A new survey has unveiled Western Australia’s cheapest and most expensive vehicles to own and run, highlighting the need to look beyond the drive away price.
RAC’s 2020 Car Running Costs survey assessed 75 popular new cars across 11 categories, considering the costs of fuel, insurance, registration, loan repayments, tyres and servicing.
RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuel Alex Forrest said at a weekly cost of $166, the Suzuki Baleno GL was the cheapest new car to own and run in WA, but, like many light vehicles, missed the mark when it came to safety.
“While running costs are among the biggest factors we consider when buying a new car, the safety credentials of the vehicle should be of the highest priority and never be compromised.” Mr Forrest said.
“Most car categories offer a range of options that are both cost effective and packed with safety features, so we urge buyers to check ANCAP safety ratings and choose the safest car they can afford.
“At $205 per week, the Kia Cerato small car category winner is an example of a well-priced new car, offering safety features like lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking which could save a life or prevent a serious injury.”
At the opposite end of the cost spectrum, the Nissan Patrol Ti was Western Australia’s most expensive popular new car, costing owners $583.58 per week.
“Families can save thousands by purchasing the cheapest car to own and run in their chosen vehicle class – in the all terrain category, this could mean a saving of $223.61 per week.
“Those wanting a medium-sized SUV don’t necessarily have to compromise on price either, with the Toyota RAV4 costing just $281.11 a week, a price on par with many medium sized cars.”
For those looking to drive greener, the Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid took the title of cheapest medium car, with a weekly cost of $236.27. In the electric vehicle category, the Hyundai Ioniq Elite Plug-in Hybrid was the cheapest, costing owners $286.98 per week.
“Petrol-electric hybrid technology can boost fuel economy by as much as 40 per cent, making hybrids considerably cheaper to run and often, better to drive,” Mr Forrest said.
“While expensive to purchase, pure electric vehicles such as the Hyundai Ioniq cost just one third of the price to power compared to small petrol cars, with the average cost to service cheaper by around one third.”
2020 Car Operating Costs – Category Winners
| Category | Vehicle | Cost per week* | ANCAP Rating |
| Light | Suzuki Baleno GL | $166.32 | Unrated and lacking important safety features. |
| Small | Kia Cerato S | $205.16 | 4 |
| Medium | Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid | $236.27 | 5 |
| People Mover | Honda Odyssey VTi | $314.37 | 5 |
| SUV Small | Hyundai Venue GO | $205.58 | 4 |
| SUV Medium | Toyota RAV4 GXL 2.0 | $281.11 | 5 |
| SUV Large | Subaru Outback 2.5i | $313.46 | 5 |
| Light commercial 4x2 | Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x2 | $298.71 | 5 |
| Light commercial 4x4 | Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x4 | $318.41 | 5 |
| Electric | Hyundai Ioniq Elite Plug-in | $286.98 | 5 |
| All Terrain | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX | $359.97 | 5 |
*Overall Operating Cost ($ per week) over a 5-year period
RAC supports the ANCAP safety program which helps Australians buy the safest car they can afford. In 2012, RAC took this commitment to road safety one step further by choosing to not insure or finance any vehicle which has an ANCAP rating of 1, 2 or 3-stars and was built in 2012 or beyond.
To view the full results, visit the RAC website.
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
