When you buy a car in India for ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), the cost doesn’t stop at the showroom. There are several running and ownership expenses that you must consider before making a decision. Let’s understand the real cost of owning a car.
💰 1. On-Road Price
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Ex-Showroom Price: ₹10,00,000
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RTO Registration + Road Tax: ~10% = ₹1,00,000
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Insurance (First Year): ~₹40,000
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Handling + Accessories: ~₹15,000
👉 Total On-Road Price: ~₹11,55,000
🛢️ 2. Fuel Cost (Biggest Expense)
Assume:
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Daily running = 40 km
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Annual running = 15,000 km
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Mileage = 15 km/l (petrol car)
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Petrol price = ₹100/litre
Annual Fuel Cost:
15,000 ÷ 15 × 100 = ₹1,00,000
👉 In 5 years = ₹5,00,000
🛠️ 3. Service & Maintenance
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Regular Service: ~₹8,000 per year
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Tyre replacement (every 40,000 km): ~₹25,000
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Battery replacement (every 3 years): ~₹6,000–₹8,000
👉 Average 5-year maintenance = ~₹60,000–₹70,000
🛡️ 4. Insurance (Renewal)
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Year 1: ₹40,000
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Year 2–5: ₹18,000–₹25,000 per year (reduces over time)
👉 5-year insurance cost ≈ ₹1,25,000
🏚️ 5. Parking & Miscellaneous
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Monthly parking charges (if in metro city): ₹2,000/month = ₹24,000/year
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Tolls, fines, unexpected repairs: ~₹10,000/year
👉 5 years = ₹1,50,000 approx.
📊 Total Cost of Ownership (5 Years)
| Expense Category | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| On-Road Price | 11,55,000 |
| Fuel (5 Years) | 5,00,000 |
| Service & Maintenance | 70,000 |
| Insurance (5 Years) | 1,25,000 |
| Parking + Miscellaneous | 1,50,000 |
| Total (5 Years) | 19,00,000+ |
👉 So, a ₹10 lakh car actually costs nearly ₹19 lakh over 5 years of ownership.
✅ Conclusion
Before buying a car, don’t just look at the ex-showroom price. Consider the fuel cost, insurance, service, parking, and breakdowns. A car is a convenience, but also a long-term financial responsibility.
If you want to save on running costs, consider:
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CNG cars (cheaper running)
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Electric vehicles (higher initial cost but lower fuel/maintenance)
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Or choose a smaller engine car with higher mileage