Real numbers, no dealership spin
What does a car really cost to own?
Super Car Digest breaks down the true cost of owning, insuring, repairing and buying a car in the US — with calculators built from published repair data, insurance filings and depreciation curves, not guesses.
- Prices sourced from RepairPal, AAA & Consumer Reports
- Updated for 2026
- Independent — we don’t sell cars or insurance
Free tools that answer the money questions
Each calculator takes under a minute and shows its math.
Gap Insurance Calculator
See how far underwater your loan is today and whether gap coverage is worth paying for.
Open calculator →Repair or Replace?
Compare a big repair bill against your car’s value and what a replacement would cost you per month.
Open calculator →True Cost of Ownership
Depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance and interest — your real monthly cost for any car.
Open calculator →Lease vs Buy Calculator
Side-by-side 3, 5 and 7-year totals so you can see which option actually costs less for how you drive.
Open calculator →How Much Car Can I Afford?
Uses the 20/4/10 rule and your real take-home pay to set a budget that won’t wreck your month.
Open calculator →Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate what your car will be worth in 1–10 years and how much value you lose each month.
Open calculator →Pick your money question
Ownership Costs
Yearly and monthly cost of owning a car, by model and by budget.
Insurance & Warranty
Gap insurance, extended warranties and premiums — what pays and what doesn’t.
Repair Costs
Fair prices for brakes, AC, suspension and leaks, and when to walk away.
Buying a Used Car
Mileage limits, inspection checklists and negotiation scripts.