insurance, NRMA membership, maintenance and repairs and fuel.

To use NRMA’s running costs calculator go to www.mynrma.com.au/runningcosts.

THE CHEAPEST NEW CARS TO RUN IN 2010