Ask someone: "What does your car cost you a month?" The answer is usually: "Oh, about 150 Euros for gas and 50 Euros insurance." Wrong. The real number is often rather between 400 and 800 Euros. Welcome to the world of TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
The Invisible Cost Eaters
We humans are good at seeing recurring expenses (refueling), but bad at perceiving abstract or annual costs. An honest balance sheet consists of four pillars:
1. Depreciation (The Elephant in the Room)
This is the biggest single item for almost every new car. A mid-range car loses a good 300-500 € in value in the first few years.Every single month. You don't see the money flowing from your account, but it's gone. Your wealth is melting. Ignoring this is lying to yourself.
2. Opportunity Costs (Capital Costs)
If you pay €30,000 cash for a car, this money can no longer earn interest. With a 5% return on the capital market, you miss out on €1,500 per year. That's €125 "invisible costs" per month!
3. Maintenance and Wear (The Time Bomb)
Tires, inspections, TÜV (inspection), the unexpected repair after the warranty. If you don't put aside €50-100 monthly for this (build reserves), you will be rudely surprised by the workshop bill.
4. Operating Costs (The Obvious)
Gas/Electricity, insurance, vehicle tax, car wash, parking fees. These are the costs we mostly "feel". But they often make up only 30-40% of the total costs!
The Rule of Thumb
The ADAC calculates it every year. Even a VW Golf often costs "all in" over €500 a month. A mid-range SUV quickly cracks the €800-1000 mark.
Why Is This Important?
Only those who know the TCO can decide rationally:
- Buy vs. Leasing: A leasing rate of €300 seems expensive. But if the depreciation when buying were €400, leasing is a bargain.
- Car vs. Public Transport/Carsharing: €50 for a taxi feels expensive. But if your own car (standing still!) already costs €15 a day, that puts things into perspective.
Conclusion: Honesty Lasts Longest
Stop sugarcoating your car costs. Only if you include depreciation and lost interest do you know if you can really afford the car – or if it's eating you up financially. "Carculated" helps you do exactly that: It makes these costs visible.