Irish drivers spend average of €10,373 to keep their car on road each year
Analysis conducted by an insurance company used Ireland's most popular car as a benchmark – the Hyundai Tucson.
The research by Outsurance found that the highest cost comes from depreciation, as a 2024 Hyundai Tucson valued at €40,000 will have depreciated by approximately €6,274 over this year, based on standard valuation tools.
One of the key factors driving the cost of car ownership for most drivers is fuel, especially amid ongoing price fluctuations, the insurance company said.
Fuel costs €10.40 per 100km at a price of €1.76 per litre for petrol, or €8.60 per 100km based on a cost of €1.68 per litre for diesel as of July 2025, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
For a 1.6-litre Hyundai Tucson travelling 15,000km annually, this equates to approximately €1,560 a year, the study said.
Annual upkeep, from regular servicing at €249 to unforeseen costs, such as replacing tyres, and general maintenance like car washes, totals €736 per year on average, the company said.
Insurance is the next big cost for motorists, with the average car insurance premium in Ireland sitting at €616, according to the Central Bank's 2024 national claims information database.
Parking costs across the country range from €1.20 to €5 per hour, depending on the location, the study said.
It comes as the average motorist can pay for parking for around 156 hours in a year, equating to €484 annually.
Motor tax costs depend on vehicle emissions, but with a range of 141-187g/km for the Hyundai Tucson, motor tax is estimated at €435 annually.
Frequent motorway users will spend approximately €208 on tolls, assuming 80 trips at an average cost of €2.60 each.
With toll costs ranging from €1.70 to €3.50, depending on when a driver is travelling and which toll road they use, motorists could pay at least the average of €208 annually.
The routine NCT is a legal requirement, and another cost for the drivers.
With a price of €60 per test, most cars under 10 years old are tested every two years, averaging €30 per annum, while retests incur a €40 fee if needed.
Outsurance chief marketing officer Ian Kennedy said the 'unforeseen costs of car ownership often catch people off guard'.
"While most motorists factor in fuel and insurance, many overlook the expenses that can significantly add up, like a new set of tires and tolls,' he said.
"Costs that haven't been budgeted for can be tricky to deal with, considering the impact of inflation on people's purchasing power,' he added.
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