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Figures compiled by Australia’s RAC show that cars are now taking an ever-larger bite from most people’s disposable income.
According to an analysis conducted by the motoring organisation, some motorists, particularly those driving 4WDs, are now spending up to $50 a week more than they did a year ago to run their vehicles. (The RAC says it calculates its "average costs" based on private vehicle ownership over five years from new, with an average annual distance travelled of 15,000 km and a cumulative average of 75,000 km.)
While the drivers of small cars may only be paying $430 a year extra, 4WD owners are paying up to $2400 a year more than they did in 2007.
"In the past year, overall costs have increased by about 7%; however the cost to run some vehicles has increased by up to 12%," the RAC said. "The growing costs can be attributed to a 25% rise in fuel prices in the past year and the increasing price of servicing and repairs which has jumped by up to $7 a week for some classes."
It says recent interest rate hikes are also taking their toll on motorists, with some motorists paying almost $23 a week extra to pay off their cars.
