However, for other ownership costs, you'll need to do some legwork. First, calculate your annual fuel costs using the average miles per gallon for that car, the number of miles you drive each year and the average gas price for your area. Then, talk to your car insurance agent or get some instant auto insurance rate quotes online to get the annual insurance costs for the car you are considering. Be sure to use the same coverage you have on your current car insurance policy to get an accurate quote.

If you are getting a car loan or car lease, then this will be the majority of your ownership costs. Multiply the monthly payment you are expecting by 12 to get your annual costs and consider factoring in the depreciation numbers for the car you've already located. Don't forget your upfront costs, such as taxes, title and registration. Put them in your first year costs if you are paying them upfront, which is ideal.