Answer: Our car
Clues: “Ride” and “Wheels”
We know we’re spending more than we realize on streaming subscriptions – Amazon, food delivery and in-app purchases, but here’s another big one.
According to a new report, the average driver underestimates the annual cost of vehicle ownership by $4,565 a year.
For starters, according to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new car hit a record $50,080 in 2025. But that’s just the beginning.
Drivers were asked how much they spend having a car every year, outside of loan and lease payments. The average response was $2,738 annually.
But the actual yearly total is $7,303. Younger drivers pay even more, around $10,000 per year.
Gas and insurance are the biggest costs, at $1,956 and $1,730, respectively. Other major annual expenses include maintenance ($622), service and repairs ($659), tires ($377) and auto parts and accessories ($240).
There’s also tolls, parking, car washes, tickets and citations.