Americans List Cars and Trucks with Lowest Ownership Costs

The end of this year brings important offers in the auto industry, as the dealerships will try to convince bargain hunters that a car is just the right gift for Christmas. Automakers spend huge amounts of money with the holiday special offers. Just this year it was said that Toyota would spend about $500 mil with its Toyotathon.

As the stakes are high, you might get interested in some offers, but before you go out shopping, you should also check out the ownership costs of your future car, not only the purchasing price.

“Big discounts are tempting, but buyers should never lose sight of the long-term financial implications of a new vehicle,” said Edmunds.com Senior Consumer Advice Editor Philip Reed. “Automotive expenses – including car loan payments, car insurance, fuel, maintenance and parking for all cars – should never exceed 20 percent of a household’s take-home income.”

The “Lowest True Cost to Own” vehicles for December 2009 include:

• Sedan Under $15,000: Pontiac G3
• Sedan Under $25,000: Honda Fit
• Sedan Under $35,000: Chevrolet Impala
• Wagon Under $35,000: Nissan Cube
• Coupe Under $25,000: Toyota Yaris
• Convertible Under $35,000: Volkswagen New Beetle
• Compact Truck: Mazda B-Series Truck
• SUV Under $25,000: Jeep Patriot
• Minivan: Mazda MAZDA5

Though it might not seem as important as the acquisition cost, the ownership costs is extremely important, as they include all costs implied.