Ford Ka is cheapest car to run

THE annual vehicle running cost survey conducted by the RACV has found that gains made under GST and lower interest rates have been quickly consumed by higher petrol prices.

The price of most vehicles dropped by around 6 per cent when GST was introduced last July. However, since then many of these prices have slowly increased, due partly to the reduced value of the Australian dollar and updated models carrying updated prices. While the new tax has added to the cost of insurance, it has helped reduce parts pricing for a number of vehicles.

The most economical new vehicle surveyed was the Ford Ka at $95.82 per week to operate. The most economical family car to run was the Mitsubishi Magna at $157.84 followed by the Ford Falcon Forte at $158.25.

The most expensive vehicle to operate was the Toyota LandCruiser GXL Diesel at $271.38 per week.

LPG vehicles were still cheaper to run than petrol even with the increased cost of fuel, but the time taken to recoup installation costs were extending as LPG prices rose. The Mitsubishi Magna LPG cost $152.80 to run per week and the Ford Falcon Forte LPG cost $145.68 making it the most economical of the family cars.

"Petrol prices have had a major impact this year eroding any gains made from GST and lower interest rates," said RACV Chief Engineer, Michael Case.

"New car prices dropped six per cent with the introduction of the new tax, but this time last year petrol averaged 79.5 cents a litre. Now it is averaging 92.7 cents a litre." Mr Case advised there were things motorists could do to reduce the cost of motoring but the most important was the choice of vehicle.

"The aim of the running cost survey is to give people a guide to the total cost of maintaining and running a car," he said.

"Running costs are not just about petrol and oil. You have to take into account depreciation, interest rates, servicing and repair costs to get the true picture. This survey will give people the most accurate guide available."

PRIVATE VEHICLE OPERATING COSTS

Light cars - average $ per week
Ford Ka 3dr $95.82
Hyundai Accent 3dr $97.01
Holden Barina 3dr $97.90
Daewoo Lanos SE 3dr $98.54
Toyota Echo 3dr $100.87
Mitsubishi Mirage 3dr $107.33 Small cars - average $ per week
Nissan Pulsar LX $127.52
Mitsubishi Lancer GLi $127.90
Holden Astra City $128.39
Ford Laser LXi $131.91
Mazda 323 1.6L Protege $134.08
Toyota Corolla Ascent $134.13 Medium cars - average $ per week
Hyundai Sonata Exec $132.17
Holden Vectra GL $137.58 Subaru Liberty GX $152.17 Family cars - average $ per week
Mitsubishi Magna Exec 3.5 $157.84
Ford Falcon Forte $158.25
Toyota Avalon Conquest $163.99
Holden Commodore Exec $165.37 LPG cars - average $ per week
Ford Falcon Forte $145.68
Mitsubishi Magna Exec 3.5 $152.85
Holden Commodore Exec $160.85 Luxury cars - average $ per week
Ford Fairlane V8 $241.09
Holden Statesman V8 $250.41 People-movers - average $ per week
Kia Carnival V6 $189.73
Honda Odyssey 2.2L $200.17
Toyota Tarago GLi $213.29 Compact all-terrain - average $ per week
Subaru Forester $157.38
Toyota RAV4 Edge $163.41
Honda CR-V $173.72 Medium all-terrain - average $ per week
Subaru Outback $178.52
Mitsubishi Pajero GLX V6 $224.64
Toyota Prado GXL V6 $254.31 Large all-terrain - average $ per week
Nissan Patrol ST 6-cyl $251.81
Toyota LandCruiser GXL diesel $271.38