Cost of Car Ownership

When license plates were first introduced in the U.S. in 1901, you had to make your own. Nowadays, prisoners make them for you. Yes, it's true. Find out more about this and other strange facts about license plates.

By Talon Homer

We've all heard the same old line countless times: Red cars get pulled over more often for speeding than cars of any other color. But is it true? The answer may surprise you.

By Cherise Threewitt

Yes, the price on your new car's window sticker is important; however, that's just the beginning of your automotive expenses. There are plenty of other costs associated with owning a car.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Most new car buyers finance a vehicle's purchase with a loan from a bank, a credit union or through a program offered by the dealership. But what will those monthly payments really include?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

The average annual cost of auto insurance varies by state, the insurance company you choose, your deductible, the community you live in and a few other factors, too. So, what does all of that truly cost?

By Nicholas Gerbis

You don't need a new car or new technology to tell you how "green" you're driving. It's easy to calculate your vehicle's average miles per gallon (and your fuel cost) each time you fill up.

By Patrick E. George

There's no doubt about it: Routine auto maintenance is a pricey endeavor. But will a little simple preventative maintenance really save you money in the long run? How much should you expect to spend?

By Patrick E. George

Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, your car has an average life expectancy. But is it cheaper to fix the car you already have or simply buy a new one? How much is too much to spend on repairs?

By Nicholas Gerbis

So you're buying a new car? Congratulations! But in addition to paying for tags and registration, you'll also have to pay taxes. Depending on your state and local tax rates, it can really add up.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

There's a lot more to the cost of owning a car than just paying the sticker price. But do you know the additional six factors that make up the total cost of ownership? How does your car rank?

By Nicholas Gerbis

It's a bad feeling when you're pulled over by the police for speeding. You're probably getting a ticket and your wallet is going to feel the sting, too. Do you know the average cost of a speeding ticket?

By Patrick E. George

Anyone who drives in a crowded city knows a good parking space is worth paying for. And if you don't feed the meter, you're in for an expensive ticket. Do you know the average cost of a parking ticket?

By Eric Baxter

Roadside assistance programs offer a variety of services and are available from a wide range of providers -- even Wal-Mart is getting in on the action. But do you know the cost of roadside assistance?

By Patrick E. George

If you've ever bought a new car from a dealer, chances are it came with some kind of warranty protection. But what happens when your car's original warranty expires? Is it worth shopping for a new warranty?

By Akweli Parker

If you pay attention to what's going on in the automotive market and watch for incentives offered by dealers, you can save a lot of money on your next car. Rebates and incentives work to your advantage.

By Jamie Page Deaton

Auto accidents are bad enough on their own. And when you consider the threat of a lawsuit or a massive payout to other victims, your bad situation can get much worse. How much liability car insurance do you need?

By Nicholas Gerbis

Unless you own a rare or classic model car, there's a good chance that your vehicle is going to be worth considerably less next year. But why do most cars depreciate so quickly?

By John Fuller