P&A Providers & Administrators
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New-Vehicle Ownership Costs Keep Going Up

AAA analysis shows big increase over last year, blames inflation, interest rates.

August 31, 2023
New-Vehicle Ownership Costs Keep Going Up

Half-ton pickups like the Ford F-150 have the highest average cost and have experienced a drop in demand as the costs of owning them now rival that of 'many luxury cars.'

IMAGE: Ford

2 min to read


The annual cost of owning a new vehicle has ballooned due to still-inflated prices and elevated interest rates, a new AAA study shows.

The motor clubs federation, known for its auto insurance and roadside assistance, says the annual average cost of owning and operating a new vehicle this year is $12,182, or $1,015 a month, up about 14% over last year’s figures.

Ad Loading...

It points to the growing average manufacturer’s suggested retail price, which it said is now $34,876, up about 5% over last year, combined with the average annual finance charge that MSRP impacts: $1,253, up a whopping 90% year-over-year.

Though the effects of the pandemic on the inflated costs have diminished this year due to improving inventories, “the spillover effects are keeping prices high,” says AAA Director of Automotive Research Greg Brannon.

AAA emphasizes that the price consumers pay for vehicles doesn’t always reflect MSRP, depending on demand.

The nonprofit organization said ownership cost is also probably impacted by:

Depreciation, which it projects to be up 24% year-over-year to an average of $4,538 per year.

Ad Loading...

The increase in new-vehicle prices relative to used-vehicle values, which it says have fallen in the past year.

Automakers’ focus on producing more high-end, and therefore more expensive, models.

Fuel, at least for gas-powered vehicles, was the one variable in the annual cost mix that fell, by an average cost per mile of about two cents. But electric-vehicle charging rose by nearly two cents per kilowatt-hour, it says likely due to inflation.

AAA pointed out that half-ton pickups, with the highest average cost, have experienced a decrease in demand as the costs of owning them now rival that of “many luxury cars.”

LEARN MORE: Used Market Hums Along

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Industry

Subwoofer in trunk of car.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 26, 2026

Ownership Priorities are Shifting

A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.

Read More →
Man's hand holding gas pump in fuel tank of white car
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 26, 2026

Pump Price Jump Calculated

ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.

Read More →
Graphic showing previous week's truck and SUV segment prices
Industryby StaffMay 20, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of dealership sign with Toyota logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 19, 2026

Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop

Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.

Read More →
Headshot photo of Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 19, 2026

Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending

The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.

Read More →
Photo of the rear of a new BMW iX SUV
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 12, 2026

New-Vehicle Prices Rise

With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic of car segments' results the previous week
Industryby StaffMay 12, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.

Read More →
Graphic of last week's estimated used retail days to turn
Industryby StaffMay 6, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.

Read More →
cargo ship with vehicles, at dock
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 5, 2026

EU Auto Association Urges Action

Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
two people working on a paper contract together
IndustryMay 1, 2026

Driving into the Super CFC Era

Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.

Read More →