What driving your own car really costs
Fuel is only the part you see at the pump. AAA’s 2026 Your Driving Costs study puts maintenance, repairs and tires at about 11.7¢ a mile for an average new car. On a 1,000-mile round trip, which is 2,000 miles, that’s $234.00 on top of $342.72 in fuel at this week’s prices for a car that gets 25 MPG.
Why value loss is shown separately
Cars lose value as they age and as the miles add up. AAA estimates an average new car loses about $4,422.00 a year over five years and 15,000 miles a year, which works out to about 29.5¢ a mile if you put all of it down to driving.
Not all of that loss comes from miles, though; some happens just with time, and an older car loses far less per mile than a new one. So the calculator shows two numbers for your car: one with fuel and upkeep only, and one that also counts value loss at AAA’s rate. The real cost for your car is usually somewhere between them.
When renting tends to make sense
- One-way trips. If you’re flying back, you can’t bring your own car home.
- A very long trip in a newer car. Thousands of extra miles lower its trade-in value.
- An older or less reliable car. A breakdown far from home can cost more than the rental.
- A car that’s too small or thirsty. A bigger or more efficient rental may suit the trip better.
Common questions
Do rental cars have mileage limits?
Many come with unlimited mileage, but not all, especially some one-way rentals and specialty vehicles. Check the terms before you book; a per-mile charge on a long trip can change the answer.
Do I need the rental company’s insurance?
It depends on your own auto policy and on the credit card you pay with, since some cover rental cars. Check both before the trip so you only pay for coverage you don’t already have.
Who pays for fuel in a rental?
You do. Most rentals start full and should come back full; the calculator adds the rental car’s fuel to your quote so both sides are compared fairly.
Where do the maintenance numbers come from?
From AAA’s Your Driving Costs 2026, which averages costs for popular new vehicles over five years and 75,000 miles. Your own car may cost more or less to keep up.