The Real Cost of Owning a Car

The sticker price is just the down payment on the truth. Depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance and the Canadian winter line items that sneak up on you. In this episode: • Depreciation is usually the biggest cost — buy models that hold value. • Insurance, fuel and maintenance can rival the purchase over time; estimate them before you buy. • Budget for winter tires, block heaters and seasonal upkeep as part of the real cost.