How To Calculate the Cost of Ownership in Thomasville, GA

While purchasing a new vehicle is an exciting adventure, it is also one of the largest purchases you will ever make. You may be focused initially on the price, but the real question is: what will the cost of ownership be? At Thomasville Ford Lincoln in Thomasville, GA, our team is here to guide you through every step so that your investment feels rewarding today and for years to come.

What is the Cost of Ownership?

The cost of ownership of a vehicle is the total amount that you will spend running and maintaining your vehicle. It includes:

• Depreciation: The reduction in your vehicle’s value over time.
• Fuel Costs: Gas, diesel, or electricity for hybrid and EVs.
• Insurance: Premiums vary by vehicle, driver, and location.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Oil changes, tires, brakes, and unexpected fixes.
• Taxes and Fees: State sales tax, registration, and inspection charges.

By calculating all of these, you’ll have a complete picture of your vehicle ownership cost in Georgia.

Step 1: Start with the Purchase Price

Your starting point is your purchase cost or payment amount. Our finance staff at Thomasville Ford Lincoln helps you compare leasing and financing to choose a plan that suits your spending capacity and driving needs.

Step 2: Keep in Mind Depreciation

Depreciation is the largest hidden expense of owning a vehicle. New vehicles will lose about 20 percent of their value in the first year and about 50 percent in five years. Some models of Ford and Lincoln depreciate less than average, making them a smarter buy. We will guide you to make the smart purchase in vehicles that hold up well on resale.

Step 3: Calculate Fuel Costs

Fuel is an ongoing expense, and the amount you pay varies by:

• Vehicle type (sedan, SUV, or truck).
• Gas mileage (miles per gallon or MPGe for electric vehicles).
• Your commute and driving.

For example, if you drive 15,000 miles annually in a 25-mpg vehicle, you will use about 600 gallons of gas per year. At $3.25 per gallon, that's about $2,000 annually. A hybrid or electric Ford or Lincoln can reduce this cost by a significant amount.

Step 4: Add Insurance

Insurance prices vary, but are based on factors like:

• Vehicle make and model age.
• Safety ratings and repair cost.
• Driver history and where you live.

It is advisable to shop around for prices before buying, so there are no surprises on your monthly budget. Drivers in Thomasville may find that some models designed with safety in mind, like the Ford Escape or Lincoln Corsair, will result in lower rates.

Step 5: Maintenance and Repairs

Routine maintenance keeps your vehicle safe and reliable. The average driver spends $800–$1,200 per year on maintenance and repair. These include:

• Oil Changes
• Brake Service
• Tire Rotations
• Tire Replacements
• Battery Replacement

At Thomasville Ford Lincoln, our certified technicians use genuine Ford and Lincoln parts, keeping your costs predictable while protecting your investment.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Taxes and Fees

In Georgia, you’ll also need to include:

• Sales tax on your vehicle purchase.
• Title and registration fees.
• Annual ad valorem tax (TAVT).

These aren’t ongoing surprises but should be factored into your total cost of ownership upfront.

Why Calculating Cost of Ownership Matters

Once you have a better sense of the real cost of owning a vehicle in Thomasville, GA, you'll be able to:

• Choose a vehicle that is within your budget for the long term.
• Avoid surprises from ownership expenses.
• Compare new and used on a more apples-to-apples basis.
• Establish resale or trade-in value at upgrade.

The math is made simple by Thomasville Ford Lincoln so you can make smart, well-informed choices.

Calculate Your Vehicle Cost of Ownership with Thomasville Ford Lincoln

Ready to know how much your new vehicle will really set you back? At Thomasville Ford Lincoln in Thomasville, GA, we'll calculate every aspect – gas, depreciation, insurance, and more – so you know the true cost of vehicle ownership.

Visit us today, view our large inventory of Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and have us calculate your vehicle cost of ownership. Drive off the lot in a model that repays you today – and far into the future.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.